Lit 203 Introduction to Literature
Oglala Lakota College/ CRCC Campus
Spring 2012 Friday 1-4
Instructor: Anna West
Email: awest@olc.edu
Phone: (605) 964-8011
Office Hours: T, W, Thu 2-4
Description of Course:
The goal of this course is to introduce students to a variety of literary styles or genres and to
increase the analytical skills necessary in the study of literature. A variety of literary genres will be
studied including poetry, drama, short fiction, and the novel.
Course Prerequisites:
CoSu 103, Engl 103, Engl 113 with a minimum grade of “C”
Course Objectives:
As the students successfully progress through this survey course, they will establish their
knowledge base and literary worldview by establishing their understanding of literary devices,
elements of drama and fiction, the critical differences between the literary genres, and ability to
individually interpret and explicate literary selections. Additionally, they will reinforce their
electronic information retrieval skills.
Course Outcomes:
1. Students will establish an understanding of literature and its reflection of the human
experience while reinforcing their analytical and critical thinking skills by developing
individual theoretical interpretations of the various literary selections studied.
2. Students will enhance their existing electronic information retrieval skills by accessing
examples of critical theory written by other scholars.
3. By studying literary selections of various genres, students will enhance their understanding
of how Lakota culture relates to other literatures around the world.
4. By forming individual critical theories based on the literary selections studied throughout
the survey and sharing it with their classmates, students will reinforce their oral and written
communication skills.
5. As a result of the course’s reading selections, students will enhance their current reading
skills.
Students will be required to:
1. Discuss (orally and in writing) various literary devices, genres, and terms as represented by
the literary selections within the course’s anthology
2. Discuss (orally and in writing) various articles and elements of literary criticism authored by
students and other scholars
Lit 203 Introduction to Literature Spring 2012 1
3. Participate in class activities by reading and analyzing the various literary assignments from
the anthology and other literary materials throughout the course of the semester
4. Complete and submit a personal literary journal
5. Familiarize themselves with the various literary components associated with different
literary genres
6. Collaborate with other Introduction to Literature students
7. Sign the syllabus confirmation sheet and deliver it to the instructor by week two of the
semester
8. Complete the OLC instructor evaluation for Introduction to Literature by week thirteen of
the semester
Learning Objectives:
The Humanities and Social Sciences department has adopted the following objectives:
1. The ability to identify, define and solve problems. (Critical Thinking)
2. The ability to locate and evaluate information utilizing current technology. (Research and
Writing)
3. The ability to communicate with accuracy and clarity. (Speaking, Writing and Art)
4. The ability to read, comprehend, retain, apply, and utilize sources of information
responsibly. (Reading and Writing)
5. Develop an understanding of Lakota culture and philosophy within the broader context of a
diverse global society.
Oglala Lakota College has adopted the improvement of student learning as an integral purpose
related to students’ learning objectives and the Humanities and Social Sciences department
encourages this fundamental belief.
Learning Outcomes:
By the successful completion of Introduction to Literature, students will have demonstrated their
ability to enhance their literacy skills (reading and writing) and an introduction to literature by
presenting evidence of critical thinking; communicating clearly and accurately (orally and in
writing). Additionally, by comparing Oglala culture and philosophy with other literatures within our
diverse global society, learners will further reinforce their understanding of the importance of
retaining Lakota culture. In addition, students will improve their overall learning strategies with a
level of expertise reflecting the second-year student (sophomore) experience.
Student Responsibilities and Special Course Requirements:
Each student will retain a personal copy of all of her/his activity and assignment materials. Active
class participation is an essential element to the successful completion of this course. Each student
will be expected to participate by involving herself/himself in each activity and assignment as this
course progresses. Students are expected to interject cogent, substantive input into each week’s
class and small group discussions. Students will be expected to utilize standardized grammar when
Lit 203 Introduction to Literature Spring 2012 2
completing written assignments. Finally, students will be responsible for documenting their research
and critical analyses within either the APA or MLA formats. Students who are unfamiliar with these
styles of documentation should contact the instructor.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
Oglala Lakota College has established an academic dishonesty policy. Students should consult the
current student handbook and catalog. The Humanities and Social Sciences department fully
supports the college’s policy. Plagiarism is theft! Part of the learning process includes the review,
integration and extrapolation of the work of others with your thoughts and ideas. In this process,
there is no room for plagiarism, which robs you of meaningful learning and is unfair to the original
author. Plagiarism is an ethical violation not tolerated at OLC. Oglala Lakota College faculty and
staff are fully aware of the many online resources now available and we encourage you to focus on
learning rather than the inappropriate use of another person's work without proper citation.
Although a person may give her/his permission to you to utilize her/his words or ideas, it is
plagiarism unless you credit her/him for the specific idea or words. You are responsible for
understanding plagiarism. Contact me with any questions you may have about it. Most cases of
plagiarism are the result of improper citation or utilization of punctuation (quotation marks) and can
be easily avoided. If you are unfamiliar with these styles of documentation, contact me immediately
and I can provide you with several resources.
*On suspicion of cheating and/or plagiarism, the teacher reserves the right to search online for
phrases and words verbatim from the student’s assignment submission, and to also require the
student to rewrite the same assignment (or another work) while the teacher is physically present.
The teacher also has the right to suspect then privately approach any student if cheating and/or
plagiarism is sensed.
Course Assignments:
There will be a variety of reading and written activities and assignments discussing and explicating
literature as the course progresses. Explications, interpretive and reflective essays will be assigned
in addition to quizzes, exams and additional activities. Informal presentations should be anticipated.
Grading Criteria and Total Components of a Grade:
Course grades will be based on participation and completion of assignments listed below.
For a passing grade students must obtain 69% or higher.
Departmental Grading Scale:
A = 90-100 %
B = 80-89 %
C = 70-79 %
D = 60-69 %
F = Below 60 %
Lit 203 Introduction to Literature Spring 2012 3
Participation Standard/Communication Requirements:
CELL PHONES & TEXTING
Cell phones should be turned off for class and kept in your bags or pockets. If you need
(emergency only) to have your cell phone on, please turn it to vibrate and take any calls outside the
classroom. Family may call the front office and you will get the message.
If I see texting in class I will ask you to leave the classroom.
OLC ATTENDANCE (PROCEDURE)
Students are required to attend classes regularly. Instructors will submit
attendance on-line weekly to the end of the semester.
If a student wishes to be excused from a class, it is the student's
responsibility to clear the absence with the instructor. At that time the
student must arrange for a make-up assignment. However, an excused absence
is the same as an absence until the student has completed work equivalent
to being in class. Once the make up assignment is completed, the instructor
will then change the absent to present.
A student may be dropped from a course after three consecutive absences and
will be dropped by the Registrar after five total absences.
There are NO reinstatements and No exceptions for students who are dropped
for five absences.
OLC’s attendance policy includes tardiness. Should either the student(s) or instructors arrive after
the designated time, the current policy states:
TARDINESS (POLICY)
In formulating this policy it is understood that unique problems exist for
both students and faculty due to the decentralized nature of OLC. Since
classes meet only once per week, it is important that they be held - even
if they begin late.
Generally speaking, if an instructor is going to be late getting to a
college center for a class, the center staff should always be notified.
The following policy applies to cases where this has not been done:
A student shall be considered tardy for class, if he/she arrives late for
class, but during the first hour of the class. A student arriving later
than this, may be marked absent. This policy will not interfere with the
Lit 203 Introduction to Literature Spring 2012 4
instructor's prerogative to grade for class participation.
If an instructor is late for a class, students must wait for one-half hour.
After this time, the class will be considered cancelled for that week and
must be made up.
In the event that no students appear for class at the scheduled starting
time, the instructor should wait at least one-half hour before deciding to
cancel the class.
All missed classes must be made up.
Methods for Delivering Assignments:
Each assignment should be submitted by the student. Remember to utilize all of your grammar
tools. Written assignments should be formatted with the current edition of Word software and
should be double-spaced with a 12-point font. There may be circumstances which may require a
student to submit an assignment in an alternative manner; however, the alternative delivery should
be discussed with me prior to the assignment’s due date. You need to retain a copy of all of your
activities and assignments. I should never have the only copy of anything!
Lakota Perspective Provided Through:
Conducting this course based on the values of mutual respect and generosity, seeking to advance
each individual’s knowledge through their continuing hard work (fortitude) and willingness to learn
new information and viewpoints, as well as to demonstrate it, by speaking in front of the group
(bravery); all undertaken in an environment of complete truthfulness, trust and integrity.
Disclaimer:
Information contained in this syllabus was, to the best knowledge of the instructor, considered
correct and complete when distributed for use at the beginning of the semester. However, this
syllabus should not be considered a contract between Oglala Lakota College and any student. The
instructor reserves the right to make changes in course content or instructional technique without
notice or obligation.
LIT 203 INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE
TENTATIVE Syllabus
Syllabus subject to change without notice
Tests, Activities, and Homework Assignments to be announced in class
Expect THREE Tests over Fiction, Poetry, and Drama
LIT 203 IS READING AND WRITING INTENSIVE! BE PREPARED TO SPEND EXTRA TIME
OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM WORKING ON HOMEWORK!
Week One- No Homework
Review Syllabus, Classroom Activity
Lit 203 Introduction to Literature Spring 2012 5
DETAILED RESPONSES- FOLLOW
DIRECTIONS
Week Two – In Class Assignment (40 POINTS)
DETAILED RESPONSES- FOLLOW
DIRECTIONS
*All work deducted 10 points each week its late
which decreases the starting value!
Week Three- Watch Stand & Deliver
DETAILED RESPONSES- FOLLOW
DIRECTIONS
1)Read Story of an Hour pg 15
In at least 500-1000 words, discuss the characters
1) marriage, 2) her attitudes marriage, 3) her
reaction to her husband’s death, and 4) her thoughts
about self-assertion.
2)Read A Secret Sorrow pg 31
3) Read A Sorrowful Woman pg 31
Detailed Answers for questions 2, 5, & 9 pg 43
Detailed Plot Summaries/Diagrams plus the Type
of Conflict (refer to plot handout)
Include: 1) exposition, 2) rising action, 3) climax,
4) falling action, 5) resolution, & 6) type of conflict
1)Plot diagrams for four stories include story title
and author. (ie children’s books, fairy tales, greek
myths, short stories, popular books). NO MOVIES
Week Four- In Class (40 points)
DETAILED RESPONSES- FOLLOW
DIRECTIONS
2)In Class Movie: Stand & Deliver
1)Read A Rose for Emily pg 84-90
Answer Q’s 3, 7, & 9
2)Read Killings pg ??
Answer Q’s 2, 4, 5
3)Connections pg ??
Q 1 Matt and Emily
Include brainstorming chart pg 57 (textbook)
Week Five- Watch Bartleby
DETAILED RESPONSES- FOLLOW
DIRECTIONS
1)Read Bartleby pg 121-146
Answer Q 2, 3, 4, & 8 pg 146
2)Connections pg 146
Q 1 Bartleby and Sorrowful Woman
3) Plot Diagram of the movie Bartleby
Week Six- Test (114 points)
ALL WORK FROM WEEK 1 TO 6 IS DUE! NO
EXCEPTIONS!
Week Seven- Watch Persepolis
DETAILED RESPONSES- FOLLOW
DIRECTIONS
4)Describe and define each character type for the
story and the movie
MIDTERM
Using the handout as reference: Describe the
following in detail for the stories of 1) The Trip (pg
224), 2) The Hero, and 3) Skiing. Questions 1-6
will require a response for EACH story. Question
7-8 require a single detailed response for each.
Lit 203 Introduction to Literature Spring 2012 6
Week Eight- In Class (40 points)
DETAILED RESPONSES- FOLLOW
DIRECTIONS
Week Nine- In Class (40 points)
DETAILED RESPONSES- FOLLOW
DIRECTIONS
Answer the following: 1) The Hero and the hero’s
stages of life, 2) The Villian, 3) The Mentor, 4) The
Theme, 5) Describe the colors, 6) The Setting, 7)
Overall, do the stories differ from the movie?
Explain, & 8) Pick out the areas of the movie
related to the stories and create a brainstorming list.
1) Read Soldier’s Home pg 165
Answer Q’s 1, 2, & 7
IND AFF pg 172
Q’s 1, 7, & 9
Connections pg 178
Q 3 must read Lust pg 280 to answer. Include
brainstorming list
1)Read Miss Brill pg 263
Q’s 1, 4, 5, & 6
2)Read Cranes pg 487
Q’s 1 & 2
3)Connections pg 490
Q 2 must read Letter to a Funeral Parlor pg 486 to
answer.
Spring Break- NO CLASS March 30, 2012
Week Ten- MAKE UP
DETAILED RESPONSES- FOLLOW
DIRECTIONS
EXTRA CREDIT OPTIONS
Earn up to 15 points extra credit for each story
and questions.
1)The Hand pg 230
Q’s 1, 2, 4, & 5
2)Battle Royal pg 233
Q’s 2, 4, 5, & 9
Week Eleven- Watch Death of a Salesman
DETAILED RESPONSES- FOLLOW
DIRECTIONS
Week Twelve- In Class- Poetry Three’s Activity
DETAILED RESPONSES- FOLLOW
DIRECTIONS
3)The Pairing Knife pg 248
Q’s 1, 2, 4
Refer to the play in the textbook (pg 1401-1465) to
answer the following:
1)At the beginning of the play, Willy Loman seems
to be distracted and disturbed. He is unable to do
his job effectively. What seems to be the problem
with Willy? 500-1000 word response
2)Detailed plot diagram. Include characters and
type of conflict.
Respond to the poems by answer the questions in
three’s: DETAILED RESPONSES
1)Three things you like about the poem.
2)Three things you don’t like or don’t fully
Lit 203 Introduction to Literature Spring 2012 7
understand.
3)Three things you would ask if the poet were here.
Answer the three questions for EACH of the
following poems:
1)Marks by Linda Pastan pg 676
2) Hazel Tells Laverne by Katharyn Machan pg
608
3)After Making Love by Galway Kinnell pg 792
4)Dream Boogie by Langston Hughes pg 914
5)Harlem by Langston Hughes pg 915
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe (refer to handout
and story)
Week Thirteen- In Class Poetry Activities
Poetry Scramble (Group Acitivity)
Week Fourteen- MAKE UP
Week Fifteen- FINAL (90 points)
Answer the following:
1)Break down each section (18) of the poem, 2)
What is the meaning and theme of each section?
Themes may repeat, 3) Must be three to five
sentences in each section, & 4) Does a particular
sentence stick out or have meaning? If so, define
that.
Must write TWO poems.
You are going to describe something
metaphorically without naming the object
explicitly. Pick an everyday object from around the
house, such as a dryer or iron. Now list some things
that it reminds you of or that it could be like. Now
all you have to do is write four lines to describe
your object. DO NOT name the object in your
poem. Your classmates will guess! Be Creative!!
MAKE UP
EXTRA CREDIT OPTION
Oedipus the King pg 1125-116
Answer Q’s 2, 4, 5
FINAL EXAM
ALL WORK FROM WEEK 8 TO 15 IS DUE! NO
EXCEPTIONS!
Lit 203 Introduction to Literature Spring 2012 8