Fundamentals of Literary Interpretation
English 251
Sec 001 TTh 8-9:30 A.M.
Summer 2007
Karen C. Holt, Ph.D. ● 180 Rigby Hall ● 496.1161 ● holtk@byui.edu ● Office: 10 A.M. daily and by appt.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The purpose of English 251 is to introduce you to the study of literature as an English major or
minor. This course will introduce you to six principal interpretive theories: formalism,
psychological, feminist, reader-response, new historicism, and multi-cultural.
TEXTS & MATERIALS
Required
DiYanni, Robert. Literature: Approaches to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. 2nd ed. New
York: McGraw-Hill, 2008, with CD Ariel: A Reader’s Interactive Exploration of
Literature.
Dobie, Ann B. Theory into Practice: An Introduction to Literary Criticism. Boston:
Thomson, 2002.
Gibaldi, Joseph. The MLA Handbook. 6th ed. New York: Modern Language Association,
2003.
A 250+ page novel of your choice (with instructor approval).
Recommended
Pocket dictionary, stapler, hole punch, and jump drive.
ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION
Attendance counts. Roll is taken daily. Most class sessions include a journal check, activity,
participation points, or quiz which cannot be made up. Lectures are not repeated. No points are
awarded for attendance but after two absences a 1% deduction for each additional absence will
be taken from the final grade (four tardies count as one absence). An excuse for a collegeapproved activity allows students to take quizzes before the absence. If a student misses class, it
is a courtesy to contact the teacher via phone or e-mail, and the student’s responsibility to contact
another student in the class, or the TA, for make-up material. I make no distinction between
“excused” and “unexcused” absences. You are responsible to save your absences to
accommodate unexpected illness or personal/family need. Missing more than six classes will
warrant a failing grade. Perfect on time attendance will raise the final percentage 1%.
Participation in classroom discussion and learning activities will be qualitatively recorded for
most class meetings. Points earned will range from one to three points.: 1 point = student makes
a comment or asks a question (as long as not distracting)—one point no matter the number of
comments; 2 points = student contributes a really good piece of analysis or asks a question that
makes us think in a new way; 3 points = student presents an analysis paper and/or offers an
excellent analysis and synthesizes information to reach a conclusion that was well put together;
comment demonstrates excellent preparation; timing of comment contributes to the discussion
At the end of the semester the number of days participation was recorded will be averaged by the
number of points possible. A student’s goal should be a semester average of 1.5-2.0 points. (5075 points possible)
ASSIGNMENTS
Class time is primarily discussion, so students may read more than the class discussion covers.
Students will log one entry in a reflective reading journal for each day’s reading, complete a Tanalysis, present a poetry explication, write two literary analysis papers, read one novel then
create an analysis portfolio, and write a final reflective paper.
Reflective Journal. Your thoughtful journal responses will provide the basis for class
discussions. Plan on two entries per week, written in preparation for every class. You will
submit your entry on Blackboard. Print a copy and come to class with your entry, prepared
to share it with a group. Late journals receive half credit. At the end of the course your
reflective entries will provide the material for a final 2-3 page reflective paper.
Poetry Explication. You will choose one poem to explicate. The oral assignment
includes a one-page paper that provides background on the author and the explication, a
visual aid and/or handout, reading the poem to a group, and an oral analysis of the poem.
Analysis Papers. You will write two short (2 pages, double spaced) literary analysis
papers. Your theoretically informed analyses are due at the beginning of class on the day
the chosen text is discussed. On the day you hand in an analysis paper you are expected to
lead the class discussion. Your analysis papers require you to apply a critical theory to a
literary text, as well as survey the critics in professional journals. Late analysis papers are
not accepted. If you fail to hand in your paper the day of the discussion on the work you
must choose another topic and submit a different paper.
Novel Analysis and Presentation. You will read one novel of your choice. For the class
final, you will present in a poster session the author’s biography, your reader response, a
formalist review of the literary elements, and a brief analysis using at least one literary
theory.
Literary Activity. Attend or participate in literary activities outside of class (a total of
four hours) and report your activities in a Reflective Journal entry. Suggestions include:
attend EAS (English Academic Society) meetings, a Lyceum, Creative Writing
Workshops; travel with an Internship Expedition; enjoy a live theater production; study for
the Praxis at a practice session; submit a work to Outlet; attend a Faculty Reading; propose
an activity to your professor. To document your attendance, write a 1-page triple-entry
journal response.
EXAMS
You will take three Unit Exams on Blackboard. Each exam will cover two literary theories, a
genre (fiction, poetry, or drama), literary texts, and authors. Exams will include objective
questions as well as brief analytical essays. There is also a Blackboard quiz on MLA
documentation and a test of literary terms at the Final.
GRADES
20% ATTENDANCE, PARTICIPATION, AND REFLECTIVE JOURNAL
Reflective Journal, in-class responses, quizzes (approx. 150 points)
Final Reflective Paper (30 points)
40% ASSIGNMENTS, PAPERS
Résumé (10 points)
T-Analysis (20 points)
Analysis paper w/T-Analysis (2 @ 30points each)
Poetry Explication with one-page paper (30 points)
Literary Activities (4 hours @ 5 points each)
Novel Analysis (150 points)
40% EXAMS
Exams (3 @ 100 points each)
MLA Midterm Exam (43 points)
Literary Terms (55 points)
Final Exam Poster Session (25 points)
Grades are determined on a strict percentage: 94+ = A, 90-93 = A-, 88-89 = B+, 84-87 = B, 8083 = B, etc. No late work is accepted.
GRIEVANCE POLICY
Elder David A. Bednar taught in the October 2006 General Conference, “Believing that another
person offended us is fundamentally false. To be offended is a choice we make.” In accordance
with instruction given by the Lord in D&C 42:88, if you believe you have a legitimate grievance
against a teacher, or about any aspect of a course, you are advised to follow the official procedure
outlined in the BYU-I Student Academic Grievance Policy, which states that “the student should
initially address the grievance to the faculty member involved.” To do otherwise is uncharitable
and departs from the Honor Code, which enjoins us all to observe, where possible, campus
policies and procedures. Consequently, please visit with me before addressing concerns to a
higher authority. I believe you will find me reasonable, accommodating, and appreciative.
ACACEMIC HONESTY
“BYU-Idaho students should seek to be totally honest in all their dealings. They should complete
their own work and be evaluated for that work. They should avoid academic dishonesty and
misconduct in all its forms, including but not limited to plagiarism, fabrication or falsification,
cheating, and other academic misconduct” (BYU-Idaho Catalog 2006-2007 45). For more
information see http://www.byui.edu/deanofstudents/academichonesty.htm
In this class, minor offenses will result in an ‘F’ on the exam or assignment. It may also be
necessary to repeat the work and still receive a reduced grade for the course. Major offenses
involving premeditated cheating will result in an ‘F’ for the course and action by the Dean of
Students Office such as probation or dismissal from school.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
In compliance with the American’s with Disabilities Act, all qualified students enrolled in this
course are entitled to ‘reasonable accommodation.’ It is the student’s responsibility to disclose to
the teacher any special need she/he may have before the end of the first week of class. In order
for students to qualify for ‘reasonable accommodation’ they must contact Dr. Richard Taylor in
McKay 158. He will give qualified students a letter to submit to teachers.
CAVEAT
The teacher reserves the right to make changes in course content and policy at any time during
the semester or term.
English 251 Syllabus
TUESDAY
= Ariel Interactive CD
LIT = DiYanni’s anthology Literature: Approaches
to Fiction Poetry and Drama
April 17
First day of class. Introduction to six literary theories
and reflective triple-entry journals.
Bring your current résumé to next class.
.
April 24
Theory into Practice (TIP) Chp. 1 “The Relationship of
Reading and Writing,” 1-6; Literature (LIT) Chp. 31
Critical Theory 1552-1559; “Barn Burning” 352-64 (also
found in TIP 217-229).
Bring Record portion of journal entry for “Barn
Burning.”
Theory: The Relationship of Reading and Writing and
Formalist Criticism
May 1
FICTION: Journal. T-Analysis DUE.
Lit 66 Setting, 400-03 “Hills Like White Elephants” and
90-1 Theme, 459-66 “The Chrysanthemums.”
THURSDAY
TIP = Ann B. Dobie’s Theory Into Practice: An
Introduction to Literary Criticism
April 19
Résumé DUE. Advising day.
Bring your MLA Handbook to class; basics of MLA
documentation 238-42; TIP 9-13.
MLA Quiz opens.
April 26
UNIT I: FICTION. Journal
TIP Chp. 2 “Familiar Approaches” 15-24; LIT 27-42
“A&P,” Character
“Story of an Hour,” and 49-62 Plot
and Structure “Guests of the Nation.” Be prepared to
report your novel for approval.
Theory: Formalism TIP 32-45
May 3
FICTION: Journal
LIT 77-78 and 85-90 Point of View and Language and
Style
“Araby” 85-90; Irony and Symbol “The Rocking
Horse Winner” 97-110; and
391-399.
Theory: Formalism
May 8
FICTION: Journal
Edgar Allan Poe LIT 132-36 and 144-62 “The Cask
of Amontillado” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.”
Listen to “Heart” on CD and/or watch “Amontillado” on
video.
Theory: Psychological, TIP 47-78.
May 15
FICTION: LIT
“Yellow Wallpaper” 379,
“I Stand Here Ironing” 447, “Everyday Use”470, and
“Eleven” by Sandra Cisneros on Blackboard.
Last day to complete Literary Activity #1 and turn in
1-page journal response.
In the Reflect section of your journal, think about your
heirlooms and their significance in your life.
Take Unit I exam on BlackBoard.
Theory: Feminist, TIP 97-119.
May 22
POETRY. Journal. LIT 507-542 “Types of Poetry” and
“Elements of Poetry.” A suggestion as you read: Record
term, definition, and example.
“Young Goodman Brown”
Theory: Formalism
May 10
FICTION: Journal LIT Flannery O’Connor 169-71 and
186-207 “A Good Man is Hard to Find” and “Everything
that Rises Must Converge.”
MLA Quiz closes. Last day to turn in Analysis 1.
Theory: Psychological, TIP 47-78.
May 17
UNIT II: POETRY. Journal.
LIT 495-506, “Those Winter Sundays,”
“Stopping by
Woods on a Snowy Evening,” “A Song in the Front Yard,”
and “My Papa’s Waltz.” A suggestion as you read: for the
Record portion of your Journal, for each poetry term record
the definition and an example.
May 24
Timeline AND Author Biographical Impression DUE.
POETRY. Journal. LIT 542-74.
TUESDAY
THURSDAY
May 29
POETRY. Journal . Women’s Voices. Read Elizabeth
Bishop 525-26, 766-67, and colorplate 9;
Anne
Bradstreet 773;
Gwendolyn Brooks 881, 775;
Dove 883, 791, Nikki Giovanni 884, 790.
May 31
Two sources DUE for Novel Analysis Portfolio.
POETRY: Journal. Emily Dickinson, LIT 625-657.
Rita
Theory: Feminist, TIP 97-119.
June 5
POETRY: Journal. Read the poems of
William Blake 880, 770, 538
John Donne 882, 790, 788
Robert Frost 666-72, 557-59, 695-700
Theory: Feminist, TIP 97-119.
Theory: Reader-Response TIP 120-31.
Theory: Reader-Response and Multicultural
June 14
POETRY: Poetry Explication DUE with handout for
presentation.
June 12
POETRY. Journal. Contemporary poets 737-41, Billy
Collins 783-84, and Mormon poetry on Blackboard.
June 7
POETRY: Journal.
Nikki Giovanni 800.
Langston Hughes 700-725 and
Theory: Reader-Response
June 19
Othello Act I: themes loyalty, jealousy, revenge, family.
Introduce Shakespeare (Globe, bio). As you read fill in
“The World’s View” of the Family Proclamation.
In your journal record a Summary Quotation for each act.
Identify a single line that seems to summarize Act I.
Take Unit II exam on BlackBoard.
June 21
Theory: New Historicism, TIP 161-84.
Theory: New Historicism
June 28
DRAMA: Journal Zora Neal Hurston’s Eatonville
Anthology 287-296 and “How It Feels to Be Colored Me”
on Blackboard.
Theory: Multi-Cultural: TIP 196-204
June 26
Drafts for one article summary for Novel Analysis
DUE. Last day to complete Literary Activity #2 and
turn in 1-page journal response.
DRAMA: Journal & Act IV (1067-83) and Act V
(1083-97).
Unit II test closes. DRAMA: Journal Othello Act II
(1030-1047) and Act III (1047-67). As you read look for
themes, motifs, and symbols. Be prepared to discuss the
Acts as a character, to other members in your group.
Theory: New Historicism
July 3
Journal A Raisin in the Sun Act I (1292-1318).
Form groups by theme/motif and make assignments for
reading Acts II and III.
Theory: Multi-Cultural: TIP 196-204
July 10
Groups present theme/motif and read a scene.
Theory: Multi-Cultural.
July 5
REFLECTIVE JOURNALS DUE.
Last day to turn in Analysis 2.
DRAMA: Journal A Raisin in the Sun Act II (1318-44)
and Act III (1345-54). Groups work on scene.
July 12
Take Unit III exam on BlackBoard.
Novel Analysis Portfolios DUE.
Review for Exam III. Discuss Reflective Paper.
Monday, July 16
Final Exam 9:10-11:10 am in Smith 302. Take Literary Terms Post Test, then Poster Session to present Novel
Portfolio. Final Reflective Paper DUE.