Houston Community College-Central Campus
English 2353-Women in Literature
Professor S. Simon
Office: FAC 318
Phone: 713-718-6301
Office hours: By Appointment
This course is a comprehensive historical overview of the female literary tradition
in English from the Middle Ages to the Twentieth century. A critical study of how
women have responded to culture and society, personal relationships, and their inner
selves through a variety of literary genres. This course requires substantial reading and
research.
Course Purpose
To introduce students to the female literary tradition in English through selected
readings. By examining works in a variety of genres, students will discover common
themes and imagery in female writers despite geographical, historical or psychological
distances.
Textbooks
Gilbert, Sandra and Susan Gubar, eds. The Norton Anthology of Literature by Women:
The Traditions in English 3rd editions. Volumes 1 and 2. New York: Norton, 2007.
(Required)
Naylor, Gloria. Bailey’s Café.
Recommended:
Griffith, Kelly. Writing Essays about Literature: A Guide and Study Sheet
Meyer, Michael. Thinking and Writing about Literature.
Student Learning Objectives
1. Explain and illustrate stylistic characteristics of representative works of
writers of the female literary tradition in English from the Middle Ages to the
present
2. Connect representative works of these writers to human and individual values
in historical and social contexts.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the works of writers from the female tradition in
English
4. Analyze critical texts relating to the works of writers from the female literary
tradition in English.
5. Critique and interpret representative works of writers from the female literary
tradition in English.
Objectives and Requirements
By the end of the semester, the student who passes with a final grade of C or above will
have demonstrated the ability to:
1. Complete and comprehend reading assignments. Assignments vary in length,
but a typical assignment requires 2 hours out of class reading for each hour in
class.
2. Attend class regularly, missing no more than 12.5% (6 hours) of instruction.
3. Participate in small group and or class discussions in which assigned literary
works are analyzed and interpreted.
4. Write at least 3000 words in completing written assignments of varying types
and lengths that are relevant to the course. At least one written assignment
will include information obtained through research that is related to one or
more prominent European or American literary works of the eras covered and
is presented in MLA form.
5. Participate in at least one oral presentation of a literary work.
6. Explain and illustrate stylistic characteristics of authors and literary works
included in the course syllabus.
7. Express clearly and support convincingly an interpretation or analysis of a
literary text.
8. Explain similarities and differences among writers studied and/or among
literary works studied.
9. Explain the characteristics of each literary period covered, with particular
attention to prominent literary themes.
10. Use a word processor to fulfill written assignments and use the computer as
well as the library to research a literary topic.
11. Maintain an overall average of 70 or above on written assignments and tests.
Grading Standards
For grading purposes, the student’s performance on written work is the most
important means of assessing the mastery of course content and critical skills. It is
important for students to have a variety of evaluated work in literature courses; the
percentages of the total grade for each of these assignments should reflect the intellectual
difficulty as well as the amount of time and effort demanded of the student. The graded
assignments should be weighted to prevent any one assignment from causing students to
fail the course if they do poorly on that one assignment; each major assignment is
equally measured.
A (90-100)
Exceptionally fine work
B (80-89)
Above average work
C (70-79)
Average quality work
D (60-69)
Below average work
F (0-59)
Failing work
Evidence of plagiarism will be graded F/0. That is for first time offense; next visit to
Dean
Required Papers:
Literature of the Middle Ages and Renaissance/Literature of the 17th & 18th Century
Literature of the 19th Century
Turn of the Century Literature (Midterm)
Early 20th Century Literature/Later 20th Century and Contemporary Literature
Bailey’s Café
Instructor’s Choice
Course Calendar (This is not the Bible; it is subject to change)
Week One
Introduction to Class
Week 2
Middle ages and Renaissance Literature
Marie de France: “Bisclavet,” pp18-24; Queen Elizabeth I p. 63, “The
Doubt of Future Foes,” p. 65, On Monsieur’s Departure, p. 67, Speech to the
Troops at Tilbury, p.67
Week 3
Anne Bradstreet p.144/ Literature of the 17th and 18th Century
Abigail Adams p.315; Phyllis Wheatley p.358
Week 4
Mary Wollstonecraft p.370 “The Vindication of the Rights of Women”
Assignment #1
Week 5
Literature of 19th Century/ Harriet Beecher Stowe
Week 6
Harriet Jacobs
Week 7
Get Assignment #2
Week 8
Midterm
Week 9