Introduction to Literature
ENG-115-BA
Instructor: Kristin Rieff
Contact: Krieff@smccme.edu
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COURSE SYLLABUS
Subject to Change
Required Text: Literature and its Writers: Charters & Charters
Course Description: This course will introduce students to the genres of poetry, short fiction, and
drama. There will be an emphasis on critical thinking and on the discussion of literature within the
context of its historical & cultural background.
Course Objectives: Students will gain an understanding of current & past trends in literature;
identify similarities & differences in the genres of poetry, short fiction & drama; discuss literature
in its cultural & historical context; construct literary analysis essays and make presentations on
writers upon completion of the course.
Course Requirements: Students will complete 3 literary analysis essays, several in class tests, and
will actively participate in class exercises and discussion.
Essays should be at least 750 words, typed & double spaced. An additional essay will be assigned
and will serve as a final exam grade; additional instructions for ALL essays will be given in class.
Attendance
I understand that situations come up to which we must attend, so missing up to 2 classes, over the
course of the entire semester, will not impact your grade. Any additional absences will
dramatically decrease your final grade for the course. Five or more absences will result in a failing
grade. Excessive and consistent tardiness will count against your attendance and participation
grade. Turn off cell phones in class.
Policies
All due dates are clearly marked on the attached schedule. To receive full credit for an assignment,
it must be turned in on time. I will accept late work for lesser credit, but please speak with me to
make arrangements. All assignments must be typed and proofread for grammar and spelling errors.
Any errors will impact your assignment grade.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is unacceptable. Any plagiarized material will earn the student an F on that assignment
and any subsequently plagiarized work may earn the student an F for the course.
Grading Policy

Quizzes

Tests

Essays

Final exam
10% (missing a class means missing a quiz; they can not be made up)
40 %
35%
15%
Weekly Class Schedule
Subject to Change
Aug 26: Intro to course, expectations, Literary elements
HW: Read The Story of an Hour by Chopin, A & P by Updike,
Aug 28: Quiz! Discuss readings, fiction elements, intro to short story
HW: Read Charters p 9-39, The Cask of Amontillado by Poe,
Sept 2 : Quiz! Discuss readings, Suspense & Plot
HW: Read Charters p 40-56, The Necklace by Maupassant, A Rose for Emily by Faulkner,
Sept 4: Quiz! Discuss readings, cont'd, the arc of a story
HW: Study for test!
Sept 9: Fiction Test 1: plot, narrative arc, character
HW: Read Charters 57-79, Harrison Bergeron by Vonnegut,
Sept 11: Quiz! Discuss readings, setting & symbolism, introduce fiction essay
HW: To Build a Fire by London, commentaries: Jackson 297, Chopin 176, Reynolds 662
Sept 16: Quiz! Discuss readings, Setting, character cont'd, Critical essays, discuss fic essay
HW: study for Test!
Sept 18: Fiction Test 2: setting, symbolism, character cont'd
HW: Read Charters p 669-692 (incl poems on those pgs), 726-735 (incl The Bight on p 733)
Sept 23: Fiction Essay due. Quiz! Poetry, lyric & narrative styles
Sept 25: Poetry cont'd
HW: Read Bishop p 929-933, Wright p 1023-1026
Sept 30: Quiz! Discuss Bishop & Wright: Tone, Diction, Syntax, Imagery
Oct 2: Poetry cont'd
HW: Read Charters p 748-800 (forms of poetry)
Oct 7: Quiz! Discuss traditional and modern forms of poetry, set up in class presentations
Oct 9: Poetry in class presentations
HW: Read Dickinson p 844-861, Hughes p 886-907
Oct 14: Quiz! Hughes and Dickinson: a poet's style, introduce poetry essay
Oct 16: Poetry cont'd, poetry essay cont'd
HW: study for Poetry Test!
Oct 21: Poetry Test. Poetry Essay due.
HW: Read Charters 1101-1126, The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, hand out (Scene 1-3)
Oct 23: Quiz! Intro dramatic elements, discuss Glass Menagerie
Oct 28: Glass Menagerie cont'd
HW: Read Williams hand out (scene 4-end of play!)
Oct 30: Quiz! Discuss The Glass Menagerie, Tragedy & tragic, begin drama essay outline
Nov 4: TBD
Nov 6: TBD
Nov 11: Veteran's Day
Nov 13: Wrap up Glass Menagerie
HW: prep for drama test, Complete Drama essay
Nov 18: Drama Test & Drama essay due!
HW: Read section 1 of Kafka's Metamorphosis
Nov 20: Metamorphosis
HW: Read section 2 of Kafka's Metamorphosis
Nov 25: Metamorphosis!
HW: Read section 3 of Kafka's Metamorphosis
Nov 27: Thanksgiving
Dec 2: Metamorphosis!
HW: Study for Metamorphosis test
Dec 4: Metamorphosis Test.
Dec 9: Open period
HW: complete final exam essay
Dec 11: Final exam due.