Lit 13: Introduction to Fiction
First Semester, SY 2013-2014
Dr. Marianne Rachel G. Perfecto Department of English
Course Description
A study of the modes, conventions, and uses of fiction through the short story and the
novel. In exploring vital connections among culture, history, and fiction, the course
presents a range of reading strategies related to the mode (fabulation, realism, magic
realism, metafiction), the form (plot, character, setting, point of view, theme), and the
individual and social functions of fiction.
Course and Class Objectives
This course aims
1. to allow students to develop an understanding and appreciation of fiction and its
various conventions
2. to enable students to analyze how elements of fiction operate in the construction of
meaning
3. to equip students with critical approaches to interpreting and evaluating works of
fiction
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Write about pieces of fiction using close reading techniques
2. Set stories in their historical, social, and cultural contexts
3. Verbalize own interpretations of texts in class discussions, small group work, and
creative presentations
4. Express awareness and appreciation of the diversity of stories across the globe, across
cultures, and across timeframes
5. Form convictions about one’s place and responsibilities in today’s society
Course Requirements: Two Literary Papers
Group Presentation
Grading System
SW/HW/Rec /Quiz Literary Papers
Group Presentation Mid-term Exam
Final Exam
-
35%
20%
10%
15%
20%
____
100%
A
B+
B
C+
C
D
F
-
92 - 100
87 - 91
83 - 86
79 - 82
75 - 78
70 - 74
69 and below
Required Readings:
Readings from the Short Story Compilation, and from Chua, Jonathan. Enjoying Fiction: A
Textbook and Anthology. Quezon City: ORP, 2005. (experimental textbook)
Rizal, Jose. Noli me Tangere (Touch Me Not). Trans. Harold Augenbraum. Penguin Classic,
2006.
Selected stories from Abad, Gemino (ed). Likhaan Anthology of Philippine Literature in English.
Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press, 1998.
Course Content and Schedule
June
10
12
14
M
W
F
17
19
M
W
21
F
24
26
M
W
28
July
01
03
05
F
M
W
F
08
10
M
W
12
F
15
17
19
M
W
F
22
24
M
W
26
F
29
M
Orientation: Reading Texts
No classes, Independence Day
No classes, Faculty Day
Elements of Realistic Fiction: Plot
Introduction to the short story
Discussion: Plot
The Bread of Salt, NVM Gonzales
The Bread of Salt, NVM Gonzales
Character
The Necklace, G. de Maupassant
Discussion: Character
The Boardinghouse, J. Joyce
The Boardinghouse, J. Joyce
A Rose for Emily, W. Faulkner
A Rose for Emily, W. Faulkner
Master Lecture: Plot
Setting
Writing the literary paper 1: Character analysis
Discussion: Setting
Midsummer, M. Arguilla
Midsummer, M. Arguilla
Film showing
Film showing
Early Autumn, L. Hughes
Point of View & Irony
Intimate with the Moon, T. Sering
Intimate with the Moon, T. Sering
Discussion: Point of View
Discussion: Irony
The Story of an Hour, K. Chopin
Due: Outline for Literary Paper 1
The Lottery, S. Jackson
31
02
August
05
06
07
09
W
F
12
14
16
M
W
F
19
21
23
M
W
F
26
28
M
W
30
September
02
04
06
F
M
W
F
Group Presentation: Science Fiction
Group Presentation: Fantasy fiction
Group Presentation: Gothic fiction
09
11
13
M
W
F
Group Presentation: Magic Realism fiction
Buffer day
Master Lecture: Metafiction
16
17
18
20
M
T
W
F
23
25
27
October
30
02
04
M
W
F
Consultation, Literary Paper 2
Consultation, Literary Paper 2
Consultation, Literary Paper 2
Introduction to the novel
The Novel
Novel
Novel
Novel
M
T
W
F
M
W
F
No classes, Feast of St. Ignatius
Group Presentation Orientation
Mid-term Exams
Consultation, Literary Paper # 1
Consultation, Literary Paper # 1
Discussion: Theme
No classes, Eid Fitri
Theme
Girl, J. Kincaid
A Country Boy Quits School, L. Hsiang
Writing the Literary Paper 2: Comparative Analysis
Due: Literary Paper 1
Symbol
No classes, Quezon City Day
No classes, Ninoy Aquino Day
Discussion: Symbol
The Grasshopper & the Bell Cricket, Y. Kawabata
Due: Outline for group presentation
Non-realist Modes of Fiction
No classes, National Heroes’ Day
Fabulation
The Company of Wolves, A. Carter
Due: Outline for Literary paper 2
The Company of Wolves, A. Carter
Novel
Novel
Novel
Due: Literary Paper # 2
Reading
This is basically a reading course. As such, you are expected to come to class prepared, i.e. you
have read the assigned text/s and you bring the copy of the text with you in class. If you do not
have a copy of the material to be used for the session, you will be asked to step out of the class, and
will be marked absent.
When reading the texts, don’t forget to take some notes. Learn the habit of looking up the meaning
of unfamiliar words as well. It is also always best to read the texts more than once – most of the
works we will read may be difficult to understand after only one reading. Such habits will benefit
you not only during the quizzes that will precede each discussion, but also during the class
discussions themselves.
Try to read each work critically – read with a view to discussing the formal elements of the text,
but read for the issues that the texts deal with as well.
The short stories listed in the syllabus have been compiled as a reader and will be placed in the
Reserved Section of the Rizal Library. It is your responsibility to photocopy this reader and bring it
to class. You are required to read all of these stories. The other stories will be given to your beadle
for photocopying and distribution to the rest of the class.
The novel is available at National Bookstore and other leading bookstores. If you do not want to
buy a copy, you can borrow from your friends. Also, you still need to give P50 for your class’
photocopying fund – for worksheets and other materials we will use in class.
Writing
Your papers allow you to explore works more carefully on your own. Discussions in class should
be seen as springboard for your own critical reading of fiction. Take advantage of the scheduled
consultations prior to the submission of your literary papers, as these consultations allow you to
explore your ideas about the work with me. Please note, however, that you should come to these
consultations prepared – you should have a thesis statement and an outline of the ideas you will
include in your paper.
You can also consult with me during my consultation hours: MWF 3:30-4:30 English Department
or by e-mail: mgutierrez@ateneo.edu
General Guidelines for Preparing Your Papers
1. Submit your essays typed in the form described below.
• Any regular grade A4 white typing paper
• Double-space all text, including quoted material; use only normal margins: 1 ½ inch
left and top, 1 inch right and bottom.
• For long quotations of 10 lines or more, indent three spaces. But try to avoid such
quotes so as not to wind up "padding."
• On the first page, put your full name, the course title, the assignment number, and
the date in the upper left corner. Starting with page two, put only your last name
and the page number in the upper right corner.
2. Quote from the literary text only when necessary. An effective way to handle quotes is to
"run them on" as parts of your own sentences.
3. Avoid quoting from or using, secondary critical works. If you do use sources, remember to
cite your sources in-text as well as at the end of your essay. Otherwise, your paper will be
considered plagiarized, and will be given a grade of F.
4. Append each paper with an “oath of honesty” and your Turnitin originality report.
Attendance, Late Work, and Other Information
In this course, attendance is essential. You will be doing a number of activities individually or
collaboratively. As such, when you are absent from class, you actually miss a lot. Absent students
will be responsible for finding out what material was covered and what assignments were made.
No make-up quizzes will be given. Make-up for long exams will be given upon presentation of a
medical certificate from a doctor.
You are allowed a maximum of nine absences. Note, however, that two lates are equal to one cut
and Fifteen minute tardiness is considered a cut.
All assignments should be handed in during class time, unless specified otherwise.
If you know that you will be absent ahead of time, please let me know--especially on days when an
assignment is due. Late work that is not excused before its due date will be penalized one full
letter grade for each day it is late (excluding weekend days). Make arrangements with me to turn
in late work. You have only one week to complete the requirements; otherwise, you get a grade of
zero.
To avoid disruption of our class, please turn off (or switch to silent mode) your electronic gadgets.
Please do not display these as well during class hours. You are not allowed to make and answer
calls, nor are you allowed to read or send text messages during class hours. Your failure to comply
with this policy will incur you a cut in the course. You will also be asked to step out of the room.
Each one of you should prepare a prayer to be read at the beginning of the class.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is considered a major offense in the Ateneo de Manila University. Penalty for
plagiarism ranges from disciplinary probation to suspension. Always consult with me if you are
uncertain of whether your paper (or parts of it) would constitute plagiarism. A plagiarized work
will receive a grade of zero.
Lit 13 1st Semester, 2013-2014
Intellectual Honesty Honor Code
I understand that in submitting this project,
•
I am practicing my duty and responsibility to “uphold the academic integrity of the school,
endeavor to achieve academic excellence and abide by the rules and regulations governing
(my) academic responsibilities and moral integrity (Philippine Education Act of 1982);
•
I recognize that “dishonesty runs counter to the very essence of the Ateneo de Manila
University as an educational institution” (ADMU Code of Discipline for Students); and
•
I recognize that “all cases involving dishonesty will be treated as major cases” in the Loyola
Schools (ADMU Code of Discipline for Students).
Before I submit this project, I certify that
•
I am turning in work that is mine;
•
I did not use the words and ideas of another person without properly acknowledging him
or her; and
•
I did not ask another person to write or revise this project for me.
Signed:(Name of the student) __________________________________
(Signature of the student)______________________________ (Date) _____________
I understand that as a faculty member of the Loyola Schools,
•
I am expected to uphold the academic integrity of this school;
•
I recognize that “dishonesty runs counter to the very essence of the Ateneo de Manila
University as an educational institution” (ADMU Code of Discipline for Students);
•
I recognize that “all cases involving dishonesty will be treated as major cases” in the Loyola
Schools (ADMU Code of Discipline for Students); and
•
I am aware of the contents of the Magna Carta of Undergraduate Student Rights; and
•
I have a responsibility to report all acts of intellectual dishonesty to the Office of the
Associate Dean for Student Affairs (ADSA).
Signed: Dr. Marianne Rachel G. Perfecto