MAJOR AMERICAN WRITERS II
English 4002-001
Dr. Ellen Bonds
SPRING 2008
Office: SAC 225 Hours: T 10-12 and by appointment Phone: 519-4657
email: ellen.bonds@villanova.edu Webpage: www.homepage.villanova.edu/ellen.bonds
TEXTS:
T.S. Eliot The Waste Land and Other Poems
Gwendolyn Brooks Selected Poems
0-14-243731-X
0-06-93174-4
William Faulkner Go Down Moses
Toni Morrison Beloved
0-679-73217-9
1-40000-3341-1
Eugene O’Neill Long Day’s Journey into Night
August Wilson The Piano Lesson
0-300-09305-5
0452265347
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this course, we will focus on authors who have made
significant contributions to American literature: T.S. Eliot, Gwendolyn Brooks, William
Faulkner, Toni Morrison, Eugene O’Neill, August Wilson. Essential to our consideration
of their poetry, fiction, and drama will be analysis of their value as literary innovators:
“why?” and “in what ways?” should we regard their works as “major”?
COURSE GOALS: Students will develop an appreciation for the diversity of 20th
century American literature by focusing on a selection of authors writing in multiple
genres. At the outcome of the course, students will possess increased awareness and
understanding of the development of 20th century American literature.
CLASS POLICIES:
Students are expected to attend all classes, having ACTIVELY read and being prepared
to discuss assigned material. They are also expected to communicate courteously and
respectfully with fellow classmates and with me. Excused absences and assignment
extensions may require documentation. If you do miss a class, please contact me or a
classmate a.s.a.p. so that you will be prepared upon your return. More than three
unexcused absences may lower final grade; more than six may result in failing the course.
We will review research and citation format; I will enforce the university’s academic
integrity policy. Refer to www.vpaa.villanova.edu/academicintegrity/
IF YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL NEEDS/CONCERNS PLEASE SCHEDULE A
CONFIDENTIAL MEETING WITH ME ASAP.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS: Written assignments will include three papers (for each
major unit) worth 20% each. There will also be a final exam (20%). The course will
require ACTIVE participation in class discussions (in-class and on WEBCT), workshops,
and conferences. Class grade based on attendance, participation, and attending special
events account for 20% of your final grade.
WEEK 1
Intro to the course/read & discuss Scott’s article/elect res.
1/14-1/18
Read Faulkner—handout, “That Evening Sun” (electronic reserve)
and Go Down Moses
WEEK 2
Focus on William Faulkner
WEEK 3
1/28-2/1
WEEK 4
2/4-2/8
Faulkner—Group Presentations
WEEK 5
2/11-2/15
WEEK 6
2/18-2/22
WEEK 7
2/25-2/29
Focus on Toni Morrison
Discuss Nobel speech and intro to Beloved
Morrison—Group Presentations
WEEK 8
Have a Great Spring Break!
WEEK 9
3/10-14
Focus on Eugene O’Neill
Read and discuss Long Day’s Journey Into Night
WEEK 10
3/17-19
Focus on August Wilson
Read & begin discussion The Piano Lesson
WEEK 11
3/26-28
ATTEND ARDEN THEATRE--The Piano Lesson
2 PM 3/26
Conclude discussion Wilson
WEEK 12
3/31-4/4
Focus on T.S. Eliot
Read “Intro” “Chronology” “Prufrock” WEBCT post
Begin reading “The Waste Land”
PAPER TWO DUE 4/4
Discuss “The Waste Land”
WEEK 13
4/7-11
WEEK 14
4/14-18
Faulkner cont’d.—Group Presentations
Begin reading Beloved
Morrison cont’d.—Group Presentations
PAPER ONE DUE 2/29
WEEK 15
4/21-25
Focus on Gwendolyn Brooks
Read and discuss 129ff. Selected Poems, “A Street in Bronzeville”
WEBCT post
Discuss selections from “Annie Allen,”“Bean Eaters”&”New
Poems”
WEEK 16
12/10-12
Wrap-up/Review for final exam
PAPER THREE DUE TBA