Spring 2010
Introduction to Literary Theory and Criticism, ENGL 202-01
Mon./Wed. (H-211), 1:30-2:50pm
Instructor Name: Dr. Karen Gaffney
Office Location: S-347A
Mailbox: Somerset, 3rd floor
Email Address: kgaffney@raritanval.edu (Email is the best way to reach me.)
Office phone: 908-526-1200 ext. 8293
Office hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10:30-11:30am and by
appointment
Website: http://www.raritanval.edu/faculty/engl/full-time/gaffney/index.html
This course will introduce students to the study of literary theory and criticism. We will focus on
3 core questions: Why do we read? What do we read? And, how do we read? In addition to
students reading, analyzing, and applying different theoretical perspectives, they will also create
their own in a class anthology.
Required Texts (in paperback, available at the college bookstore):
 Richter, David H., ed. Falling into Theory: Conflicting Views on Reading Literature. 2nd
edition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2000.
Note about Required Books:
It’s important that you are fully aware of the college’s textbook refund policy and textbook
buyback policy. It seems that many students do not write in their books because they think it will
lower the amount of money they would get for them. The only time writing in a textbook (or
highlighting it) affects the price is if the student is looking for a full refund, and that can only
happen if the student returns the book within five working days of buying the book or if the
student drops the class within the first 10 days of the semester. However, if a student actually
takes the course and wants to return the book at the end of the course, the student couldn't get a
full refund anyway. In that case, the student would participate in a “textbook buyback,” and the
student would get the same amount whether the book was written in or not. The only problem
would be if there was very severe damage to the book.
Other Learning Materials:
 Multiple ways to back up your work on a computer because computer problems are not an
appropriate excuse for handing a paper in late.
 A notebook (any kind) for class notes
 One folder for syllabus, assignments, and other handouts
 2 small 3-ring binders
 One you will need right away for your ongoing summary/response papers
 The second you won’t need until you receive the Class Anthology at the end of the
semester
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Assignments:
 Summary/Response Papers: Since this is a theory course and not a literature course, most of
your reading will primarily be theoretical essays that take a particular position on the study
of literature. The reading will not be significant in quantity (unlike a literature survey
course); however, the reading will be difficult. The arguments these theorists make are
complex and often abstract. Analyzing these essays will not only help you understand the
field of literary studies, but it will also help you develop your critical reading and thinking
skills. One of the best ways to dig into what you read is to write about it. That’s why I’m
assigning what I’m calling a “Summary/Response Paper” for every set of assigned readings.
At minimum, this assignment has three parts:
1) One- paragraph summary where you explain, in your own words, what the author is
arguing. What is the author’s main point? Bring in at least 1 quote from the author to
help you explain his or her argument; however, the bulk of your summary should be
your words. I encourage you to look up vocabulary you don’t know or other
references you don’t know, but please avoid consulting references that will
summarize the theorist for you. I want to know what you think the author is trying to
say. It will sometimes be difficult for you to do this, but just do your best, and it will
get easier with practice. Also, keep in mind that this paragraph should not include
your opinion about the author’s argument; it is just focused on what you think the
author is trying to say.
2) One-paragraph response where you explain whether you agree or disagree (or a little
of both) with the author’s argument you just outlined in your summary. Please be
very specific. Feel free to use “I” and refer to your own personal experience.
Including a quote from the text would likely help you stay focused. Make sure you’re
being really clear about the position you are taking. In the first paragraph, I want to
know what you think the author is saying; here, I want to know what you think.
3) Finally, include 1 discussion question. This can be a question related to something
you’re confused about (ie What does ___ mean?). Or, your question can be openended. We will sometimes use these questions as part of our class discussion.
 Your “Summary/Response Papers” should be 1-2 pages, double spaced. They can be
informal, but they should still be written in college-level academic English. Use MLA intext citation (author and page number) when quoting from the textbook.
 If you have 2 readings assigned for the same day, you should combine the 2 authors into the
same one-paragraph summary, followed by a one-paragraph response. Your discussion
question can relate to just one or both authors.
 Each response will receive a regular letter grade of A, B, C, D, or F. A missed response will
count as a 0. If you are absent, email me your response paper on the day it is due. Late
responses will only be accepted in case of an emergency.
 Summary/Response Portfolio: I will collect each summary/response paper on the day it is
due, and when you get them back, you are required to keep all of your graded papers in a 3ring binder because you’ll need to refer to them during the mid-term and final exams and
because you’ll need them so you can write your reflection at the end of the semester. You
will also have the opportunity to revise up to 5 of these assignments. These revisions can be
submitted anytime during the semester, but no later than Apr. 26. If you revise, the original
must have been submitted on time, and the original (with my comments and grade) must be
attached to the revision. The revision grade would totally replace the original grade. Also,
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you have a total of 17 of the summary/response papers, and I will count your best 15. If you
do 16 or 17, then that will be considered extra credit. Your Summary/Response portfolio
grade will certainly take into account the average of those grades (including any you missed
out of the 15), but it will also take into account your progress, which you’ll describe in the
final reflection. In that final reflection (2 pages, double-spaced), read through all of your
summary/response papers, and try to be specific in reflecting on what you learned during the
semester.
Role Play: While this may seem like an odd assignment, I did this the last time I taught the
course, and it worked well. Everyone will participate in one role play; there will be a total of
two. You’ll receive much more specific instructions, but these role plays will be a chance for
half the class to act out a scenario that directly involves the course reading, while the other
half of the class watches. When you participate in the role play, you’ll be asked to submit a
written assignment where you explain how you prepared and what you hope to accomplish,
and you’ll also be asked to submit a follow-up reflection. When you are in the audience for
the other role play, you’ll be asked to submit a follow-up reflection. You’ll be able to use
your own notes and materials for this activity.
Mid-term Exam: You will be able to use your book and your binder of Summary/Response
Papers for the exam. More information will be provided.
Final Exam: You will be able to use your book and your binder of Summary/Response
Papers for the exam. More information will be provided.
Class Anthology: You will be asked to write a 1-2 page response to one of the core
questions, “Why do we read?”, “What do we read?”, or “How do we read?”. A class
anthology will be created that includes a response from everyone in the class. You will also
be asked to talk to the class about what you write (in a brief, informal presentation at the end
of the semester).
Final Paper: You will be asked to write a 7-page (double-spaced) formal essay where you
create an argument how one of the theorists we’ve read helps you better understand a text of
your choice. This text can be any novel, poem, short story, song, ad, film, etc. This
assignment will require you to refer to at least the following: two readings from the book,
two of your peers’ contributions to the anthology, and three outside sources, in addition to
the primary text of your choice.
Grading Policy:
 Summary/Response Portfolio: 35%
 Role Play: 5%
 Mid-term exam: 15%
 Final exam: 15%
 Anthology Assignment: 5%
 Final Essay: 15%
 Class participation, quizzes, misc. assignments, etc.: 10%
Attendance Policy:
 Attendance is required, and it means arriving to class on time, remaining for the duration of
class, being prepared with your textbook(s), and staying awake.
 For every three times you arrive late and/or leave early, an absence will be counted.
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 You are allowed up to 2 absences before your final grade is lowered. The College’s policy
states, “A student is entitled, without question, to absences amounting to the equivalent of one
week’s class time.” For every absence after 2, your final grade may be lowered.
 Exceptions to the attendance policy may be made for documented emergencies.
 In accordance with college policy, if you miss 1/5 of the semester (6 classes), then you may
be withdrawn from the course. After Mar. 30, 2010, you cannot withdraw yourself from a
course, and you cannot be administratively withdrawn. Reaching 6 or more absences after the
withdrawal deadline will likely result in failure of the course.
 The college-wide withdrawal and refund schedule is available online.
Make-up Policy:
 Make-up exams will only be given if you have a documented emergency.
 My website (see address on the top of the first page) serves as a back up for major handouts
distributed in class (particularly the syllabus and other major assignments). These materials are
distributed in class, but if you are absent or lose the handout, you are responsible for getting it
from the website.
 If you are absent when a homework assignment is due, drop it off or email it to me on the
day it’s due so that it is not counted late. Exceptions will be made in the case of an emergency.
 Missed quizzes cannot be made up.
Classroom Etiquette:
Please be respectful. As stated in the Student handbook, the College has a code of Campus
Conduct. It states: “A student who disrupts any College class by engaging in conduct that
renders it difficult or impossible to maintain the learning environment of the class shall be
subject to any of the disciplinary actions noted below. Faculty members have the authority to
take whatever summary actions may be necessary to maintain order and proper conduct in the
classroom and to maintain the effective cooperation of the class in fulfilling the objectives of the
course. Classroom dismissals must be reported in writing to the Dean of Academic and Student
Services. Sanctions for campus conduct violations are as follows: Sanctions for conduct
violations, either in the classroom or on campus, may result in probation, suspension, or the
imposition of such lesser penalties as are appropriate.” See the RVCC Student Handbook for
more information.
Cell Phone Policy:
 Cell phones, beepers, etc. should be turned off for the duration of class (not just to vibrate,
but with the sound completely off).
 If you are found using your cell phone to talk to someone, listen to someone, listen to your
voicemail, receive text messages, send text messages, check to see if you received a voicemail
or text message, etc. during class, it will count as an absence.
 If you have a personal situation where you need to keep your phone on to receive an
emergency call, let me know at the beginning of class.
Plagiarism Policy:
Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. See the RVCC
Student Handbook (Rules and Regulations section) for details about academic dishonesty.
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Use of SparkNotes, Cliff Notes, etc.
I strongly encourage you to avoid using study aides. You need to be able to read and understand
the material on your own and through class discussion; that is a crucial part of the learning
process, which includes reading, writing, and discussion. There will be ample opportunity for
you to ask questions about anything you find confusing.
RVCC email:
 Every student automatically receives an RVCC email account through the website the
Lion’s Den. You must access this email account; otherwise, you will miss crucial college
information, like your grades. If I need to reach you, I will email you at your RVCC account, so
please check it frequently. Don’t forget that passwords need to be updated periodically.
 You should have received a G-number as well as information about your password when
you enrolled. If you do not have this information, visit the MIS office as soon as possible.
Academic Support Center:
 The Academic Support Center offers free drop-in tutoring and supports services for most
disciplines offered by RVCC.
 Monday-Thursday: 9:00am-8:00pm; Friday: 9:00am-2:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am-2:00pm
 The Academic Support Center is located on the Lower Level of Somerset, room S020, and
their extension number is 8393. You can find more information about them in your RVCC
Student Handbook and their website at http://www.raritanval.edu/studentserv/asc/index.html
Statement for Students with Learning Disabilities:
If you have a documented learning disability, you may be entitled to accommodations such as
extended time on exams. Please see me confidentially to make arrangements.
Class preparation and participation:
 Come to every class prepared. Most of your preparation will focus on reading the assigned
material carefully. Taking notes (including annotating the text) as you read will be a big help to
you for in-class discussion of the material, for the exams, and for brainstorming about your
essays. It is essential that you do the assigned reading for the course. If you don’t, you’re not
going to learn nearly as much as you should, you won’t be able to participate effectively in
class discussion, and you won’t be able to help your peers sufficiently in small group exercises
that we will do frequently. Pop quizzes may be given.
 Participate in class. Participation involves paying attention in class, contributing to the
discussion, and listening to your peers. Come to class ready to share your ideas, and don’t be
afraid to ask questions.
Daily schedule:
 The following schedule is a general guideline, and it is subject to change. Small assignments
may be added.
 Please bring the reading with you.
Wed., Jan. 20
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Introduction to the course
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Mon., Jan. 25
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Read for today:
Preface (ix-xi)
Introduction (1-13)
Why We Read (15-30)
Wed., Jan. 27
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Read for today:
Gerald Graff, "Disliking Books at an Early Age" (40-48)
Summary/Response #1 due
Mon., Feb. 1
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Read for today:
Terry Eagleton, "The Rise of English" (48-59)
Summary/Response #2 due
Wed., Feb. 3
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Read for today:
Gauri Viswanathan, "Introduction to Masks of Conquest" (60-68)
Summary/Response #3 due
Mon., Feb. 8
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Read for today:
Paulo Freire, "The 'Banking' Concept of Education" (68-78)
bell hooks, "Toward a Revolutionary Feminist Pedagogy" (79-84)
Summary/Response #4 due
Wed., Feb. 10
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Read for today:
Gertrude Himmelfarb, "The New Advocacy and the Old" (84-89)
Richard Ohmann, "The Function of English at the Present Time" (89-95)
Summary/Response #5 due
Mon., Feb. 15
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Prepare for Midterm Exam (bring textbook and other class materials) and
create exam questions in class
Wed., Feb. 17
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Role-play #1 (Half of the class will be active participants in this role-play
and will submit a written assignment as part of this exercise. The other
half of the class will serve as audience members. Everyone will be asked
to submit a follow-up written assignment. Details will be provided.)
Mon., Feb. 22
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Mid-term (bring textbook and Summary/Response Portfolio binder)
Follow-up to Role-play #1 due (for everyone in the class)
Wed., Feb. 24
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Read for today:
What We Read (121-136)
Jane Tompkins, "Masterpiece Theater: The Politics of Hawthorne's
Literary Reputation" (137-147)
Summary/Response #6 due (on Tompkins)
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Mon., Mar. 1
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Read for today:
Barbara Herrnstein Smith, "Contingencies of Value" (147-152)
Summary/Response #7 due
Wed., Mar. 3
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Read for today:
Lillian S. Robinson, "Treason Our Text: Feminist Challenges to the
Literary Canon" (152-166)
Summary/Response #8 due
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Week of
March 8
Mon., Mar. 15
No classes: Spring Break
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Read for today:
Henry Louis Gates, "Canon-Formation, Literary History, and the AfroAmerican Tradition: From the Seen to the Told" (174-182)
Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, "From Epistemology of the Closet" (182-188)
Summary/Response #9 due
Wed., Mar. 17
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Read for today:
Edward W. Said, "The Politics of Knowledge" (188-198)
Summary/Response #10 due
Mon., Mar. 22
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Read for today:
Janice A. Radway, "Introduction to A Feeling for Books" (198-210)
Summary/Response #11 due
Wed., Mar. 24
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Read for today:
Alan Purves, "Telling Our Story About Teaching Literature" (210-218)
Harold Bloom, "Elegiac Conclusion" (224-233)
Summary/Response #12 due
Mon., Mar. 29
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No work due today
Review and Prepare for Role-play #2
Bring textbook and Summary/Response Portfolio binder
Wed., Mar. 31
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Role-play #2 (The half of the class that were not active participants in the
last role-play will be active participants in this role-play and will submit a
written assignment as part of this exercise. The other half of the class will
serve as audience members. Everyone will be asked to submit a follow-up
written assignment. Details will be provided.)
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Mon., Apr. 5
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Read for today:
How We Read (235-252)
Roland Barthes, "The Death of the Author" (253-257)
Summary/Response #13 due (on Barthes)
Follow-up to Role-play #2 due (for everyone in the class)
Wed., Apr. 7
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Read for today:
Peter Rabinowitz, "Actual Reader and Authorial Reader" (257-267)
Summary/Response #14 due
Mon., Apr. 12
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Read for today:
Stanley Fish, "How to Recognize a Poem When You See One" (267-278)
Summary/Response #15 due
Anthology Assignment due
Wed., Apr. 14
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Read for today:
Sandra M. Gilbert and Susan Gubar, "The Female Swerve" (289-295)
Toril Moi, "From Sexual/Textual Politics" (295-301)
Summary/Response #16 due
Mon., Apr. 19
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Read for today:
Toni Morrison, "Black Matter(s)" (309-322)
Summary/Response #17 due
Wed., Apr. 21
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Student presentations of Anthology contribution
Mon., Apr. 26
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Student presentations of Anthology contribution
Optional revisions of up to 5 Summary/Response papers due
Wed., Apr. 28
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Student presentations of Anthology contribution
Mon., May 3
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Last day of class
Final paper due
Reflection on Summary/Response Portfolio due
Informally and briefly share the focus of your final paper
Review for final exam
TBA
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Final exam
Bring textbook and Summary/Response Portfolio binder
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