Department of English
Advanced Courses
Spring 2013
English 3301.251: Critical Theory and Practice for English Majors (WI).
11-12:20 MW, FH 226
3301.252: 12:30-1:50 MW, FH 226
Instructor:
Allan Chavkin
Course Description:
Current approaches to literature with attention to reading
strategies and artistic techniques and conventions.
Books:
Saul Bellow, Collected Stories,
Henry James, The Turn of the Screw, A Case Study in
Contemporary Criticism edited by Peter Beidler
Arthur Miller, The Portable Arthur Miller,
Louise Erdrich, Shadow Tag,
David Mikics, New Handbook of Literary Terms,
Junichiro Tanizaki, The Key
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
Films: Death of a Salesman; The Crucible; The Innocents
class participation and exams
Format: Discussion
see Allan Chavkin in FH 239; e-mail, Chavkin@txstate.edu;
phone, 245-3780. Fall 2012 Office Horus: MW 10-11
English 3301.253: Critical Theory & Practice for English Majors (WI).
12:30-1:50 MW, FH 227
Instructor:
Teya Rosenberg
This course introduces important elements of English studies. It
Course Description:
introduces the craft of textual analysis and the different critical
perspectives developed during the past century. It also
introduces ideas about genres, terms, and research resources and
techniques for textual studies. The goals are learning these
crafts, perspectives, and techniques as well as polishing
academic writing skills.
Books:
Parker, How to Interpret Literature (2nd ed),
Murfin and Ray, Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary
Terms (3rd ed),
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (7th ed.),
Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Oxford UP).
Evaluation:
Short essays, reading questions and quizzes, presentation,
E-Mail:
research paper, participation.
TR11@txstate.edu
English 3301.254 Critical Theory and Practice for English Majors (WI),
9: 30-10:50 TTH, FH 226
3301.256 12:30-1:50 TTH, FH 226
Instructor:
Elizabeth Skerpan-Wheeler
Course Description:
As English majors we all at some point need to justify what we
do, whether to ourselves or to others. We like to read, but why
should a person who likes to read undertake formal study of
literature? Also, given that we have only so much time, how do
we decide what to read? In this course we shall investigate
some possible responses to those questions. We shall read two
literary works of students' own choosing both to explore the
many possibilities for studying them and to consider questions
about the importance of these and works like them to a modern,
culturally diverse American society.
Books:
Terry Eagleton, Literary Theory, 3rd ed.;
Herman Rapaport, The Literary Theory Toolkit;
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th ed.
Evaluation:
Two short papers 60%; Midterm 20%; Final 20%. The midterm
and final exams will be essay exams.
E-Mail:
For more information, see Professor Skerpan-Wheeler in FH
331. Voice Mail: 245-3727. E-mail: es10@txstate.edu.
Fall Office Hours: 8:30-9:30 T TH, 2-4 T, 2-3 TH
English 3301.255: Critical Theory and Practice for English Majors (WI).
11:00-12:20 TH, FH 225
Instructor:
Priscilla Leder
Course Description:
This course will prepare you to analyze and write about
literature in English and will introduce you to some of the many
methods for studying literature. You will study current literary
theories and apply them to poems and short stories in order to
develop your own answers to such questions as: What does it
mean to study literature? What methods can we use to analyze
a text? What can we gain or learn from literature, beyond the
sheer pleasure of reading? What is literature, anyway?
Books:
Objectives: to master techniques for analyzing and writing
about poetry, fiction, and drama, to become familiar with
current critical theory, to learn methods of conducting literary
research
Gibaldi, Joseph , MLA Handbook for Writers of Research
Papers, 7th ed.
Gwynn, R. S., Literature: A Pocket Anthology, 4th ed.
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
Mikics, David, A New Handbook of Literary Terms
Parker, Robert Dale, How to Interpret Literature, 2nd ed.
1 class presentation, 4 essays (4-5 pages/1,000-1,250 words), a
short-answer midterm, some homework or daily assignments,
and a final essay.
Format: discussion, occasional lectures to provide background
PLeder@txstate.edu
English 3302.251: Film and Video Theory and Production (WI).
3:30-4:50 TTH, FH 120
Instructor:
Rebecca Bell-Metereau
Course Description:
For those who have always wanted to express their creativity
through video, 3302 provides a place to learn and develop
skills, to collaborate with others interested in film, and to put
theory into practice. The course includes analysis and
production of written and visual texts, including fictional and
documentary films and theory. Primary emphasis will be on
camera and video production and editing techniques and
theories.
Course Goals: Students will develop theoretical and practical
knowledge of camera, video editing, film genres, and critical
approaches to film and video texts.
Learning Outcomes: The Department of English has adopted
student learning outcomes for general education courses in
writing and literature and for degree programs in English.
These outcomes are available for your review at
http://www.english.txstate.edu. Pull down the Student
Resources menu and go to “Learning Outcomes.”
Books:
Idea to Script: Storytelling for Today’s Media, Stuart Hyde;
Post: The Theory and Technique of Digital Nonlinear Motion
Picture Editing, Melinda Levin and Fred Watkins, and handouts
Evaluation:
Films: clips from a variety of narrative, documentary and
avant-garde films
Format: Primarily discussion, workshop, brief reports by
students, screening of video clips, hands-on use of camera,
editing equipment, outside viewing of selected videos (at home
or showings scheduled out of class time in Flowers Hall TBA).
Evaluation: 40% = class participation (daily work,
presentations, responses, showing video footage, discussion,
quizzes); 30% = group video; 30% = individual video.
Work will be evaluated on creativity, organization, details,
coherence, participation, and correctness, with grade sheets for
each assignment.
E-Mail:
Special Needs: Students who have special needs or disabilities
that require special accommodations for this course must notify
both the Office of Disability Services and me by the end of the
first week of classes. The English Department is committed to
providing all students with the necessary academic adjustments
and aids to facilitate full participation and performance in the
classroom. Please see me if you have any questions about
special needs.
rb12@txstate.edu
For more information: contact Professor Bell-Metereau in FH
335, 245-3725 or 665-2157
English 3303.257: Technical Writing (WI). 11-12:20 MW, FH 120
Instructor:
Susan Tilka
Course Description:
This course teaches the skills needed for writing in scientific
and technical fields. Students produce documents for various
purposes and audiences, drawing on their own disciplines for
subject matter. Writing applications include: memos, letters,
abstracts, resumes, and a longer documented project--all with
consideration of document design.
Books:
Markel, Technical Communication, 10 edition
Evaluation:
Based on quality of written documents
E-Mail:
st11@txstate.edu
English 3303.258: Technical Writing (WI). 12:30-1:50 MW, FH G13
3303.281: On-line course, meets twice during semester 01/23 & 03/06 at
Round Rock Higher Education Center
Instructor:
Dan Price
Course Description:
This course prepares students for writing in the workplace.
Specific genres covered include letters, memos, job application
materials, instructions and manuals, reports and presentations.
Specific skills developed include document design, web page
design, use of graphics, collaborative writing, audience analysis,
and project management. The course is writing and computer
intensive and requires active participation.
Books:
Markel, Mike. Technical Communication. 10th ed.
Evaluation:
Five major writing assignments and a final.
E-Mail:
dp27@txstate.edu
English 3303.260: Technical Writing (WI). 2:00-3:20 MW, FH G13
3303.273: 2-3:20 TTH, G13
Instructor:
Beverley Braud
Course Description:
English 3303 discusses and practices the tenets and techniques
of technical writing common in science-based professions. This
course is writing-intensive and requires computer skills; the
Books:
Evaluation:
course assumes the writing skills that junior-level students
should have developed by this time in their college courses.
English 3303 requires several substantial writing projects as
well as shorter assignments. The course also includes a required
final exam, written during the assigned exam time.
Markel, M. Technical Communication, 10th ed.
ISBN: 978-1-4576-0029-4
Students will be assessed on how well their writing conforms to
the stylistic, mechanical, and formatting conventions for
professional writing and design covered in class as well as on
the completeness of their writing assignments. This class does
have an attendance policy.
LIST OF ASSIGNMENTS AND POINTS, FALL 2012
First day writing sample
05
TechDocAnalysis1
20
Memo re Ethics
20
Ethics Memo Reviews (2x5)
10
Proposal for Fact Sheet
50
Proposal Resources
20
Memo re FS Audience
20
Ch 10 Quiz
10
Proposal Reviews (2x5)
10
Fact Sheet
75
Memo re Fact Sheet
20
Fact Sheet Reviews (2x5)
10
Instructions
50
Memo re Instructions
20
Memo e Instructions graphics 20
Instructions Reviews (2x5)
10
Final
25
Course Total
395
E-Mail:
bb08@txstate.edu
English 3303.261: Technical Writing (WI). 2-3:20 MW, FH 120
Instructor:
Jon Marc Smith
Course Description:
Unlike most academic writing, in which students demonstrate
their learning to a professor who already knows the subject, in
technical communication the writer is the expert and the readers
are the learners. Students use their own disciplines for subject
matter in Technical Writing. You will be writing memos,
letters, summaries, abstracts, and a resumé. You will also create
a very basic website using Dreamweaver.
Books:
Evaluation:
Your grade will be based on the quality of your written
E-Mail:
assignments.
js71@txstate.edu
English 3303.262: Technical Writing (WI). 3-4:50 MW, FH 120
Instructor:
Scott Mogull
Course Description:
The study and practice of expository writing in technical and
scientific professions. Emphasis on planning, writing, revising,
editing, and proofreading proposals, reports, and other forms of
professional communication for a variety of audiences.
Computer technology included.
Books:
Robbins, Strategies for Technical Communication in the
Workplace, 2/e, ISBN 978-0-205-24552-9
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
Mogull@txstate.edu
English 3303.266: Technical Writing (WI). 8:00-9:20 TTH, FH G13
3303.267: 9:30-10:50 TH, FH G13
Instructor:
Pinfan Zhu
Course
Technical communication refers to the process of using technology to
Description:
create, design, edit, and deliver technical information so that the users
can use it effectively and safely. This process is a complex process that
involves multidisciplinary knowledge such as writing skills, rhetorical
theory, design theory, digital theory, and use of technology. Technical
information refers to writings at workplace that communicate
scientific, technological, and business messages such as reports,
proposals, memos, business letters, emails, user's guide, websites
presentations, job application documents, etc. So, students who take
this class will learn how to create and complete the above-mentioned
genres of writing. They will also learn rhetoric theory so as to be able
to create effective and persuasive documents. They will learn how to
do research to find the data they need and how to evaluate the sources
to be used, and how to organize the information into a coherent and
cohesive text. In addition, student will also learn how to use
technology such as software applications like Dreamweaver CS6 and
other applications. Teaching approaches include lecturing,
demonstrating, and class discussions. Assessments include paper
writing, projects, sample critique, group discussion, presentation,
quizzes, and final examination. The course is both challenging and
interesting.
Books:
We are going to use e-text. So do not purchase your textbook. E-text
costs much less, only 20 dollars or so. We will purchase it in the first
class.
Evaluation:
Job-application materials (Individual)
10%
Instructions (Individual)
10%
Research Proposal (Individual)
10%
Oral presentation (Individual)
5%
E-Mail:
Web Design (Individual)
Completion Report (group project)
Business letters (group project)
informal reports (group project)
Quizzes
Final Exam
pz10@txstate.edu
10%
10%
5%
5%
15%
20%
English 3303.274: Technical Writing (WI). 2-3:20 TTH, FH 114
Instructor:
Jo Ann Labay
Catalog Description:
The study and practice of expository writing in technical and
scientific professions. Emphasis on planning, writing, revising,
editing, and proofreading proposals, reports, and other forms of
professional communication for a variety of audiences.
Computer technology included.
Books:
Technical Communication, 12/e (Lannon),
ISBN 9780205779642
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
jk16@txstate.edu
English 3303.277: Technical Writing (WI). 3:30-4:50 TTH, FH 114
3303.279: 5-6:20 TTH, FH 114
Instructor:
Libby Allison, Ph.D.
Course Description:
(CRN# 38640)
This course introduces students to various kinds of technical
documents that professionals in businesses, agencies,
organizations, and industries write, edit, and distribute to
various audiences. Students will learn key principles of
communicating and writing that can be applied to any technical
and professional writing activity.
Books:
Technical Communication Today, 4th ed. by Richard JohnsonSheehan. New York: Pearson Longman, 2012.
Evaluation:
Class participation, in-class activities and exercises, and
homework assignments=40% of overall grade
Larger writing projects=20% of grade
Quizzes and exams=40% of grade
E-Mail:
lallison@txstate.edu
English 3303.280: Technical Writing (WI). 6:30-9:20 WED, FH 114
Instructor:
Deborah Balzhiser
Course Description:
This is an advanced course designed specifically to help
you become rhetorical problem solvers and effective
communicators in professional and technical environments.
This course is also designed to help you develop core writing,
social, technological, ethical, and critical thinking skills and
knowledge.
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
The basic idea of the course is to give you experience
developing the writing and communication skills you'll be
expected to have as you make the transition from student to
professional or, if you have already made that transition, to help
you be better at them.
This is a learning‐centered, interactive class. On a daily
basis you will engage in a variety of activities and assignments
(including but not limited to homework, quizzes, and peer
reviews) that focus on how to write and solve communication
problems for specific audiences, purposes, effects, and
situations (APES). These are designed to help you:
 Meet the unique demands of a given context and writing
task
 Use accepted standards and patterns for various genres
you will likely encounter in professional settings
 Design your communications so that people can
effectively use them
 Collaborate with others to write, revise, and edit your
work to meet professional standards
 Develop strategies for communicating in a clear and
appropriate style
 Examine how accepted workplace communication
practices might be made more effective, more ethical,
and more inclusive
Technical Communication Today by Johnson-Sheehan (4th
edition)
 Quizzes: 5%
 Presence: 5%
 Homework and blog: 10%
 Peer Review Activities: 5%
 Job Search Materials: 5%
 Definitions, descriptions, instructions and procedures: 10%
 Reports and/or proposals (activity, recommendation,
usability, or completion report): 60%
dm45@txstate.edu
English 3304.251: Professional Writing (WI). 2-3:20 MW, FH 114
3304.252: 11-12:20 MW, FH 114
Instructor:
Patricia Margerison
Course Description:
English 3304 is a course for students who wish to learn to
communicate professionally on the job. We will learn how to
design effective documents by understanding our audience and
purpose. Documents will include the memo, the letter, e-mail,
and other documents used in the workplace.
Books:
Writing That Works: Communicating Effectively on the Job 10th
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
ed. by Walter Oliu, Charles Brusaw, and Gerald Alred
Grades are based on individual assignments and a final exam.
pm07@txstate.edu
English 3304.253: Professional Writing (WI). 9:30-10:50 TTH, FH 120
Instructor:
Chad Hammett
Course Description:
English 3304 is a course that teaches professional
communication. We will design effective documents by paying
careful attention to audience and purpose. Documents will
include the memo, the letter, e-mail, and other documents
common to the workplace.
Books:
Writing That Works: Communicating Effectively on the Job 10th
ed. (with 2009 MLA and 2010 APA and Updates) by Walter
Oliu, Charles Brusaw, and Gerald Alred
Evaluation:
Grades consist of assignments and exam
E-Mail:
ch34@txstate.edu
English 3304.254: Professional Writing (WI). 11:00-12:20 TTH, FH 114
Instructor:
Twister Marquiss
Course Description:
English 3304 adapts the principles of expository writing for use
in the workplace. The course prepares students in non-technical
fields to write documents commonly used in professional
settings. Students will create effective memos, letters, e-mails,
and other documents critical to workplace communication. The
course operates in seminar/workshop format. Computer
technology is included.
Books:
Writing That Works: Communicating Effectively on the Job,
10th ed. (Includes 2009 MLA and 2010 APA Updates) by
Walter Oliu, Charles Brusaw, and Gerald Alred.
Evaluation:
Grades are based on individual assignments and a final exam.
E-Mail:
twister@txstate.edu
English 3306.251: Writing for Film (WI). 11:00-12:20 MW, FH 228
Instructor:
Jon Marc Smith
Course Description:
Course Emphasis
In this course we will study the theory and practice of writing
screenplays, including narratology, story elements
(characterization, plotting, dramatic structure, dramatic action,
dialogue, setting, and theme), the deconstruction of the
composition process, the Hollywood Paradigm, three-act
restorative structure, and the conventional format of
screenplays.
Students will develop story ideas, pitches, beat sheets, and
loglines. Students may also choose to write the first act of a
screenplay. Students will read and analyze screenplays as texts,
as well as view and analyze films as texts.
Students will participate in writing workshops by providing
peers with feedback/commentary on their manuscripts. Each
student will have story ideas, film treatments, and the first act of
a screenplay discussed by the class in workshop format.
Because creative writing is an artistic endeavor, we will not
always agree. Readers and viewers have different tastes and
beliefs. We will, however, engage in a lively exchange of ideas.
Discussion is integral to this course. Each student should come
to class prepared, eager to share ideas, and open to new points
of view. We must create an environment in which all our views
are respected and explored. Because we discuss student work,
we should all be sensitive and compassionate to each other. I
expect you to evaluate your peers, but you should always
criticize your fellow students in a constructive manner.
Student Outcomes
Students will learn to eliminate vague and “tired” language in
their writing; use conventional techniques, styles, tools, and
modes of screenwriting; engage with the creative work of other
students; and evaluate and improve their own creative work.
Books:
Evaluation:
In addition, students will deconstruct screenplays in order to
understand why authors made specific compositional choices.
Students will then apply what they learn to their own drafts.
Students will also evaluate, interpret, and judge the writing of
other students, thus creating a community of writers and
learners.
Diablo Cody, Juno: The Shooting Script ISBN: 9781557048028
Tony Gilroy, Michael Clayton: The Shooting Script ISBN:
9781557047953
Charlie Kaufman, Adaptation: The Shooting Script,
ISBN: 9781557045119
Robert McKee, Story, ISBN: 9780060391683
Robert Towne, Chinatown/The Last Detail: Two Screenplays,
ISBN: 9780802134011
Christopher Vogler, The Writer’s Journey
ISBN: 9781932907360
1) Two essays (3-5 pages each) on screenplay theory and
practice
2) A logline (or pitch sentence) workshopped in class
3) A beat sheet (or outline) for about half a screenplay
workshopped by peers
E-Mail:
4) A final essay OR a first act of a movie in conventional
screenplay form
5) Workshopping peers’ loglines, pitches, and beat sheets
6) Vocal participation in class including reading the
assignments on time and discussing them in class
7) Politeness and work ethic
8) Regular attendance
Js71@txstate.edu
English 3311.251: Advanced Writing: Writing for the Computer Industry (WI).
11:00-12:20 TTH, FH G13
Instructor:
Beverley Braud
Course Description:
Writing for the Computer Industry introduces participants to
the skills required for creating hard-copy and online documents
for employees in the computer industry and users of software
and hardware. The course focuses on the techniques for
producing user materials and design-based documents; these
techniques include user-analysis, elicitation, document design
and style for documents such as functional requirements
documents, user manuals, and everyday communication.
Participants will also practice the writing and computer skills
necessary for producing those documents. We will also look at
writing and designing for both impaired and international
audiences.
Books:
Evaluation:
PLEASE NOTE: Students should have at least a general
knowledge of computer functions and terminology as well as
software use.
Read Me First! A Style Guide for the Computer Industry, 3rd ed.
Sun Technical Publications (ISBN: 9780137058280).
We will also look at numerous web-based documents and
reports to study the techniques and documents important to
writing in this field.
Written assignments will be evaluated based on professional
writing and design standards for informative documents.
Assignments will include (but will not be limited to) descriptive
and instructional writing, editing, work with graphics,
requirements documents, user manual.
Assignments and Points, Fall 2012
I indicates an Individual assignment; G indicates a Group
assignment.
Writing Sample (I)
10
Introductory Memo (I)
10
E-Mail:
Style Worksheet 1 (I)
20
Style Worksheet 2 (I)
25
Preliminary App Ideas (G) 20
Vision & Scope Report (G)50
Mechanics Worksheet (I) 20
FRS Draft (G)
20
Directed Workday Notes (I)15
FRS (G)
50
User Interface Description (I)25
Brief Instructions (I)
25
User Manual (G)
50
User Help Workshop Notes (I) 10
Product Presentation (G) 50
Final (I)
25
Course
325
bb08@txstate.edu
English 3311.252: Advanced Writing: Writing for Problem Solving
5:00 – 6:20 MW, FH 225
Instructor:
Deborah Balzhiser, PhD
Course Description:
“Problem solving is common ground for all the disciplines and
fundamental to all human activities. A writer is a problem
solver of a particular kind. Writers ‘solutions’ will be
determined by how they frame their problems, the goals they set
for themselves, and the means or plans they adopt for achieving
those goals” (Berkenkotter). During this course, students will be
challenged with different kinds of problems. To solve them,
students will draw upon and develop creativity, analytical
abilities, primary and secondary research skills, a keen sense of
audience and purpose, facility with language, writing, and
communication, and an interest in working with others. They
will also question the notion of perfect.
Goals:
For the semester-long project, students will be given a problem
from an organization outside of the class. The class will focus
on framing the problem, conducting rhetorical analyses, and
using writing and creativity to solve it. Students will complete
individual and team tasks and will be guided so that they can
learn to collaborate effectively. The class will draw upon the
strengths and talents of each student.
Learn to solve different kinds of problems; learn ways writing
can be integral to problem-solving; gain experience working on
a project with an organization; develop creativity, analytical
abilities, primary and secondary research skills, a keen sense of
audience and purpose, facility with language, writing, and
communication; learn to work in a team; have materials for a
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
professional portfolio
Required
 Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Creativity: Flow and the
Psychology of Discovery and Invention
 Donald Norman. Emotional Design: Why We Love (or
Hate) Everyday Things
 Janet E. Davidson and Robert J. Sternberg. The
Psychology of Problem Solving
Recommended
 Paul B. Paulus and Bernard A. Nijstad. Group
Creativity: Innovation through Collaboration
Course project (including analytical report, progress report,
design document, presentation, informative report,
communication with organization, teamwork) 70%; problem
presentations 10%; Blog 10%; Presence 5%; Homework 5%
dbalzhiser@txstate.edu
English 3311.253: Advanced Writing: Environmental Writing (WI).
8:00-9:20 TH, FH 257
Instructor:
Susan Hanson
Course Description:
Students will read and discuss the work of a diverse group of
writers, some of whom eloquently celebrate the natural world
and others who lament humanity’s role in desecrating the earth.
Using selected works as models, students will write essays of
their own, addressing issues of sustainability: the individual and
community, consumerism and the environment, the writer as
activist, and more.
Books:
Evaluation:
essays (including the final exam), daily grades (including a
writing journal)
E-Mail:
sh17@txstate.edu
English 3311.253: Advanced Writing: The Personal Essay
Instructor:
Debra Monroe
Course Description:
This course will be a “writing workshop” for creative
nonfiction. We will read and discuss the personal essay or, if
you prefer, the essay-length “memoir.” But we will spend most
of the semester discussing and critiquing work students in the
class produce. Once we’ve done some introductory reading—
published essays; also works that discuss what the essay does
best, what its hold over the reader must be, how a personal
subject becomes universal—we will begin “workshop.”
Everyone will first do some writing exercises based on prompts,
so that these short exercises will hopefully generate longer
works. Students will take turns handing out copies of their
work, and the student writing becomes our class homework and
the focus of discussion.
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
Workshop means that we, as a group, first describe the
individual student’s work: its strengths, its appeals, its emerging
shape. Then, and only then, we will discuss which craft
decisions are helping and hindering that ideal shape. Showing
your work to others can make you feel vulnerable, but I promise
that I run a generative, constructive workshop, a workshop
where every student leaves with practical advice for revision.
(No “thumbs up” and “thumbs down” responses allowed.
They’re not helpful. A thoughtful discussion about what the
essay is already conveying and how it might be revised so its
content is more accessible to readers is always helpful.) I am a
published writer—four books of fiction, one memoir, and I have
published essays in The Southern Review, The American
Scholar, Slate.com, The Morning News, and more. I have
taught creative writing at the graduate level at Texas State for
many years, and at conferences and universities all over the
country.
The Best American Essays 2012, ed. Robert Atwan and David
Brooks
(I’ll also have an electronic reserve file at the library so that we
have more selections)
Writing Exercises 20%
A thought-provoking essay exam about the published essays
we’ve read 15%
First essay 20%
Second Essay 20%
Final Portfolio 25%
dm24@txstate.edu
English 3315.251: Introduction to Creative Writing (WI).
11:00-12:20 MW, FH G04
Instructor:
John Blair
Course Description:
A critical seminar for writers of fiction, poetry, and articles.
Creativity, criticism, and revision are emphasized.
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
jb20@txstate.edu
English 3315.252: Introduction to Creative Writing (W). 2:00-3:20 TTH, FH 253
Instructor:
Doug Dorst
Catalog Description:
A critical seminar for writers of fiction, poetry, and articles.
Creativity, criticism, and revision are emphasized.
Books:
The Scribner Anthology of Contemporary Short Fiction
(Williford), ISBN 1416532277
Best American Poetry 2011 (Lehman), ISBN 1439181497
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
dougdorst@txstate.edu
English 3315.253: Introduction to Creative Writing (WI). 11:00-12:20 TH, FH 253
Instructor:
Ogaga Ifowodo
Course Description:
Have you ever wondered how poems and stories are made and
do you harbour a genuine desire to be a poet or writer? This
course provides you a practical space for developing your skills
as a writer and also as a critical reader of literature, with
emphasis on revising and rewriting as the joy of creative
writing. We will focus on the aspects of craft peculiar to poetry,
fiction and creative non-fiction. The format will be workshop,
discussion and occasional lecture. The primary material will be
your original writing and selected readings from the class texts
or other published works.
Books:
James Longenbach, The Art of the Poetic Line. St. Paul:
Graywolf Press, 2008
Mark Strand and Eavan Boland (eds), The Making of a Poem: A
Norton Anthology of Poetic Forms. New York: W. W.
Norton, 2001
Tom Bailey, On Writing Short Stories, 2nd ed. New York:
Oxford U P, 2011
R. V. Cassill & Richard Bausch (eds), The Norton Anthology of
Short Fiction. New York: W. W. Norton, 2006
Strunk & White, Elements of Style (4th ed). New York:
Longman, 2000
There will be occasional handouts.
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
ogaga@txstate.edu; 245-7668; Flowers Hall M10
English 3315.254: Introduction to Creative Writing (W). 11:00-12:20 TTH, FH G04
3315.257: On-line Course
Instructor:
Roger Jones
Catalog Description:
A critical seminar for writers of fiction, poetry, and articles.
Creativity, criticism, and revision are emphasized.
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
rj03@txstate.edu
English 3315.256: Introduction to Creative Writing (WI). 6:30-9:20 TUE, FH 112
Instructor:
Miles Wilson
Course Description:
The course involves a study of the theory and practice of fiction
and poetry writing. This is accomplished through selected
readings from the texts, discussion of genre theory, workshop
commentary, and written critiques of student work. The central
focus of the course is the workshop; the primary text, student
manuscripts. Each student will have at lest one manuscript
discussed in workshop, either a short story or a group of poems.
The material is photocopied and distributed to the class on a
fixed schedule that provides for careful review of the
manuscript by members of the class before workshop discussion
Books:
Charters, The Story and Its Writer; Perrine, Sound and Sense
Evaluation:
Course requirements include the writing of two short stories or
8 poems or one short story and 4 poems; active participation in
the workshop is expected.
The course grade is based principally on work written for the
class and any revision of that material. Workshop participation
which is especially effective or negligible can affect the course
grade. A final examination moves grades microscopically,
affecting only those grades that are balancing between two
levels.
E-Mail:
mw14@txstate.edu
English 3316.251: Film and Prose Fiction, Topic: American Film Noir (WI).
5:00-6:20 TTH, FH 229
Instructor:
Victoria Smith
Course Description:
This course examines a group of visually and psychologically
dark American films, produced mostly in the 40s and 50s.
Known as film noir (literally “black film”), these films are
marked by their low-key lighting, rained slicked city streets,
complex narration, femme fatales, and heroes turned into losers.
These brooding, violent films, with themes of paranoia, despair,
and moral ambiguity offer a unique opportunity to explore the
historical, cultural, and political conditions that produced them
as well to analyze their fascinating visual style and aesthetics.
Through close analysis of the films and readings that
contextualize them broadly, we will look at some of the tensions
they embody: the breakdown of stable gender categories, the
dislocation of domestic arrangements, the failure of the
American Dream, and the alienation of modern urban life.
Books:
Tentative Books:
Corrigan and White, The Film Experience,
Naremore, More Than Night: Film Noir and Its Contexts,
Silver and Ursini, Film Noir Reader,
Cain, Double Indemnity,
Various essays on TRACS
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
Tentative films: The Big Sleep, The Blue Dahlia, Murder, My
Sweet, The Big Heat, Double Indemnity, The Postman Always
Rings Twice, Mildred Pierce, Out of the Past, The Maltese
Falcon, D.O.A., In a Lonely Place
Oral presentation, various short written responses to the texts,
midterm, and 2 formal papers
vs13@txstate.edu
English 3319.251: The Development of English (WI). 9:30-9:50 MWF, FH 225
Instructor:
Susan Tilka
Course Description:
This course will study the historical development of the English
language and its changes through the centuries. We will look at
the origins of English paying attention to the cultural, literary
and technical changes that lead to the persistence of English as a
global language today. Students will write one-page responses
to articles or to ideas about English. We will pay particular
attention to the story of the OED in the Nineteenth Century,
write a history of the students’ names, and the course will
conclude by looking at contemporary English.
Books:
Evaluation:
Emphasis on reading, writing, and research skills
E-Mail:
st11@txstate.edu
English 3319.252: The Development of English (WI). 9:30-10:50 TTH, FH 130
Instructor:
Dickie Heaberlin
Course Description:
Origin and growth of the English language with particular
attention to phonological, morphological, and grammatical
changes; history of dialects, spelling, and dictionaries; sources
of vocabulary.
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
Format: Lecture, group work.
We will use several eBooks available free through our library
Class work, three tests, and a Final Exam
For more information, see Professor Heaberlin in FH 244. 2453710. Email Heaberlin@txstate.edu
Fall Office Hours: 10:30–11, 1:30–2 TH
English 3323.251: Modern Poetry (WI). 12:30-1:50 MW, FH225
Instructor:
Tomas Q. Morin
Course Description:
Our reading will consist of poems written about the city of New
York in order to explore the different ways poets of the 20th and
21st centuries have engaged the people and places of NYC.
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
-Poet in New York by Federico Garcia Lorca, translated by
Medina and Statman. ISBN: 978-0802143532
-Poems of New York, edited by Elizabeth Schmidt. ISBN: 9780375415043
Undetermined
tm28@txstate.edu
English 3325.251: Russian Literature in Translation (WI).
11:00-11:50 MWF, FH 227
Instructor:
Marilynn Olson
Course Description:
A survey of Russian literature from folktales to the
contemporary period, linking the literature to other cultural
productions, such as art and music.
Books:
An Anthology of Russian Literature from Earliest Writings to
Modern Fiction. (Rzhevsky)
Evaluation:
Reading quizzes, journals, essay tests, review, paper
E-Mail:
mo03@txstate.edu
English 3329.251: Mythology (WI). 9:30-10:45 TH, FH 229
Instructor:
Katie Kapurch
Course Description:
From the English Undergraduate Course Catalogue: A study of
myths in ancient cultures, mythic patterns in modern literature,
and Hollywood as myth-maker.
Topic: Fairy Tales and Pop Culture
Coursework will encourage students to:
 Recognize mythological patterns in texts spanning
different cultures and time periods
 Define myth and other key terms
 Apply specific theoretical approaches (like
structuralism, feminism, historical criticism,
psychological criticism) to the study of myth
 Identify and explain the mythological underpinnings and
functions of fairy tales and texts from contemporary pop
culture
 Analyze a variety of texts (literary, cinematic, and
television) and articulate findings in written form
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
Format: Lecture (primary) with some discussion
Thury and Devinney, Introduction to Mythology, 3e
Approximately 4 exams and 3 essays (written in-class and/or
out-of-class)
kk19@txstate.edu
English 3335.251: American Literature 1865-1930 (WI).
12:30-1:50 MW, FH 225
Instructor:
Elvin Holt
Course Description:
A survey of American literature from the Civil War to 1930.
Books:
The Rise of Silas Lapham (Howells)
Daisy Miller (James)
Puddin’head Wilson (Twain)
McTeague (Norris)
Maggie: A Girl of the Street (Crane)
The Yellow Wallpaper (Gilman)
The Sun Also Rises (Hemingway)
The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man (Johnson)
As I Lay Dying (Faulkner)
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
eh07@txstate.edu
English 3335.252: American Literature 1865-1930 (WI).
9:30-10:50 TTH, FH 229
Instructor:
Jaime Mejia
Course Description:
This course examines works of American Literature published
between 1865 through 1930. The works we’ll be discussing are
novels, short fiction, and short narrative essays. The period
we’ll be covering with the selected authors’ works begins at the
end of the Civil War and ends with events occurring during and
after World War I. So, we’ll begin with a war and end with a
war; today, it seems not much has changed. In between these
wars, we shall see whether these wars had any impact in what
the authors were thinking during this important period of
American history. In order to examine this nation from
perspectives which are more inclusive of this nation’s literary
legacy, the selected authors are from diverse backgrounds.
While we’ll mainly be reading these works in chronological
order, this order will be changed to set up contrasts which will
provide analytical ways of thinking about these authors’ works
within this time period. The first such change involves reading
Faulkner’s novel out of chronological sequence, in order to see
how much changed from Twain and Crane’s time to Faulkner’s.
The authors’ works will further provide a good cross-section of
the issues which made up American history during this time.
While this historical period is generally considered to be preModern, as we shall see, the later works shall clearly be works
of high Modernism.
Books:
Evaluation:
There will be three papers covering the assigned readings from
different perspectives. In addition, the class will be conducted
through class discussions, so attendance and participating in
E-Mail:
these discussions will be very important.
Jm31@txstate.edu
English 3336.251: American Literature, 1930 to the Present (WI).
Instructor:
Victoria Smith
Course Description:
This course aims to provide, through literature (mostly the
novel), some snapshots of America in time—from the thirties to
the present. We will be looking at these works to remember and
understand history, cultural contexts, and formal literary
innovation in what is arguably the most interesting part of the
twentieth century.
Books:
Books will be selected from the following list:
William Faulkner, Absalom, Absalom (1936);
James M. Cain, Double Indemnity (1943);
Jack Kerouac, On the Road (1957);
Truman Capote, In Cold Blood (1965);
Michael Herr, Dispatches (1968);
John Kennedy Toole, John Kennedy, A Confederacy of Dunces
(1980);
Toni Morrison, Beloved (1987);
Allison Bechdel, Are You My Mother? (2012);
Kevin Powers, The Yellow Birds (2012);
Art Spielgelman, Maus (1986);
Junot Diaz, This is How You Lose Her (2012)
Evaluation:
oral presentation, various short written responses to the texts,
midterm, and 2 formal papers
E-Mail:
vs13@txstate.edu
Fall Office Hours: T/Th 3:30-4:30 Flowers M11
English 3338.251: The American Novel (WI). 9:30-10:50 TTH, FH 227
Instructor:
Priscilla Leder
Course Description:
We will read, discuss, and analyze seven novels from 1894 to
2010 to discover how American writers have used and
expanded the novel form and to understand how representative
American novels reflect and comment upon our culture.
Books:
Cather, Willa, O Pioneers!
Crane, Stephen, The Red Badge of Courage
Garcia, Cristina, The Lady Matador's Hotel
James, Henry, The Spoils of Poynton
Lewis, Sinclair, Babbitt
Morrison, Toni, Sula
Salinger, J. D., The Catcher in the Rye
Evaluation:
Probably 2 short papers (about 2 pages), 1 longer paper (about 4
pages), a brief presentation, a midterm, and a final
E-Mail:
PLeder@txstate.edu
English 3342.251: Editing. 12:30-1:50 MW, FH 114
Instructor:
Dr. Miriam F. Williams
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to teach you to edit a variety of
workplace documents. To this end, you will edit book chapters,
web content, journal articles, and other workplace documents.
You will also learn to index and use the latest editing and
collaborative writing software.
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
Course Objectives: The objectives for this course include
acquainting you with basic editing skills. By the end of the
course, you will understand 1) levels of editing, 2) editor-author
relationships, 3) sentence-level editing, 4) document editing,
and 5) indexing.
Editing for Writers by Lois Johnson Review and The
Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and
Corporate Communications 2nd edition by Amy Einsohn
Reading Material from the Web: You will also be assigned
the following readings from the web:
William Strunk’s 1918 version of the Elements of Style at
http://www.bartleby.com/141/
Purdue OWL: APA Style -http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
Purdue OWL: MLA Style -http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/11/
Purdue OWL: Chicago Manual of Style -http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/717/01/
Attendance: 10%
Editing Project I: (Conduct a developmental edit on a short
book) 10%
Editing Project II: (Conduct a substantive edit on a product
manual) 10%
Midterm Exam: 20%
Editing Project III: (Copyedit a journal article): 10%
Editing Project IV: (Proof/production edit a textbook chapter)
10%
Editing Project V: (Index a short book) 10%
Final Exam: 20%
You may contact Dr. Williams at mfw@txstate.edu
English 3342.252: Editing. 11:00-12:20 MW, FH 1143
Instructor:
Beverley Braud
Course Description:
English 3342 studies the editing process as well as the
professional settings in which editors work. We will also
discuss and put into practice the techniques of editing (the
major content of the course), including global and sentence-
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
level editing. Other topics include, but are not limited to:
common language and writing problems; page layout; web
presentation; graphic presentation and editing.
Rew, Lois Johnson. Editing for Writers. Prentice Hall. ISBN 013-749086-0
A variety of assignments, including a semester project, related
to the topics described above. Grading in this course will
assume that students have a familiarity with basic grammar,
vocabulary, and writing types. Assignments will be graded
using a 100-point scale.
Assignments & Points for Spring 2012
Grammar test
15
Editing skills
20
Editing Ethics
20
Proofer’s Marks
10
Ch 6, Ex 3, 4, 5, + discussion15
Ch 14, ex 4
20
Mid-term quiz
20
Ch 12, ex 1
20
Fact-checking exercise
20
Graphics editing exercise 25
DocDesign Evaluation
25
Access Aid Evaluation
20
Small Doc Mock-Up
25
4-5 in-class impromptu
assignments
40-50
Final
25
Course
325-335
Flowers Hall M20
Office times, Fall 2012: 2:00-3:00 MW; 1:00-2:00 TTh
bb08@txstate.edu
English 3343.251: The Interdisciplinary Approach to Literature, Topic: Edgar
Allan Poe (WI). 11:00-12:20 TTH, FH 113
Instructor:
Robert T. Tally, Jr.
Course Description:
Through his tales, poetry, and criticism, Poe helped to establish
a distinctly literary style of writing in the United States, and he
was instrumental in introducing English and German
Romanticism to American letters. This course will examine a
number of works by Poe, paying special attention to his shortform fiction.
Objectives: (1) To gain familiarity with a number of important
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
works by Edgar Allan Poe; (2) to understand their literary and
historical contexts; and (3) to analyze those works.
Poe, E.A. The Selected Writings of Edgar Allan Poe (Norton
Critical Edition). Ed. G.R. Thompson. New York: W.W. Norton,
2004. [ISBN: 978-0-393-97285-6]
Format: Interactive lecture and classroom discussion.
The final grade will be based on six short papers, as well as
class participation.
For more information, contact Professor Tally: Flowers Hall
M09, 245-3016, or robert.tally@txstate.edu.
Fall Office Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 2:00–3:00.
English 3343.252: The Interdisciplinary Approach to Literature, Topic: Ernest
Hemingway (WI). 11:00-12:20 TH, FH 226
Instructor:
Mark Busby
Course Description:
Ernest Hemingway is clearly one of the most important
American writers of the Twentieth Century, and he continues to
be a major influence on writers of the Twenty-first century such
as Cormac McCarthy. This course will explore the works of
this often praised, often maligned writer.
Books:
Students will read works from throughout Hemingway’s career
including selected stories and such novels as The Sun Also
Rises, A Farewell to Arms, and For Whom the Bell Tolls.
Evaluation:
Two exams (100points) and a final exam (200 points) and a
semester paper (200 points)
E-Mail:
mb13@txstate.edu
English 3343.253: The Interdisciplinary Approach to Literature: Bob Dylan (WI).
3:30-4:50 TH, FH 229
Instructor:
Paul Cohen
Course Description:
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
cohen@txstate.edu
English 3343.254: The Interdisciplinary Approach to Literature: Jane Austen (WI).
6:30-9:20 TH, FH 113
Instructor:
JoAnn Labay
Course Description:
Books:
The Complete Novels of Jane Austen, ISBN 9780143039501
Jane Austen: The World of Her Novels, ISBN 9780711222786
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
jk16@txstate.edu
English 3346.251: Southwestern Studies II (WI). 12:30-1:50 TTH, FH 113
Instructor:
David Norman
Course Description:
This course examines the richness and diversity of the
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico and focuses
on multicultural studies by exploring the region’s people,
institutions, history, art, and physical and cultural ecology. An
interdisciplinary approach increases awareness of and
sensitivity to the diversity of ethnic and cultural traditions in the
area. Students will discover what distinguishes the Southwest
from other regions of the United States, as well as its
similarities, physically and culturally. The images, myths, and
perceptions of the region will be examined in light of historic
records and literary texts.
Goals: Students should be able to understand and analyze a
variety of texts; quote, paraphrase, and summarize print and/or
online sources to support ideas; use standard procedures of
citation and documentation; discuss in detail various definitions
of the American Southwest, including northern Mexico, as a
specific, unique region; address the themes and qualities of the
region as expressed in cultural documents; explain how an
interdisciplinary understanding is necessary in examining
regional issues. Additionally, students will demonstrate the
ability to produce a graduate-level paper of 15-25 pages that
uses research to demonstrate mastery of regional issues. MFA
students may select a creative option with instructor approval.
Books:
Graves, John. Goodbye to a River (Vintage)
McCarthy, Cormac. Blood Meridian (Picador)
Montejano, David. Anglos and Mexicans in the Making of
Texas: 1836-1986 (UT Press)
Porter, Katherine Anne . The Collected Stories of Katherine
Anne Porter (Harvest)
Rulfo, Juan . Pedro Páramo. trans. by Margaret Sayers Peden,
fwd. by Susan Sontag (Grove)
Vulliamy, Ed. Amexica: War Along the Borderline (Picador)
Evaluation:
Graduate students will take two regular exams and a final exam,
totaling 50% of the overall course grade; write a major paper
(40%); and meet in seminar/conference with instructors for
discussions (10% participation).
E-Mail:
Format: Lectures and discussions.
For more information: see David Norman in Brazos 220.
Email: davidnorman@txstate.edu
Office phone: 245-0351
Fall Office Hours: T/TH 1:30 - 3:30 pm and by appointment.
English 3348.251: Creative Writing: Fiction (WI). 2:00-3:20 MW, FH 254
Prerequisite: English 3315
Instructor:
John Blair
Course Description:
A seminar for writers of fiction, with emphasis on creativity,
criticism, and revision. Prerequisite: ENG 3315.
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
JBlair@txstate.edu
English 3348.252: Creative Writing: Fiction (WI). 2:00-3:20 TTH, FH 256
Prerequisite: English 3315
Instructor:
Miles Wilson
Course Description:
The course involves a study of the theory and practice
of fiction writing. This is accomplished through selected readings
from the texts, discussion of genre theory,
workshop commentary, and written critiques of student
work. The central focus of the course is the workshop; the primary
text, student manuscripts. Each student will have at least one
manuscript discussed in workshop. The fiction
is photocopied and distributed to the class on a fixed
schedule that provides for careful review of the
manuscript by members of the class before workshop discussion.
Submission of manuscripts for publication
will be discussed and encouraged.
Objectives: To refine the ability to draft, revise, and
critique literary fiction
Books:
Cassill, The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction; Shapard and Thomas,
Sudden Fiction International
Evaluation:
Course requirements include the writing of two short
stories or their equivalent and active participation in the workshop.
The course grade is based principally on work written for the class and
any revision of that material. Workshop participation which is
especially effective or insubstantial can affect the course grade. A
final essay examination affects only those course grades which have
not been clearly established by students’ writing and workshop
commentary.
Format: Discussion, lecture
E-Mail:
mw14@txstate.edu
English 3349.251: Creative Writing: Poetry (WI), 2:00-3:20 MW, FH 257
Instructor:
Kathleen Peirce
Course Description:
A seminar for writers of poetry, with emphasis on creativity,
criticism, and revision. Prerequisite: ENG 3315.
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
kathleenp@txstate.edu
English 3352.251: Medieval English Literature (WI).
3:30-4:50 TTH, FH 225
Instructor:
Susan Morrison
Course Description:
In this course we will explore a number of texts of
varying genres, including saints’ lives, romance, allegory, and
visionary literature. Two themes will recur throughout the
semester: pilgrimage and gender. Pilgrimage was a highly
important activity in the Middle Ages. Additionally, this
practice undertaken physically and mentally is reflected in the
literature, most famously in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (not
the focus of this class). So we will see how pilgrimage pops up,
either literally or symbolically, in much later medieval work
generated in England. For example, William Langland’s Piers
Plowman is a gloriously complex allegory of late fourteenthcentury England.
Not all literature produced in England after the Norman
Conquest was written in Middle English. Indeed, AngloNorman and Latin works predominated for some time after
1066. Among the works we will examine include the AngloNorman saints lives of St. Katherine, written by Clemence of
Barking, one of the first woman writing after the Norman
Conquest so far as we know. Other works by women we will
read include Julian of Norwich’s beautiful Revelations of Divine
Love. Margery Kempe’s early 15th century visionary text is
conventionally viewed as the first autobiography in English by a
man or woman. And we’ll read literature written FOR women
by men, including selections from the Rule for Anchoresses.
One of the earliest works we’ll examine is Saint Patrick’s
Purgatory by Marie de France, better known, perhaps, for her
Lais or short romances. We also will read the most famous
Arthurian poem written in Middle English: Sir Gawain and the
Green Knight.
Students will be reading great works of literature that
will take a lot of time but are immensely rewarding. Be
prepared to read, think and work a lot.
Books:
Kempe, Margery, The Book of Margery Kempe. Trans. Lynn Staley.
Norton, 2000: ISBN-10: 0393976394; ISBN-13: 978-0393976397
William Langland, Piers Plowman Norton Critical Edition,
Elizabeth Robertson and Stephen H.A. Shepherd, trans./editors.
2006 Norton. ISBN-10: 0393975592; ISBN-13: 9780393975598
Medieval English Prose for Women: Selections from the
Katherine Group and Ancrene Wisse (Clarendon Paperbacks).
Bella Millett (Editor), Jocelyn Wogan-Browne (Editor). Oxford
UP. 1992. ISBN-10: 0198119976; ISBN-13: 978-0198119975
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Norton Critical Editions.
Marie Borroff (Editor, Translator), Laura L. Howes (Editor).
2009. ISBN-10: 0393930254 ; ISBN-13: 978-0393930252
Julian of Norwich's Revelations of Divine Love (Penguin
Classics). 0-140-44673-7
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
ON TRACS
Marie de France Saint Patrick’s Purgatory.
Clemence of Barking, Life of Saint Catherine; Anonymous, Life
of Saint Lawrence
Final exam: 25%
Mid-Term: 25%
Leading class discussion with short paper: 20% @ each time
[40% altogether]
Class participation/preparation: 10%
Morrison@txstate.edu
English 3368.251: The English Novel (WI). 12:30-1:50 TTH, FH 225
Instructor:
Paul Cohen
Course Description:
The novel has been the dominant literary genre in English for
well over a century. We will study some highlights in the
history of the novel in the British Isles, from the first such book
to an example from 2005. The course will familiarize students
with several great and representative English novels, as well as
with the nature of fiction and of the novel.
Books:
Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe (Penguin Classics), Laurence
Sterne’s Tristram Shandy (excerpts) (Penguin Classics), Jane
Austen’s Emma (Penguin Classics), Emily Brontë’s Wuthering
Heights (Oxford World’s Classics), Charles Dickens’ Great
Expectations (Oxford World’s Classics), Salman Rushdie’s The
Ground Beneath Her Feet (Picador), and Tom McCarthy’s
Remainder (Vintage).
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
The Rushdie and McCarthy books are only available in these
editions, while the others are available in many editions. If you
have other modern, unabridged, annotated editions, they are fine
with me.
A short paper (15% of course grade, and a longer documented
research paper (35%). Two exams (25% each), each consisting
of objective questions and an essay.
cohen@txstate.edu
English 3385.251: Children’s Literature (WI). 9-9:50 MWF, FH 226
3385.252: 10-10:50 MWF, FH 227
Instructor:
Dr. Graeme Wend-Walker
Course Description:
This course presents an overview of the field of Children’s
Literature – both the literature itself and the discourse around it.
What does “Children’s Literature” mean, exactly? What makes
Peter Rabbit worthy of our attention? Why do certain works
endure in the public imagination? These and other questions
will be addressed as we discuss a range of classic and
contemporary texts. Along the way, we will consider issues of
genre, audience, culture, and critical perspective. By the end,
students will be able to describe key concerns in the field and be
able to discuss Children’s Literature through a range of critical
frameworks. American, British, and Australian texts will be
considered.
Books:
Margaret Wise Brown, Mister Dog; Mem Fox, Possum Magic;
Jon Scieszka, The Frog Prince, Continued; Chara Curtis, No
One Walks on My Father’s Moon; Catherine Thimmesh, Team
Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon;
Juan Felipe Herrera, Downtown Boy; Frances Hodgson Burnett,
The Secret Garden; Lois Lowry, The Giver; Huynh Quang
Nhuong, The Land I Lost: Adventures of a Boy in Vietnam; and
a selection of children’s poetry (will be provided). A range of
other texts will also be discussed in class.
Evaluation:
Exam (with take-home long-answer component); essay; final
exam; quizzes and occasional homework exercises; attendance
and participation.
E-Mail:
gw15@txstate.edu
English 3385.253: Children’s Literature (WI). 11:00-12:20 TH, FH 229
Instructor:
Dr. Teya Rosenberg
This course is a survey of traditional, classic, and contemporary
Course Description:
children’s literature. It provides some historical overview of the
development of children’s literature and an examination of
different genres within the literature. It also touches on some of
the critical and scholarly approaches to and debates about
children’s literature. This course does not focus on teaching
children; its focus is what the literature is and how it works. The
goal of this course is to increase knowledge, deepen
understanding, and encourage appreciation of children’s
literature as an art form.
Books:
Hallett and Karasek, Folk and Fairy Tales, Concise Edition;
Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland; Sendak, In the
Night Kitchen; Soto and Guevara, Chato and the Party Animals;
Pratchett, The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents;
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
Lobel, Frog and Toad Together; Fitzhugh, Harriet the Spy
Essay, mid-term exam, reading questions and quizzes, final
exam, participation.
TR11@txstate.edu
English 3385.254: Children’s Literature (WI). 12:30-1:50 TTH, FH 228
3385.255: 3:30-4:50 TTH, FH 228
Instructor:
Caroline Jones
Course Description:
This course is designed to give you an overview of the literary
genres and forms of children’s literature as well as various
critical and theoretical approaches to the literature, and to
introduce you to different ways of reading and thinking about
children’s literature. This course is sustainability-infused: we
will practice conservation (reduce, reuse, recycle) and many
readings will focus on issues of sustainability and the
environment. You will have several opportunities to look
beyond the reading list to authors, titles, and genres of your
particular interest. To supplement the literary texts we will read
articles designed to stimulate and facilitate critical thinking
about literature.
Books:
Burnett, The Secret Garden
Hallett and Karasek, Folk and Fairy Tales, concise edition
Park, Project Mulberry
Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Scieszka and Smith, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
Sendak, In the Night Kitchen
Stevenson, Treasure Island
Taylor, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Van Allsburg, Just a Dream
Evaluation:
Short answer and essay exams, one analytical research paper,
two response papers and participation
E-Mail:
Format: Discussion, group work, interactive lecture
contact Professor Jones in FH M13, 245-3785 or email her at
cj24@txstate.edu
English 3386.251: Adolescent Literature (WI). 9:00-9:50 MWF, FH 229
Instructor:
Marilynn Olson
Course Description:
A survey of contemporary genres in young adult literature, with
attention to literary excellence, developmental themes, and
societal concerns.
Books:
Sabriel (Nix); Marcelo in the Real World (Stork); Looking for
Alaska (Green) and probably two more works, not yet chosen.
Evaluation:
Reading quizzes, journals, essay tests, review, paper
E-Mail:
mo03@txstate.edu
English 3386.252: Adolescent Literature (WI). 12:30-3:20 FRI, FH 229
Instructor:
Caroline Jones
Course Description:
This course is designed to give you a sampling of the literary
genres and forms represented in contemporary adolescent
literature, as well as various critical and theoretical approaches
to appreciating the literature. It contains multicultural content
and perspectives. You will have several opportunities to look
beyond the reading list to authors, titles, and genres of your
particular interest. To supplement the literary texts we will read
articles designed to stimulate and facilitate critical thinking
about literature.
Books:
Seven classic and contemporary texts for adolescents: Sherman
Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
(2007), Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games (2008), Walter
Dean Myers’s Monster (1999), Garth Nix’s Sabriel (1995),
Julie Anne Peters’s Luna (2004), Gene Luen Yang’s graphic
novel American Born Chinese (2006), and John Green’s
Looking for Alaska (2005).
Evaluation:
Essay exams, one close reading, one analytical research
paper, several reading responses, and participation
E-Mail:
Format: Discussion, group work, interactive lecture
For more information, contact Professor Jones: FH M13,
245-3785 or cj24@txstate.edu.
English 3388.251: Women and Literature (WI). 11:00-12:20 TTH, FH 227
Instructor:
Robin Cohen
Course Description:
A survey of women’s writing in English, in various genres, over
a period of some 600 years (14th century to the present).
Books:
Evaluation:
Norton Anthology of Literature by Women, 3/e, (Gilbert)
ISBN 9780393930153
E-Mail:
rc08@txstate.edu
English 3389.251: The Discipline of English (WI).
6:30-9:20 TUE, FH 229
Instructor:
Sarah Youree
Course Description:
How do we teach reading, writing, and literature in the
secondary language arts classroom? What are the best practices
that excellent teachers use, and what is the research that
supports such practices? This course will address and answer
these questions so that future teachers will enter the classroom
with current theories and strategies that support their
development as effective and reflective teachers.
Books:
- Beers, Kylene. When Kids Can’t Read: What Teachers Can
Do. Heinemann. 2003.
Evaluation:
- Gallagher, Kelly. Deeper Reading: Comprehending - Challenging Texts, 4-12. Stenhouse. 2004.
- Gallagher, Kelly. Teaching Adolescent Writers. Stenhouse.
2006.
- Christel, Mary and Scott Sullivan. Lesson Plans for Creating
Media-Rich Classrooms.
I will utilize the following grading scale:
E-Mail:
Lesson Plans (Writing, Reading, and Literature) . .. . . . . . 45%
Grading Tests and reading quizzes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15%
Reflections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20%
Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10%
Mini Lesson and Final Presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10%
sarahyouree@txstate.edu
English 4310.001: Modern English Syntax (WI). 2:00-3:20 TH, FH 113
Instructor:
Dickie Heaberlin
Course Description:
Student will learn to recognize the structure of English
sentences, beginning with very simple structures and
progressing to increasingly complex ones.
Books:
My book, English Syntax, will be provided free on Tracs.
Evaluation:
Three tests and a final.
E-Mail:
Format: Class time will usually be spent with checking
homework in groups, class correction of homework, and lecture
over new material.
For more information, see Professor Heaberlin in FH 244. 2453710. Email Heaberlin@txstate.edu
See information about Dick Heaberlin at
dickheaberlinwrites.com
Fall Office Hours: 10:30–11, 1:30–2 TH
English 4334.251: American Romanticism (WI). 10-10:50 MWF. FH 225
Instructor:
Steve Wilson
Course Description:
Synergy. It is a concept well-known among literary scholars.
There are many instances throughout literary history of genius
springing up among a small group of friends who fuel one
another's creativity: The Bloomsbury Group, the Beat
Generation, the English Romantic Poets. One such American
group whose synergy led to one of the great periods in our
literature were the Transcendentalists of Concord,
Massachusetts, in the mid to late nineteenth century. Known
also as "the American Renaissance," this movement composed
what would become arguably the first truly American voice in
literature. English 4334 will explore the roots and nature of that
voice.
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
Emerson, The Portable Emerson; Thoreau, The Portable
Thoreau; Hawthorne, The Celestial Railroad and The Blithedale
Romance; Fuller, Woman in the Nineteenth Century; Alcott,
Transcendental Wild Oats; Melville, Bartleby and Benito
Cereno.
I will ask each student to compose one seven-page research
paper on a topic approved by me in advance. There will also be
two exams -- one at mid-term and one at final exam time.
These examinations will consist of essay questions and perhaps
a few short-answer responses.
Sw13@txstate.edu
English 4348.251: Senior Seminar in Fiction Writing (WI).
2:00-3:20 MW, FH 112
Instructor:
Miles Wilson
Course Description:
This course involves study of the theory and practice of the
writing of literary fiction. This is accomplished through the
writing of fiction, selected readings, discussion of genre theory
and concerns of a writerly life, workshop commentary, and
written critique of student work. The central focus of the course
is the workshop; the primary text student manuscripts. Each
student will have at least one manuscript discussed in
workshop. The fiction is photocopied and distributed to the
class on a fixed schedule that provides for careful review of the
manuscript by members of the class before workshop
discussion. The course objectives include refining the ability to
draft, critique, revise, and publish literary fiction
Books:
The Story and Its Writer, ed. Ann Charters
Writing Past Dark: Envy, Fear, Distraction, and Other
Dilemmas in the Writer's Life, Bonnie Friedman
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
Course requirements include the writing of two short stories or
their equivalent, submission of one manuscript for publication,
and active participation in the workshop. The course grade is
based principally on work written for the class and any revision
of that work. Workshop participation which is especially
effective or insubstantial can affect the course grade. A final
essay examination affects only those course grades which have
not been clearly established by students' writing and workshop
commentary.
mw14@txstate.edu
English 4348.252: Senior Seminar in Fiction Writing (WI). 2:00-3:20 TTH, FH 252
Prerequisite: English 3348.
Instructor:
Course Description:
Nelly Rosario
This course is an advanced seminar in the writing of fiction,
with emphasis on imaginative thinking and critical evaluation of
manuscripts, peer critique, and preparation of manuscripts for
submission for publication. Prerequisite: English 3348. We
will likewise examine published fiction, paying close attention
to how each author employs narrative elements—
characterization, plotting, structure, dialogue mechanics,
setting, tone, theme—as well as the values and visions
expressed. The course is divided into workshop and seminar
sessions.
Learning Outcomes:
1) Knowledge of literary terms; 2) Ability to apply critical
theory to literary texts; 3) Understanding of audience and
purpose in written communication; 4) Ability to use the
conventions of fiction for creative writing; 5) Ability to
perform stylistic or rhetorical analysis on a passage
appropriate to fiction
The Department of English has adopted student learning
outcomes for general education courses in writing and literature
and for degree programs in English. These outcomes are
available for your review at
http://www.english.txstate.edu. Pull down the Student
Resources menu and go to "Learning Outcomes."
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
nr12@txstate.edu
English 4349.251: Senior Seminar in Poetry Writing (WI).
2:00-3:20 TTH, FH G04
Prerequisite: English 3349
Instructor:
Roger Jones
Course Description:
Workshop in writing poetry and evaluating manuscripts.
Students produce portfolio of creative work. Prerequisite: ENG
3349.
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
RogerJones@txstate.edu
English 4351.251: Chaucer and His Time (WI).
11:00-11:50 MWF, FH 225
Instructor:
Edgar Laird
Course Description:
Survey of Geoffrey Chaucer’s writings and the times in which
he lived.
Learning outcomes: The Department of English has adopted
student learning outcomes for general education courses in
writing and literature and for all degree programs in English.
You will find these outcomes at http://www.english.txstate.edu
(under the “Student Resources” menu). Please review the
outcomes for the course/program in which you are enrolled.
Academic honesty: See Undergraduate Catalog, p.42 (honor
code).
Students with special needs: Students who need special
accommodations to succeed in this course must inform the
instructor and the Office of Disability Services in the first two
weeks of the semester.
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail:
Attendance policy: “Texas State expects students to attend
every scheduled class meeting” (Undergraduate Catalog, p.46).
office FH 137; phone 245-3716
English 4355.251: The Later Shakespeare (WI). 2:00-3:20 MW, FH 113
Instructor:
Joe Falocco
Course Description:
English 4355 studies representative works of Shakespeare’s
career from Hamlet onward. Students will read these plays in
their entirety, take quizzes on this reading, and prepare
paraphrases and textual analyses for key passages from each
play. For a final project, students will have the opportunity to
either write a five-page paper or prepare a scene for
performance.
Books:
Complete Works of Shakespeare. Ed. David Bevington. Sixth
Edition. New York: Pearson Longman, 2008. ISBN
9780205606283. Only this edition is acceptable for this
course!!!!! Please do not ask the professor if you can use a
different edition!!!!!!!!! You must buy this book and bring it
to class each day. No exceptions. No excuses.
Evaluation:
This course is graded on a “cost” basis. In other words,
everyone starts with an “A.” Students will lose a full-letter
grade if they miss class (or are late) more than four times. All
assignments (weekly paraphrase/text analysis assignments;
quizzes; papers; and the final project) are graded pass/fail. If
students fail (or miss) more than one quiz, they lose a full letter
grade for the semester. Students will lose a full letter grade if
they fail the paper, the final project, or any paraphrase/text
analysis. For a detailed description of each assignment and the
standards required for passing, please ask the professor for a
copy of the syllabus.
E-Mail:
jf48@txstate.edu
English 4355.252: The Later Shakespeare (WI). 6:30-9:20 THU, FH 252
Instructor:
Elizabeth Skerpan-Wheeler
Course Description:
A survey of selected works of Shakespeare from Hamlet
onwards, including “problem” comedies, tragedies, and
romances. The class will identify key historical and cultural
events that shaped the creation and reception of Shakespeare’s
plays; interpret Shakespeare’s literary language; apply
knowledge of the theatrical world (both Shakespeare’s and our
own) to their reading of the plays; analyze how the plays
achieve their effects; and appreciate the reasons for the
importance of the works of Shakespeare to English and world
literature.
Books:
The Norton Shakespeare, vol 2: The Later Plays, ed. Stephen
Greenblatt et al.
Evaluation:
One short paper (20%), one bibliographical essay (20%),
research plan (10%), scholarly term paper (25%),
comprehensive final examination (20%), participation (5%).
E-Mail:
Format: Discussion, group work, some lecture.
For more information, see Professor Skerpan-Wheeler in FH
331. Voice Mail: 245-3727. E-mail: es10@txstate.edu.
Fall Office Hours: 8:30-9:30 T TH, 2-4 T, 2-3 TH