English 100 College Writing:
Loss in Literature
Fall 2014 / TR 4:30-6:10pm / Newton 206
Caroline Beltz-Hosek
Office: Welles 203
Office Hours: TR 3:15-4:15pm
Office Phone: 245-5289
E-mail: hosek@geneseo.edu
Course Description: This course examines the complex theme of loss (loss of life, control,
potential, innocence, faith in humanity, etc.) within contemporary American literature. In
addition to frequent writing assignments, students will thoughtfully analyze short stories by
Raymond Carver, Andre Dubus, Ernest Hemingway, and Joyce Carol Oates as well as longer
works—encompassing the unique, dynamic genres of poetry, drama, memoir/creative
nonfiction, novel, and film adaptations—by Judith Guest, Galway Kinnell, and Gregory Orr.
We will consider how these various authors cope with the inevitability of loss by accessing
the transcendental power of creative expression. Note: there will be a creative writing
element to the class.
Required texts:
Guest, Judith. Ordinary People
Kinnell, Galway. The Book of Nightmares
O’Neill, Eugene. Long Day’s Journey Into Night
Orr, Gregory. The Blessing: A Memoir
+ mandatory readings posted on myCourses
Course Requirements:
Reader Response Papers (4 total)
Final Paper
Creative Writing Assignments & Group Reports
Attendance & Class Participation
35%
30%
20%
15%
______________________
100%
In addition to a 5-page analytical final essay, students must complete a series of four (4)
cogent and intellectually sound “reader response” papers, each two (2) full double-spaced
pages in length, submitted at the beginning of class on its due date. Supplemental creative
writing assignments and semi-formal group presentations are also required. Specific details to
come; please see the course calendar for due dates. All assignments for English 100 must
be typed in black ink, Times New Roman 12 pt. font, paginated, stapled, with your
name and a proper heading. Citing sources according to MLA guidelines is expected.
Late work: Late work will not be tolerated! Unless prior arrangements are made, I do not
accept late papers. Do not attempt to skirt this policy by placing delinquent work under my
office door or in my mailbox. Also, do not e-mail me your papers—I want hard copies unless
you clear it with me first. Failure to complete all of the written assignments will result in a
severe grade reduction or an E for the course. SUNY Geneseo’s policy on cheating,
plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty is in full effect; consult the Student
Handbook for more information.
Attendance & Class Participation: Students are expected to attend class regularly and play
an active role in class discussions. Come prepared, stay alert, and remember: shyness is not a
virtue! Chronic tardiness and/or unexcused absences will significantly lower your class
participation average. Whatever the case, it is your responsibility to keep up with goings-on
in class—that is, missing class does not excuse you from a subsequent deadline. I will not reteach material via e-mail or during office hours. Lastly, turn off your cell phones and refrain
from rudely text messaging in class. No exceptions.
Tentative Course Calendar
Tues
Thurs
Tues
Thurs
Tues
Thurs
Tues
Thurs
Tues
Thurs
8/26
8/28
9/2
9/4
9/9
9/11
9/16
9/18
9/23
9/25
Tues 9/30
Thurs 10/2
Tues 10/7
Thurs 10/9
Tues 10/14
Thurs 10/16
Tues 10/21
Thurs 10/23
Tues 10/28
Thurs 10/30
Tues 11/4
Thurs 11/ 6
Tues 11/11
Thurs 11/13
Tues 11/18
Thurs 11/20
Tues 11/25
Thurs 11/27
Tues 12/2
Thurs 12/4
Tues 12/16
Introductions/Syllabus Overview
Kinnell [Poems I-III]
Kinnell [Poems IV-VI]
Kinnell [Poems VII-IX]
Response Papers Due
Kinnell’s “Lastness” [Poem X] & Poetry Writing Workshop
Orr Part I (Group A)
Orr Part II (Group B)
Orr Part III (Group C)
Orr Part IV (Group D)
Response Papers Due
Oates: “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”
[download from myCourses]
Dubus: “Killings” [download from myCourses]
Hemingway: “Hills Like White Elephants” & “Indian Camp”
[download from myCourses]
Carver: “A Small, Good Thing”
Response Papers Due
[download from myCourses]
Short Fiction Writing Workshop
Fall Break — No Classes
O’Neill Act I
O’Neill Act II
O’Neill Act III
O’Neill Act IV
Response Papers Due
Long Day’s Journey Into Night (film)
Long Day’s Journey Into Night (film) & O’Neill Discussion:
Film vs. Fiction or The Marriage of 2 Genres
Guest [Chapters 1-8] (Group D)
Guest [Chapters 9-16] (Group C)
Guest [Chapters 17-24] (Group B)
Guest [Chapters 25-Epilogue] (Group A)
Ordinary People (film)
Ordinary People (film) & OP Discussion:
Film vs. Fiction or The Marriage of 2 Genres
Thanksgiving Break — No Classes
Final Paper Conferences
Last Day of Classes & Final Paper Peer Review
Final Period (3:30-4:30pm)
Final Paper Due