Saint Paul’s College: Department of Humanities & Behavioral Sciences

American Literature I

Course Information:                                      Instructor:

English 461-1                                        Dr. Comprone

Spring semester 2009                                   

Class Time:                                                    Office:

T  R 11-12:15 PM                                   RH 136

Classroom:                                                     Office Hours:

RH 203                                M W  F  12-1 PM  RH 136       T R     2:15-4:15 PM

Office Phone:                                                 Credit Hours:

contact by email only                                        3

Email: raphaeljohncomprone@gmail.com

Website: www.comprone.info

Pre-requisite: Students taking this course must have passed Composition II.

Endorsement Competencies for Education Majors:

Understanding of the nature and development of language including vocabulary appropriate to the topic, audience, and purpose.

Knowledge of reading strategies and techniques used to enhance reading comprehensive skills.

Knowledge of grammar, usage, and mechanics and their integration in writing.

Required Texts:

The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Seventh Edition.

Selection of Texts:

See above.

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Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to introduce students with the classics of the American literary canon. Students will write detailed essays on poetry, drama, essays, and short novels in the American literary tradition.

Course Rationale:

The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the necessary skills to write and think critically about American literature  in an academic context.

Course Goals, Objectives, and Corresponding Program Outcomes:

1 Students will become more effective writers

2 Students will learn how to read more effectively

3 Students will learn about the mechnics of the English language

4 Students will develop critical thinking skills

5 Students will familiarize themselves with various strategies used to analyze American literature

Expectations for Student Behavior as Related to Course Objectives and Their Corresponding Program Outcomes:

Please arrange for meeting with me during office hours. Students must behave appropriately by: 1) avoiding talking when the professor is speaking, 2) being punctual (students will lose points for tardiness and excessive absences), 3) ALWAYS bringing their textbooks to class, 4) actively participating in class, 5) not plagiarizing, 6) avoiding the use of foul language and abusive behavior, and 8) being polite to other students.

The attendance policy is as follows:

       Students missing more than 6 times (EXCUSED or UNEXCUSED) must WITHDRAW or receive a

        failing grade of F.

       This policy will be strictly enforced.

       Students with 3 or less absences will receive an additional 10% for their final grade. Excused                    absences will not be factored into this calculation, e.g. a student who has three excused                          absences and no unexcused absences will not receive an additional 10% added to his or her final              grade.

       Students cannot obtain excuses for absences after the semester is over.

Class Format, Process, and Methods of Instruction:

* Students can only receive incompletes upon permission by the instructor (an incomplete can only be filed for during the semester) and only if they are experiencing financial difficulties or a grave personal matter (I must be notified in person by the student or by a relative before the end of the semester). Excuses will only be accepted from the Provost's office.  I will only accept assignments in person (do not slip any assignments under my office door--I am not responsible if any of these assignments should end up missing). It is the student's responsibility to make up any missing work and to check on his or her grade during the semester. Absolutely no excuses for absences can be issued after the semester is completed (if you do not show me the excuse during the semester--you have to show me the excuse in person, do not put it under my door--I will not give you an excuse--this applies to athletes as well). Athletes must personally give me a copy of their game schedule and indicate to me the days they will be absent. They must also make up any work and or missed instruction the day after their absence. ABSOLUTELY no grade changes are possible after the semester. Please check with me before the end of the semester to see if you have any outstanding work to complete.

Course Outline and Assignment Due Dates:

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Tentative List of Assigned Readings and Assignments:

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Recommended Internet Sites: www.comprone.info for updates on assignments, syllabi, poetry club submissions (extra credit)