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English 2220 Introduction to Fiction

Fall 2018      MWF 12:30-1:20        EH# 219              CRN # 24706
Office, MWF, 1:30-2:30,  or by appointment

Course Description

Why are you here? Perhaps because ENG 2220 allows you to fulfill one of your Gen. Ed. requirements at a time convenient to you.  If that's the case, well, that's good--make the most of it!  I'd also like to believe, however, that some of you are here because you like to read and talk about books and films. If so, again, you've made the right decision. Our course, in fact, is intended to provide you with some of the fundamentals of critical reading and interpretation by introducing you to some (what I hope will be) interesting samples of 20th- and 21st-century fiction and film. You will be exposed to a small but impressive array of well known and lesser known writers. Welcome!

     Beyond that, our class is also intended to give you the opportunity to express your ideas and thoughts on the readings through class discussions, group work and group presentations, as well as written take-home assignments. The relaxed teaching format of the class should allow you to speak freely. We will emphasize from the very beginning the value of (frequently conflicting) readings which a particular text (or film) may invite. Just as there is no absolute right or wrong, in most cases, there is also no absolute right or wrong reading of a text. Such an "open" approach toward reading should make it possible for you to speak freely in class. Regular attendance and participation in class discussion, in fact, is expected of you. The more you contribute, the better: for your personal growth, for the intellectual climate of the classroom, and—last but not least—for your grade. Bottom line: Be there in body and mind!

General Education Statement
The general education program is dedicated to helping students master the following Humanities Learning Outcomes (HULO).
(1) Students will demonstrate knowledge of diverse philosophical, communicative, linguistic, or literary traditions, as well as of key themes, concepts, issues, terminology, and ethical standards in the humanities disciplines.
(2) Students will analyze cultural artifacts within a given discipline, and, when appropriate, across disciplines, time periods, and cultures.
(3)  Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate their understanding of humanities materials in written, oral, or graphic forms.

Diversity Statement
The general education program is dedicated to helping students master the following Diversity Learning Outcomes (DVLO).
A student who successfully completes a General Education Diversity course will
(1) describe his/her own perspective as one among many,
(2) identify values and biases that inform the perspectives of oneself and others,
(3) recognize and articulate the rights, perspectives, and experiences of others.

Please note that I have indicated the specific Humanities Learning Outcomes (HULO) and the Diversity Learning Outcomes (DVLO) with the particular assginments in our syllabus.

Electronics: Laptops and notebooks are part of classroom resources, but I expect you to use them judiciously. That means you are focused on class learning, not checking email, surfing, gaming, etc. during class. I reserve the right to ask a student to switch off a laptop/notebook if I feel it is not used appropriately. I do not allow the use of cell phones or handheld devices in class and, in the event of non-compliance, will ask you to leave class for the remaining period. Please turn off your phone and put it away (= into your backpack or book bag) during the class hour. Thank you.