English 251

American Literature beginnings to 1865

Fall 2010

 

Dr. Janet L. Peterson, Professor of English

Office: Humanities Wing, West Classroom Complex, 1841

Office Hours:  M-TH 9-10:00 a.m.

Phone 566-3140

petersonj@sanjuancollege.edu

 

The United States themselves are essentially the greatest poem.

Walt Whitman, 1855

 

Required Textbook

 

Baym, Nina, ed.  The Norton Anthology of American Literature.  7th ed.  Vols A & B.  New York:  W. W. Norton, 2007.

 

Course Description

 

This course will survey American literature from the beginnings to 1865, primarily in chronological order.  We will read poetry, autobiographies, journals, letters, diaries, chapters from books, short stories, and essays.  The course is open to all who are interested in exploring how American literature reflects and shapes American society.

 

                                         Course Requirements, Policies, and Resources

 

Required Coursework

 

·         Reader-response papers                                   100 points

·         Discussion Postings                                         100 points

·         One 4-5 page researched critical essay            200 points

·         Midterm exam                                                 250 points

·         Final exam                                                       250 points

·         Final Group Project                                          100 points

 

Total Points                                                                  1000

 

(Honors Students’ total course points will equal 1,100 – they will complete a 100 point class presentation in addition to the above requirements)

 

Course Grading Policy

 

A total of 1000 points is available.  At the end of the semester, I total your points and assign a letter grade.

 

900-1000 equals an A

800-899 equals a B

700-799 equals a C

600-699 equals a D

below 600 equals an F

 

Keeping up with the Course Readings

 

The assigned reading in this course is difficult and probably different from any type of reading you have ever done.  My major piece of advice is to give yourself plenty of time to do the reading, do your best to read everything twice, and do not get behind!  You will be held accountable for all material either via discussion posting, reader response, or midterm or final exam.  Doing the reading and doing it well will take persistence and discipline on your part.

 

Essay Format

 

Essay should be double-spaced with one-inch margins and in a standard or default font.  Place your name, date, course title, and my name at the top left-hand corner, and center the title of the essay.  Generally follow the MLA Style sheet if possible.

 

Plagiarism

 

To plagiarize is to present as your own any work that is not exclusively your own.  Plagiarism of all or a portion of any assignment will be strictly penalized.

 

Student Success Center

 

The Student Success Center is located down the hall from the Information Center in the main building.  Here you will find tutors, a writing center, self-improvement materials for students to use at their own pace, and lots of other academic support.  For information, call 566-3270.

 

Disability Resources for Students

 

If you have any type of disability, whether physical, emotional or learning, SJC’s Students with Disabilities on Campus Program is available at all times to assist students.  This office is located in the Student Services area.  For information, call 566-3271.  Also, please feel free to discuss special accommodations with me.