World Literature Survey Transatlantic Literature

English 2362.001: Fall 2014

World Literature Survey – Transatlantic Literature

Hybrid Class (MW—F2F; F—online)

Dr. Ann Beebe Office Hours:

BUS 250 MWF 9:00-10:00 &

Office: 903-565-5827 and by appointment

Email:

I will give you my home & cell numbers on the 1st day of class.

Welcome to English 2362, the sophomore-level survey of pre-1800 World literature with an emphasis on Transatlantic Literature. We will be studying a variety of genres: essay, narrative, poetry, drama, and sketch. We will be reading the works of American, British, French, African, and Caribbean authors this semester and answering a few basic questions. In various ways, these authors ask: “Who am I? Where do I belong? How am I like people from other continents? How do I differ? How important are these differences? How do I identify myself? What is important to my sense of self?” These Transatlantic works date from the 1490s to 1800, but these are questions we continue to ask ourselves in the 21st century. I hope that when the semester is over you will have discovered a couple of favorite new authors to add to your personal reading list.

I am very excited about this class and our syllabus. This particular section is a hybrid. For your convenience and learning success we will meet in person on Mondays and Wednesdays. Your Friday classes (with the exception of October 3) will be online. Your Blackboard for this class is organized by week. You will find all videos, handouts, grades, and discussion boards on this website.

I work hard to put together my classes, and I expect a great deal from my students. I expect you to be in class every day and on time. I expect all readings to be completed by the assigned date. I expect your reading to be active. Mark up your books (hardcopy & etexts) and take notes as you read. I expect everyone to participate substantially in class and / or Blackboard discussion and listen respectfully to classmates. And lastly, if you have any questions about class policies, assignments, or readings, I expect you to ask them. You may always ask questions in class, call or email me, or drop by my office.

In return there are certain things you can expect from me. I will attend class and be on time. I will keep my office hours and make appointments with students who cannot meet during my hours. I will complete all the readings and plan lessons by the assigned date. I will give all assignments in writing and sufficiently in advance. I will grade and return all assignments in a timely manner. I will maintain your Grade Center on Blackboard. I will answer questions about assignments in class or in my office. If I cannot answer a question when you ask it, I will have the answer by the next class period.

The primary goals of English 2362 are the instruction and daily practice of critical reading, thinking, and writing. These are crucial skills for all the future doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, administrators, executives, public servants, and teachers in the room.

Required Texts: [Please use these editions, hardcopy or ecopy.]

1. The English Literatures of America (Ed. Myra Jehlen & Michael Warner) ISBN: 0-415-90873-6

2. The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano (Ed. Werner Sollors) ISBN: 978-0-393-97494-2

Daily Schedule

[This schedule includes all major readings and assignments. Small additions or changes

may be made. I will make any such changes in writing.]

Week 1 Checklist:

M 8/25: Introduction to: Course Goals, Hybrid Format, Syllabus, Expectations for

Blackboard Posts, Student Information Sheets, “This I Know” Videos, Quizzes, Videos on Blackboard

W 8/27: Read Columbus, 11-17 [All assignments should be read before class on the

assigned day.]

Turn in Student Information Sheet

Turn in Syllabus Signature Form [Students will be asked to acknowledge that they

have read and understood the requirements for this course posted on the syllabus.]

Turn in Daily BB comment [BEFORE class on MW, you will be required to post

at least one time on BB. Your 10% participation grade will come from these posts, but it can be supplemented by participation in class discussion. Respectful and substantial replies to posts by your classmates will also supplement your participation grade. You can also add to your commentary after class by replying to your original post. Your motto: read and respond / post. No passive reading / participation in this class.]

Take Quiz Question 1 in class [All quizzes will consist of one short answer

question. They will take place in the first 5 minutes of class. Tardy students will not be allowed to make up the quizzes.]

F 8/29: ONLINE

Watch the Week 1 Video(s)

Read Vespucci, 17-28

Email Quiz Question 2 directly to me [ by midnight [The

quiz question will be posted on BB by 8am.]

Turn in Friday “This I Know” by midnight – What have you learned from the

readings, postings, and discussions this week?

Have fun, but be thoughtful. [And keep it clean!!]

Week 2 Checklist:

M 9/1: No Class – Labor Day

W 9/3: Nahuatl Accounts, 30-35

Native American Speeches (This reading under “Getting Started.”)

Turn in Daily BB comment

Take Quiz Question 3 in class

F 9/5: ONLINE

Watch the Week 2 Video(s)