English 2 Introduction to Literature Mary Fonseca
Office: Library Village 115 Office hours: Mon.-Wed. 9:30-11:00 Tues.-Thurs. 11-11:30
Phone: (310) 434-4941 e-mail:
Description: This class is designed to guide students in the critical reading, analysis and evaluation of selected short stories, dramas, and poems. It will provide students with vocabulary and method for discussing and analyzing literature and assist them in reading more profoundly. Above all, it is designed to make reading literature relevant and fun and to encourage students to continue to enjoy reading long after this class is over.
Text: Literature: Reading, Reacting, Writing , Kirszner & Mandell, 6th ed., hardcover. You may try and buy the shorter or earlier version of the book, but will later have to augment readings if a story or play is not in your edition. The final play that we read will be determined later.
Requirements: Students are expected to have read the assigned works and literature prior to each class meeting and come to class with at least two questions or points of interest to discuss with the rest of the class. They are also expected to have considered and be able to discuss the questions in the book following each reading selection as well as present their analysis of a work to others in the class. Finally, students are to be able to demonstrate their ability to analyze the readings in at least three clear, well-documented papers which deal directly with the topics assigned, support their own particular theses and the follow the MLA guidelines.
Grading: Students’ grades will be determined primarily on the basis of the three papers they write for the class. The first paper and perhaps the second may be rewritten for a higher grade and must be rewritten within a week of receiving back the original paper.
3 papers: ( 25% each) 75% of grade Poetry presentation 5% Final 20%
Academic Honesty is a fundamental value in an academic setting. Plagiarism is one form of academic dishonesty and entails using the words or ideas of another without citing the source. Students are not expected to use outside sources, but may if they wish as long as they correctly cite their sources using the MLA guidelines. Violation may result in dismissal from the class and at a minimum will result in an F on the particular assignment or exam. Any student who cheats will be reported to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs and placed on probation for 1 year
Additional information: I will often communicate with the class via e-companion, so be sure and make sure your SMC email address up to date and check it often. When sending emails to me, be sure and use the SMC address so your message is not put in the Spam folder.
Readings: All readings are contained in the text. The following is a partial list of the stories.
Chopin, “Story of an Hour” Gordimer, “Once Upon a Time” Baxter. “Gryphon” Ellison, “Battle Royal” Poe, “Cask of Amontillado” Perkins Gilman, “The Yellow Wall-Paper” Baldwin, “Sonny’s Blues” Porter, “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall”
Depending on the time remaining, more stories may be added to this list. These readings will be followed by readings of plays and poems which will be later assigned.