English 203 Hybrid-Online: Introduction to World Literature
A Hybrid Online Course, Spring 2015
Dr. Allen, Dr. Carey, and Dr. Jordan
Course Coordinator: Ms. Tanja Nathanael
Drs. Allen, Carey, and Jordan will lecture every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30-10:45 a.m., in LAB 203.Students are encouraged to attend.Per university policy, ALL course-related communication must be sent through Blackboard Email (using the "Messages" function in Blackboard) rather than Eaglemail, and should be addressed to the Course Coordinator, Ms. Tanja Nathanael. Inquiries sent through Eagle mail will be redirected to Blackboard Messages. For office hours and contact information, or to schedule an appointment, please check the course home page.
ONLINE ACCESS
To access the online components of this course, you must first go to then follow the log-in instructions. You will need to have your EMPLID and password (the same information you use to access SOAR and register for classes). If you have any difficulty logging in toBlackboard, please call the iTech Help Desk at 601-266-4357 or email . For all other questions about how to navigate Blackboard, call the Learning Enhancement Center at 601-266-5518 or visit their website at
REQUIRED TEXTS
Global Crossroads: A World Literature Reader (2014 Newly Revised Edition), published by Fountainhead Press
William Shakespeare's The Tempest,published by Simon & Schuster
Gabriel Garcia Marquez's Chronicle of a Death Foretold, published by Vintage
The required texts are available at the University Textbook Center. Students on the coast campus should contact the Hattiesburg campus bookstore.
* All Additional Required Readings Will Be Available as .pdf files and URL links on Blackboard
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The study of literature has long provided insight into diverse human experiences, helping us broaden our perspectives beyond local issues by offering windows into other cultures. In recent decades, however, human experiences have become increasingly complicated: rapid technological advancement, globalization, and massive political movements, while in some ways expanding our understanding of the world, have in other ways created a very small world in which it is almost impossible to remain unaffected by global cultural issues. In this era of globalization, the study of World Literature has become more important than ever. In this course, students will develop an understanding of how the issues that affect them locally are intimately connected to broader themes globally. We begin with literature from Mississippi, and then travel the world thematically, exploring issues that continue to build upon previous ideas. By the end of the semester we will return from our literary travels to come full circle, finishing the term once more with literature from the Magnolia state.
This introduction to World Literature is presented in a unique hybrid online course format: offering both the traditional lecture-hall setting as well as total internet access to course content, English 203 Hybrid-Online uses technology to create a new level of educational flexibility. Students have the option of either attending the lectures in person or viewing them online (or both). With great flexibility, however, comes greater responsibility: although your attendance for in-class lectures is optional, mastery of the lecture material is required. Students who do not attend in-class lectures must view the video recorded lectures online, and on time with the course. Note: the quizzes and essay assignments are based on the assigned reading and the lecture material. Students who choose to view lecture material online should listen carefully, pay attention, and take notes just as you would in class. To best view and access the online content, students must have consistent, reliable, high-speed internet access, using a PC or MAC. The use of smartphones and tablets is discouraged since files are large and compatibility unreliable. Note: the Blackboard App is functionally unreliable and should not be used for this class. The App will fail to submit assignments, fail to download readings, and provide incorrect information about student grades, among other problems. Students who utilize the Blackboard App are responsible for any problems that may occur as a result of this flawed technology.
NAVIGATING BLACKBOARD
Whether you choose to view lectures in class or online, all students must learn to use the Blackboard format. When you log on to Blackboard and select English 203 (found in the section marked “My Courses”), you will see a number of choices in the yellow panel on the left side of your screen. Note the following:
“Course Materials”: includes ALL of the assignments for the semester, as well as links to the lecture videos, quizzes, discussion boards, and other important documents. Students should check this daily, and ahead of schedule, for the broad plan for the week and pertinent reminders. Make sure to explore all available links and read all material provided on each and every page. Note that the front page of “Course Materials” is merely an outline of the course content. In order to access readings, lectures, quizzes, etc. you must click on the link for a specific week.
Accessing Online Lectures: to find lecture material and videos, click “Course Materials” on either the homepage or the yellow panel on the left side of your screen, then open the corresponding week’s link. Videos of presentations will be available every Tuesday and Thursday no later than 5:00 PM (Central time). If a video is not yet available, you will get a "File not found" message: try again later.
Messages: to send email to the Course Coordinator, use Blackboard email, located under the “Messages” tab. Email should be directed specifically to Ms. Tanja Nathanael, the Course Coordinator; do not send emails to “ALL.”Sending emails to all 400+ class members will not only create an excessive number of emails but also will solicit incorrect and contradictory responses.
Other E-mail: All course business conducted by email must be done within the confines of Blackboard email. For security and privacy reasons, we cannot use outside email addresses, as we have no way of verifying a student's identity outside of Blackboard email. All email correspondence must use formal language, and address the course coordinator or professors as you would if you were in class, in their offices, or composing a letter to them.Messages should use complete sentences, observe rules of grammar and spelling, and include a salutation and signature. Inappropriate and/or informal uses of email to be avoided include: the use of all capital letters to "shout," the use of multiple exclamation points and/or question marks to register dismay or astonishment, emoticons ("smileys"), and incivility of any kind. This class emphasizes the correct use of formal prose at all times, including any written communication with the professors responsible for the course. Informal or grammatically incorrect emails will be returned with instructions for how to properly send a professional communication.
Announcements: The Course Coordinator and/or Professors will post general announcements from time to time providing vital and timely information. While a copy of an announcement is sent to all student eagle mail accounts, it is important to check the “Announcements” section on a regular bases. It is a student’s responsibilities to keep up with Announcements; therefore, if you are not using your eagle mail account, activate it immediately. Moreover, make it a daily habit to check the Announcement tab for updates. Failing to read an announcement will not be an acceptable excuse for missed assignments.
Where to Go For Technical Help: students with general Blackboard questions have several options.
First, utilize the help files on the Blackboard page prior to logging in, including the 24/7 Blackboard Support Link located in the middle of the screen, the Accessibility Information Link and the Installation Details Link, both of which are located at the very bottom of the screen.
Second, utilize the link to the On Demand Help and Learning Catalog that appears on your Blackboard page once you have logged in.
Third, read the posts under the "General Questions and Answers" thread on the course bulletin board.Chances are that your question has been asked before and there's a quick, clear answer waiting for you.
Fourth, click on “Course Resources” on the course homepage and view the various tutorials and videos set up to help students learn how to utilize Blackboard.
Fifth, if these links do not answer your questions or for more general computer problems you may contact the Learning Enhancement Center via phone (601-266-5518) or email ().
Where to Go with Course-Related Questions: students with Blackboard questions that are specific to this course (for example, Blackboard wouldn't let you answer a particular question on an exam; you can't use the dropbox because it seems to be full already; you need a signature on a withdrawal form; you want to report grading errors, etc.) should contact the Course Coordinator, Ms. Tanja Nathanael, using Blackboard email(“Messages”)immediately.
Questions should be clear and specific, providing as much detail as possible; likewise, email subject lines should be clear, specific, and succinct. “Help!!!!!” is not an appropriate subject line; instead, “Disconnected during exam 2,” or “Tuesday’s video link broken” would be more appropriate and useful subjects. Note: for the first two weeks of the semester, Ms. Tanja Nathanael will read email daily. After that, she will read email on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students should check Blackboard email at least once each week.
Error Messages: On occasion, when attempting to access a function within Blackboard (i.e., a quiz), an “Error” message may appear. This is usually a user-end problem that is easily fixed by a) changing browsers—close the browser you are in and switch to another: for example switch from Firefox to Internet Explorer. In general, Chrome, mobile devices such as smartphones, and certain Apps, such as the Blackboard App, do not always interface well with Blackboard. b) clear your computer’s cookies and caches: sometimes the computer being used will not “connect” to Blackboard because Blackboard does not recognize it or believes it is already connected elsewhere. Note: user-end problems are the student’s responsibility, and are not a valid excuse for missed assignments.
COURSE GOALS
English 203 is a writing course designed to introduce students to diverse literature from around the globe. Students will produce three writing assignments, amounting to approximately 2,500 words or more, demonstrating the following learning outcomes:
- Students will develop a topic and present ideas through writing in an organized, logical, and coherent form and in a style that is appropriate for the discipline and the situation.
- Students will use Standard English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage.
- Students will evaluate major developments in world history, the historical roots of contemporary global cultures, or the literary, philosophical, or religious contributions of world cultures.
- Students will comprehend and proficiently interpret text.
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
IMPORTANT: the list below includes only the primary readings for the course. For important details about these readings, as well as for all other requirements and recommendations, click on “Course Materials” on the homepage. Any changes or announcements will likely appear on the “Announcements” section. Be sure to check regularly for updates, as this schedule is subject to change. Again, students are responsible for checking the “Course Materials” and weekly agenda pages as well for announcements and updates.
ENG 203X Spring 2015 Schedule
Week 1:
T. 01/13:Course Introduction
Th.01/15:Anne Moody, Coming of Age in Mississippi: 20th century U.S./African-American (Allen)
Fr. 01/16:Quiz 1 opens at noon, is worth 5 points, and covers the syllabus only.
Week 2:
T. 01/20: Anne Moody, Coming of Age in Mississippi: 20th century U.S./African-
American (Allen)
- Last day to drop full-semester classes and receive 100% financial credit
- Last day to add/drop full-term classes without instructor permission
Th. 01/22: Writing Workshop (Allen)
Writing Exercise #1 Posted
Week 3:
T. 01/27: Selected short stories by Persian women: 20th century Iran (Allen) - see
weekly agenda page for reading.
Th. 01/29: Selections from Slate of Life: 20th century India (Allen)
Fr. 01/30: Quiz 2 opens at noon and is worth 5 points.
Week 4:
T. 02/03: Ama Ata Aidoo, Anowa: 20th century Ghana (Allen)
Th. 02/05: Ama Ata Aidoo, Anowa: 20th century Ghana (Allen)
Writing Exercise #1 Due Today!
Week 5:
T. 02/10: José Rizal, Selections from Noli me Tangere: 19th century Philippines
(Allen)
Th. 02/12:José Rizal, Selections from Noli me Tangere: 19th century Philippines
(Allen)
Fr. 02/13: Quiz 3 opens at noon and is worth 5 points.
Week 6:
T. 02/17:Mardi Gras Holiday
Th. 02/19: RyūnosukeAkutagawa, “In a Grove” and “Rashōmon”: 20th century Japan
(Carey)
Writing Exercise #2 Posted
Week 7:
T. 02/24: Eudora Welty, “The Petrified Man”: 20th century U.S. South (Carey)
Th. 02/26: William Faulkner, “Barn Burning”: 20th century U.S. South (Carey)
Fr. 02/27: Quiz 4 opens at noon and is worth 10 points.
Quiz 4 is a mid-term comprehensive exam that tests students on all of the
material covered thus far this semester.
Week 8:
T. 03/03: Selections from The Arabian Nights: 13th Century Arabia, Islamic Golden
Age (Carey)
Th.03/05: Franz Kafka, Selected Parables: 20th century Czech Republic (Carey)
Writing Exercise #2 Due Today!
Week 9: Spring Break
Week 10:
T. 03/17: Selected versions of “Little Red Riding Hood”: 19th century France and
Germany; 20th century Italy and China (Carey)
Th. 03/19: Brothers Grimm, “Snow White”: 19th century Germany (Carey)
Fr. 03/20: Quiz 5 opens at noon and is worth 5 points.
Week 11:
T. 03/24: The Epic of Gilgamesh:Ancient Sumeria (Carey)
Th.03/26:The Epic of Gilgamesh: Ancient Sumeria (Carey)
Week 12:
T.03/31: Writing Workshop II (Nathanael)
Short Essay Assignment Posted
W. 04/01:
- Last day to withdraw from the University and receive a grade of W
- (After this date students will earn a letter grade for all enrolled courses)
Th. 04/02: William Shakespeare, The Tempest: 17th century England (Jordan)
Fr. 04/03: Quiz 6 opens at noon and is worth 5 points.
Week 13:
T. 04/07: William Shakespeare, The Tempest: 17th century England(Jordan)
Th. 04/09: William Shakespeare, The Tempest: 17th century England(Jordan)
Week 14:
T. 04/14: Selected Ottoman lyric poetry: 16th-century Turkish Renaissance
(Jordan)
Short Essay Assignment Due Today!
Th. 04/16: Lady Mary Wortley Montagu’s Turkish Embassy Letters: 18th-century
England (and beyond) (Jordan)
Fr. 04/17: Quiz 7 opens at noon and is worth 5 points
Week 15:
T. 04/21: Sophocles, Electra: 400 BCE Classical Greece (Jordan)
Th. 04/23: Sophocles, Electra: 400 BCE Classical Greece(Jordan)
Week 16:
T.04/28: Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Chronicle of a Death Foretold: 20th century
Columbia(Jordan)
Th. 04/30: Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Chronicle of a Death Foretold: 20th century
Columbia(Jordan)
Fr. 05/01:Quiz 8 opens at noon and is worth 10 points. Quiz 8 covers all of the
material covered since the mid-term exam.
The dates listed above also appear in Blackboard’s “Course Materials,”accessible from the left-hand navigation pane. Students are strongly advised to view Blackboard’s “Course Materials” daily, and ahead of schedule, to keep up with the deadlines for all assignments in the course.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
The two major course requirements consist of writing assignments and quizzes. The three writing assignments, worth 50 points total, and eight quizzes, worth 50 points total, comprise the 100 total points for the class. The final grade is determined on a simple 100-point scale; there are no weighted grades. In addition to the 100 required points, there are 16 possible points offered as extra credit opportunities throughout the semester: class participation, for a possible 10 points; one plagiarism tutorial for a possible 1 point; and extra credit questions on random quizzes, for a possible total of 5 points.There are options for “class participation” both for students attending lectures in class, as well as students viewing lectures online. Details about the three major course requirements are listed below.
Writing Assignments:
Per University GEC mandates, this course requires 2500 words of writing total, per student. Students will produce these 2500 words throughout the course of the semester in the form of three writing assignments, worth 10, 15, and 25 points respectively. The assignments will increase in length as the semester progresses. Detailed information on each writing assignment will be provided online once the assignments are given. The writing assignments, which include two writing exercises and one short essay, will be posted under “Course Materials” in the appropriate weeks. Deadlines for all writing assignments are specified in the course schedule provided above.
Online Tutoring Help Available for ENG 203 Students: The Writing Center offers both online and in-person tutoring for ENG 203 students. To make an appointment, call 601-266-4821, and specify whether you would like an online or in-person consultation.
Formatting: Blackboard does not accept certain kinds of word-processing formats. The following word-processing formats are acceptable:
Word (PC and Mac)
WordPerfect (PC and Mac)
AppleWorks (Mac)
HTML and RTF formats (PC and Mac)
Blackboard will not accept documents prepared with Microsoft Works. If you use Works, before you submit the assignment to the Blackboard dropbox, you must use the wordprocessor's SAVE AS function to create a new document in HTML or RTF format.The iTech Help Desk at 601-266-4357 can walk you through the steps if you experience difficulty.
Submitting: there is only one way to get credit for an writing assignment—writing assignments (exercises and essays) must be submitted through Blackboard. Students may not email writing assignments directly to instructors, and may not deliver, mail, or fax paper copies to the Department of English.The Course Coordinator will provide detailed information about exactly how to submit writing assignments through Blackboard, so make sure to pay close attention to all lectures or lecture videos for further information.