Modern American Literature Engl 2120
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MODERN AMERICAN LITERATURE ENGL 2120 Credit Hours: 3 Catalog Course Description: A study of American Literature from the Civil War to the present. American writers abroad in Paris put American literature on the map. In this section of Modern American Literature, we will focus on the American writers who expatriated to France in the late 19th and 20th centuries, from Henry James, who lived in Paris in the 1870s, to the “lost generation” who landed in Paris after WWI (Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Stein, Pound, Cummings, McKay) and African-American writers who relocated there after WWII (Wright and Baldwin). Contemporary American writers such as David Sedaris still call France home today. How Program Site will be incorporated into the course: Paris is divided into twenty districts that spiral out from the heart of the city. Most of the writers who lived and wrote in Paris stayed in only a few of these districts—especially the 6th, 7th, and 14th arrondissements on the Left Bank; we will do some literary sleuthing to those famous addresses by foot and Metro. Some of the must-see places with strong literary ties which we will visit are Montparnasse, The Latin Quarter, The Right Bank, Shakespeare & Co. bookshop, along with the major cafes, restaurants, and patisseries (many of which are still in business since the 1920s) which were frequented by the authors we are studying. Of course, no trip to France would be complete without visits to the cultural landmarks of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, the Luxembourg Gardens, the Arc de Triomphe, the Père Lachaise cemetery (where many famous writers are laid to rest), Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, Versailles, and the famous market streets like Rue Mouffetard. Prerequisites: English Composition II (ENGL 1020); Students must be able to plan and write analytical essays, to conduct research, and to write analytically about literature. Students must demonstrate proficiency in standard English grammar, spelling, and mechanics and in source documentation. In addition, students should be familiar with basic literary terminology and genres. Textbook(s) and Other Course Materials: Baym, Nina, ed. The Norton Anthology of American Literature. 8th ed. Vols. C, D, E. NY: Norton, 2011. Print. I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis: WEEK # TOPIC 1 American Writers in Paris 1860-World War I 2 American Writers in Paris between the wars 3 American Writers in Paris after World War II Page 1 of 3 II. Course Goals: The course will: A. Guide students to an understanding of the distinctive interpretations of experience offered by American writers from American Realism to the present. B. Develop students’ understanding of American literature as a form of creative expression responding to both cultural and universal human concerns. C. Expand students’ knowledge of the techniques of imaginative literature and the critical approaches that clarify its nature and meaning. D. Foster the ability to write effective and thoughtful responses to the literature, demonstrating understanding, critical analysis, and appreciation of the works studied. III. Expected Student Learning Outcomes* Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to: A. Define and analyze elements of realism and naturalism in selected works of the period. A, B, C B. Analyze the development of African-American Literature from the Harlem Renaissance to post-World War II. A, B, C C. Analyze and discuss the works of American poets from the early 20 th century to the contemporary period. A, B, C D. Identify and analyze the poetic techniques including imagism and symbolism in the works of selected poets. A, B, C E. Interpret 20th century prose through analysis of fiction by selected authors. A, B, C F. Employ biographical information in the study of major American authors and the works studied. A, B G. Demonstrate an understanding of the relations of the works to each other and to influencing factors by tracing American thought and concerns chronologically through this period. A, B, C H. Evaluate the contributions of diverse cultural groups to American Literature. A, B I. Write analytical responses on appropriate topics related to the works studied. D *Letters after performance expectations reference the course goals listed above. IV. Evaluation: A. Testing Procedures: 70% of the final grade will be based on reading quizzes and tests which include multiple choice questions, identification of quotations with explanation of context and significance, and short essays. B. Laboratory Expectations: None C. Field Work: Students will visit historical sites associated with American writers in Paris, as well as sites associated with the culture and heritage of France. D. Other Evaluation Methods: Students are expected to participate in class discussions of assigned readings. Page 2 of 3 15% of the final grade will be based upon the creation of a journal that demonstrates understanding of the contribution of modern American writers in France, and the study-abroad experience. 15% of the final grade will be based on student presentations. Final grade is also dependent on attendance policies. E. Grading Scale: Please note that some TnCIS member institutions do not accept + and - grades, therefore all TnCIS grading scales must consist of only A, B, C, D, F letter grades. A = 90 - 100 B = 80 - 89 C = 70 - 79 D = 60 - 69 F = < 60 V. Policies: A. Attendance Policy : Attendance is of utmost importance in study abroad courses. There are no unexcused absences permitted. Unexcused absences are grounds for removal from the program. Being in class on time is also very important. Frequent tardiness will be considered an absence and appropriate action will be taken. Absences due to illness must be reported immediately to the program director. B. Academic Dishonesty : Academic misconduct committed either directly or indirectly by an individual or group is subject to disciplinary action. Prohibited activities include but are not limited to the following practices: • Cheating, including but not limited to unauthorized assistance from material, people, or devices when taking a test, quiz, or examination; writing papers or reports; solving problems; or completing academic assignments. • Plagiarism, including but not limited to paraphrasing, summarizing, or directly quoting published or unpublished work of another person, including online or computerized services, without proper documentation of the original source. • Purchasing or otherwise obtaining prewritten essays, research papers, or materials prepared by another person or agency that sells term papers or other academic materials to be presented as one’s own work. • Taking an exam for another student. • Providing others with information and/or answers regarding exams, quizzes, homework or other assignments unless explicitly authorized by the instructor. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign either (1) an F or zero for the assignment or (2) an F for the course. VI. Instructional Hours: Instructional time spent in a formal classroom setting and during excursions will total a minimum of 37.5 hours for this course. Page 3 of 3 .