ENG 3014 Introduction to Literary and Cultural Studies

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Language and Literature
Fall Semester 2016
CRN: 80305; 80304 (3 credits)
TR 10:30-11:45; 3:00-4:15
Whitaker 129; Merwin 121
Office Hours: M 2:00-4:00 & by appt.
http://www.fgcu.edu/CAS/922.asp

Dr. Rebecca Totaro, Ph.D.

Professor of English
General Editor, MRLS Series,
Duquesne University Press
Email: rtotaro@fgcu.edu
Office: Reed Hall 211

Gulfline Course Description

Introduction to the English major, including learning goals and portfolio development. A review of the
literary periods of English and United States literature, an introduction to literary terms and applied theory,
and a review of research and writing in the field of English.
Detailed Course Description & Learning Outcomes
ENG 3014 is an introduction to English language and literature at Florida Gulf Coast University. The course
has been planned so as to provide a foundation for your learning experience in the English major and related
minors, as well as to help you engage questions about life after collegeincluding careers available to you
and what role beyond the workforce you will play in the local, national, and global communities in which
you do and will participate.
At the conclusion of the course, successful students will be able to do the following:
Read/perform aloud a passage for class discussion.
Demonstrate knowledge of the course literary texts and articulate an understanding of key
terminology and conventions in the study of literature in English.
Perform close readings of literary texts through discussions and written work, isolating key lines and
passages and recognizing patterns in order to formulate claims about the ways in which meaning is
constructed (now what does it mean but how does it mean);
Locate a literary text within its historical and cultural contexts, with an awareness of major events,
movements, and developments, showing how literature shapes and is shaped by historical and
cultural change;
Summarize and assess the value of secondary sources in the field, creating an annotated bibliography
to this end;
Describe the outlines of literary and cultural criticism, including some of its dominant theoretical and
critical concepts and contexts, and integrate these perspectives meaningfully in discussion and
written work;
Construct an analytical research paper from close reading of primary texts, launching an original,
sound argument about a work of literature in an identified historical or a theoretical context and with
evidence drawn as well from secondary source material.
Consider ways to enhance your resume and personal statement for a changing, global job market.
This course meets the learning objectives of the FGCUScholars Program. Students who complete this course will
Practice critical thinking skills by analyzing mainstream and marginal texts in their appropriate contexts;
Demonstrate information literacy by conducting research on topics in literary and cultural studies; and
Refine writing and communication skills used to report the results of research and analysis through an accepted
methodology and manuscript format.

Course Texts
Required Texts
Donne. The Major Works. Ed Carey ISBN 978-199537945
Culler. Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction. 978-199691340
Recommended Text
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 7th ed. New York: Modern Language Association of
America, 2009.
Additional Texts
Additional texts are placed on the Canvas website (http://canvas.fgcu.edu/). Note: When a reading material is
assigned through Canvas, you have to print out and bring a hard copy to class.
Textbook Acquisition
You have the responsibility to obtain required texts in time. Failure to do so does not excuse you for
unsuccessful class work. Because you must bring your book and any other required material to every class
session, make sure to purchase all the required texts well in advance.It is essential that you purchase the
above-designated editions of the texts, because the courses major assignmentsincluding the final exam
cover materials included only in those editions. Such a move will turn out most convenient and economical
in the long run, given the time and cost for photocopying.
Assignments
Percentages
Class Writing and Contribution
Paper 1 Close Reading
Annotated Bibliography
Paper 2 Research Essay
Cumulative Final Exam

25
15
15
30
15

Grading Scale
A 93 to 100
C+ 78-79
A- 90-92
C 70-77
B+ 88-89
D 60-69
B 83-87
F 0-59
B- 80-82 = meeting expectations

Class Writing and Contribution

Be prepared every class meeting for writingeither done in class or due that day. This writing will demonstrate
that you are prepared for the discussion in class, having completed reading or other assignments.
Each writing for the day will be graded by a check system: = 8/10 (meets expectations for day); - = 6/10; and
+ = 10/10. It is possible to earn a score lower than 6/10 of course, but your goal should be at least to meet
expectations every day. Class writings will be returned to you promptly, so that you may use them toward the
papers and to study for the exams. The lowest single score will drop.
Some of the related activities that will count in this category include the stand and deliver assignment, paper drafts,
the resume, the personal statement, required conferences, etc.
These scores will then be averaged to form the baseline of your Class Writing and Contribution grade. Thereafter,
quality contributions to class discussion that are more likely to raise your overall score or validate an already high
one include earnest participation in all in-class activities, from group work to full class conversation and
individual or group presentations. Contributions to the class conversation should foster reflection on key passages
and concepts, help explore the complexity of issues, provide connections across readings, and/orespecially
encourage participation from others in a collegial way, acknowledging that the class is large and we need to make
room for its many voices. It is possible to be a relatively quiet but constructive or vocal but conversation-depleting
contributor. Inability to participate (not having your book, for example), rudeness, or apathy will result in a sharply
reduced participation grade and potentially a determination that you leave class that day, resulting in an absence.
Your participation will be assessed not only by me but also, at the end of the term, by anonymous votes from your
peers; for this reason, encouraging participation from others that ultimately enhances useful discussion will
benefit you all the more.
2

Paper 1 Close Reading

The first paper is entirely composed of a single paragraph of close reading for of one assigned passage. The total
paper length will be 1 page single spaced. A checklist, example, and rubric will be included in the dedicated
assignments page uploaded on Canvas early in the term.
Annotated Bibliography
The purpose of the bibliography is to give you experience producing an unbiased reading of one scholarly essay
(either a substantial journal article or a book introduction plus relevant chapter); to provide you with a model of
solid scholarly writing; and to offer your classmates access to sources of potential use in their final papers. I will
collate and distribute electronically your bibliographies so that the knowledge is shared. An assignment sheet with
details and viable literary terms will be shared in advance of the assignment.
Paper 2 Research
You will be required to compose an essay of literary critical analysis as the courses major assignment. In
addition to reviewing at least one written draft, I will schedule teacher-student conferences over the course of
the semester as well; these conferences are mandatory, but I also encourage you to meet with me during my
office hours or other times by appointment to discuss any issue related to the course. An assignment sheet
with details and assessment rubrics be shared in advance of the assignment.
Exam
There will be a final exam, which covers the courses assigned readings and the content of class discussions and
lectures. We will discuss details in advance of the assignment.
Course Policies
Change in Course Requirements Because classes do not always progress at a predictable rate, I may wish to
modify the course requirements or their timing as circumstances dictate. In such a case, however, you will be
given adequate notification in writing and the change shall conform to the spirit of my original policy statement.
Attendance Policy Because the work we do in class is designed to help you improve your knowledge and
intellectual skills, you must attend class. You may miss two meetings without outright penalty; thereafter, each
absence will reduce your overall course grade by a half of a letter grade. If you miss 6 or more class meetings, you
cannot pass the course regardless of your cumulative score. With the exception of student observance of religious
holidays (explained below), this rule applies to all absences, so please consider saving up your free ones. You
must arrive on time and not prepare to leave until the class has ended. Because punctuality is important, arriving
late, departure-return during class, and early leavings accumulate into absences, with two of any of these equaling
one absence.
To emphasize these matters, you must come to class on time, awake, alert, and prepared to
participate intelligently. This means that you must bring your book and any other required material
to every class session. All cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices must be turned off
and put away, as well as work for other class. I reserve the right to take these into account in my
evaluation of your work for this course and to dismiss you, counting as an absence, if you are
unable to participate.
Reading Premodern Texts The amount of reading for this course is carefully controlled so that you can read
word for word and even, when necessary, reread the assigned material. If you have any difficulty, please know
this is normal; talk to me about it early in the semester.
Office Hours can be the ideal forum for the kinds of questions that perhaps the entire class does not need to hear,
such as those related to your own paper topic, class performance, or career goals. Please see the office hours noted
on page one of this syllabus. If a conflict prevents you from being able to meet during these hours, please email
me to arrange for an appointment.
3

Late work Late work will be reduced immediately by 5% and by an additional 5% for every 24 hours that
passes. Essays not turned in on turnitin.com will not be graded.
Plagiarism will be an issue only if you choose to make it one. Assignments have been designed to prevent
plagiarism. I use turnitin.com software to scan all major assignments in all classes. Cheating of any kind will
result in a zero for the assignment, registering the transgression with the dean (which may lead to additional
disciplinary action), and potentially a zero for the course. Please dont take the risk. Work, instead, to contribute to
a community in which everyone honestly earns his or her own grade. For more on how to avoid plagiarism, use
this link: http://library.fgcu.edu/RSD/Instruction/Plagiarism.htm
Technology You may not use personal technological devices in class without permission for a specific
assignment. You will be warned and then dismissed for the remainder of the class period if your use prevents full
participation or if it distracts any member of the class. These actions will impact your contribution score. See also
Attendance above.
University Policies
Academic Behavior Standards and Academic Dishonesty All students are expected to demonstrate honesty in
their academic pursuits. The university policies regarding issues of honesty can be found in the FGCU Student
Guidebook under the Student Code of Conduct and Policies and Procedures sections. All students are
expected to study this document which outlines their responsibilities and consequences for violations of the
policy. The FGCU Student Guidebook is available online at
http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/judicialaffairs/new.html
Student Observance of Religious Holidays http://www.fgcu.edu/generalcounsel/policies-view.asp
Access FGCU, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, provides classroom and academic
accommodations to students with documented disabilities. If you need to request an accommodation in this
class due to a disability, or you suspect that your academic performance is affected by a disability, please see
me or contact the Office of Adaptive Services. The Office of Adaptive Services is located in the Wellness
Building. The phone number is 239-590-7956 or Video Phone (VP) 239-243-9453. Individuals with
disabilities are encouraged to create their personal emergency evacuation plan and FGCU is committed to
providing information on emergency notification procedures. You can find information on the emergency
exits and Areas of Rescue Assistance for each building, as well as other emergency preparedness materials on
the Environmental Health and Safety and University Police Department websites. If you will need assistance
in the event of an emergency due to a disability, please contact Adaptive Services for available services and
information.

Daily Schedule*
Any noted readings must be completed before class on the day they are listed. Assignments with due dates and
locations are underlined.
Thursday Aug 18 Introduction. Attendance Verification due on Canvas Friday May 13th**
Tuesday Aug 23

Bring the Donne anthology, edited by Carey, and the literary theory book by Culler. This
counts as a quiz, and we will use both books in class today.

Thursday Aug 25 On the handout from class, identify as many words and phrases used by the author to generate
meaning, and select the three strongest, noting them clearly on the sheet. This is due in class.
Also, bring the Donne anthology, edited by Carey, and the literary theory book by Culler.

Daily Schedule (continued)

Any noted readings must be completed before class on the day they are listed. Assignments with due dates and
locations are underlined.
Tues Aug 30

Bring the Donne book only. We will read aloud and discuss. Discuss resume and close reading
assignments.

Thurs Sept 1

Bring the Donne book only. We will read aloud and discuss.
Drafts of close reading paper and draft resume due Thursday midnight on Canvas;
each counts as a class writing for credit

Tues Sept 6

Introductions continue. Close reading draft with comments returned to you. Passage delivery
assignment explained in detail; this counts as a writing score. Official 3014 survey.

Thurs Sept 8

Read Donne anthology, the intro and chronology xix-xxvii. Class writing/quiz on this material.
Close reading paper due Sunday midnight on Canvas.

Tues Sept 13

Deliveries (reading/performance) of selected passage. Bring Donne book. Discuss personal

statements. Resumes returned to you.

Thurs Sept 15

Deliveries (reading/performance) of selected passage. Bring Donne book.

Revised resume and draft of personal statement draft due Thursday midnight, Canvas.

Tues Sept 20

Deliveries (reading/performance) of selected passage. Bring Donne book.

Thurs Sept 22

In class work with poetry. No books to bring this time.

Tues Sept 27

Deliveries (reading/performance) of selected passage. Bring Donne book.

Thurs Sept 29

Deliveries (reading/performance) of selected passages. Bring Donne book.

Tues Oct 4

Deliveries (reading/performance) of selected passages. Bring Donne book.

Hurricane Revision
Thurs Oct 6

Hurricane closure

Tues Oct 11

Optional draft annotated bib any time between now and Oct 15 on Canvas
Regroup Post-Hurricane

Thurs Oct 13

Deliveries (reading/performance) of selected passages. Bring Donne book.

Tues Oct 18

Deliveries (reading/performance) of selected passages. Bring Donne book.

Thurs Oct 20

Deliveries (reading/performance) of selected passages. Bring Donne book.

Annotated bibliography due Sunday midnight on Canvas.

Tues Oct 25

Read Literary Theory, chapters TBA. Class writing/quiz on this material.

5

Thurs Oct 27

Deliveries (reading/performance) of selected passages. Bring Donne book.

Tues Nov 1

Read Literary Theory, chapters TBA. Class writing/quiz on this material.

Thurs Nov 3

Class Cancelled for Conferences. One individual 30 minute conference, to take place at some
point as you plan or draft your final research paper.

Tues Nov 8

Deliveries (reading/performance) of selected passages. Bring Donne book.

Thurs Nov 10

Deliveries (reading/performance) of selected passages. Bring Donne book.

Tues Nov 15

Deliveries (reading/performance) of selected passages. Bring Donne book.

Thurs Nov 17

Deliveries (reading/performance) of selected passages. Bring Donne book.

3-page minimum research paper early draft with one primary and
one secondary source cited--due Thursday midnight

Tues Nov 22

Deliveries (reading/performance) of selected passages. Bring Donne book.

Revised resume and draft personal statement due Tuesday 29th midnight, Canvas.

Holiday Break
Final exam
For the morning class, the exam will be on Tues Dec 6 (10:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.); please note earlier start
For the afternoon class, the exam will be on Thurs Dec 8 (3:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.).
Final paper due Saturday December 10th at 11:59 p.m.