English 101B: INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE

Instructor: Mr. Brosamer
Office: Building 8, Room 8309
Phone: (510) 659-6249
email: mbrosamer@ohlone.edu

English 101B is the second semester of a one year writing program with an emphasis on critical analysis of literature (fiction, poetry, and drama). The student is expected to sharpen and refine his/her critical reading, thinking, and writing skills developed in English 101A.

PROCEDURES:

• Lectures, discussions of readings, films, tests, papers, and oral presentations by students will be used to cover the materials of the course.
• The student is expected to write several short papers, one long paper on the novel, and three essay exams to meet the 8000-word writing requirement.

MISCELLANEOUS:

• All dates listed are due dates. Prepare both reading and writing assignments ahead of time.
• Bring required text, paper, and pen to class each day.
• Type or word process all papers prepared outside the class.
• Own and use a good dictionary.
• Follow the manuscript form given in your text.
• Attendance is important. According to college policy, you are allowed four absences. Withdrawing from the course is your responsibility, not the instructor's.
• No late assignments will be accepted.
• No rewrites will be allowed.
• Periodic quizzes may be given on reading assignments.

GRADING:
 
 

Two Unit Examinations    20% Critical Essays    40% Novel Paper    15% Final Examination      15% Quizes, Homework, etc.      5% Participation    5% 100%

SAMPLE SCHEDULE OF CLASS ACTIVITIES

 
 
Week 1
Introduction to course.What is literature? The study of fiction & basics of the short story
Read pgs. 8-16

Week 2
Read pgs. 17-34, plus stories by Hemingway (48) & Chekhov (58)

Plot and Point of View
Read pp. 74-91, including Updike's "A & P" and "The Rumor"
 
Week 3
Writing about fiction. Read pp.112-126, including Poe's "Cask of..."
Start story analysis of Marquez' "A Very Old Man..." (p.346).

Setting and Character
Read Wolfeís ìBullet in the Brainî (handout)
Discuss story analysis
 
Week 4
O'Connor, "Revelation" (140)
Read pp. 168-173
Rough draft of story analysis due (two copies)

STORY ANALYSIS DUE
Walker, "Everyday Use," 408; Walker video (30 min.)

Week 5
Discuss Tone and Style/Theme
Read: "The Lottery" (335) and "Guests of the Nation" (302)

Allegory and Symbol
Read: Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily" (287); film (27 min.)

Week 6
Johnsonís ìEmergencyî (handout)
Prepare for Short Story Test (#1)
 
Test #1: The Short Story
Begin reading Angels. Remember to take notes and mark the text.

Week 7
Begin discussing Angels; read pages 1-92
 Read Angels, p. 93-135
 
Week 8
Finish  Angels. Work on novel paper.
 
Thesis and outline for Novel Paper due
Introduction to Poetry: the folk ballad

Week 9
Rough draft of Novel Paper due (two copies)
Continue introduction to poetry.
 
NOVEL PAPER DUE

Week 10
Read "Writing about Poetry" (617-623)
Specific poems for discussion and writing will be assigned.

Week 11
Begin preparing Poetry Paper

Rough draft of Poetry Paper due (two copies)

Week 12
POETRY PAPER DUE
Review for poetry test
Test #2, Poetry

Week 13
Introduction to Drama
Read: Shakespeare's Hamlet, Acts I & II
Read Hamlet, Act III
 
Week 14
Read Hamlet, Act IV
begin four-page critical essay on Hamlet
 
Read Hamlet, Act V
 
Week 15
Finish Hamlet

Read Fiersteinís On Tidy Endings

Week 16
Discuss On Tidy Endings
 
Read Mametís Oleanna, Part I
Hamlet PAPER DUE

Week 17
Finish Oleanna (Parts II & III)
Discuss Final Examination