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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "EN 205-1"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to the Novel"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2018
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Carlos Dews
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 4:30-5:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: EN 110 with a grade of C or above
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is a reading and writing intensive course. Students in 200-level literature classes are required to produce 4-5,000 words of critical writing.
The course traces various developments in the genre of the novel from the 17th to the 20th centuries through a reading of selected representative texts. In addition, students are required to consider these works alongside of the development of theories about the novel.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
Students will study both the history of the genre of the novel and four novels in depth.  Students will take reading quizzes and write a short paper on each novel.   Students will also have a cumulative final exam.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students successfully completing this course will be familiar with the historical and theoretical developments of the novel genre, be able to discuss the characteristics of the novel, over time, as found in various novels, and be able to write critically, engaging the theoretical debates over the genre, in response to novels from various periods.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
The Heart Is a Lonely HunterCarson McCullersPenguin Classics9780141185224 This textbook is available at the Almost Corner Bookshop in Trastevere. Only the Penguins Classics edition of this book is acceptable for use in the class.   
To the LighthouseVirginia WoolfOxford University Press9780199536610  This textbooks is available at the Almost Corner Bookshop in Trastevere. Only this Oxford UP edition of this textbook is acceptable for use in the class.   
Great ExpectationsCharles DickensNorton0393960692 This textbooks is available at the Almost Corner Bookshop in Trastevere. Only Norton Critical Editions of this textbook are acceptable for use in the class.   
Robin CrusoeDaniel DafoeNorton0393964523 This textbook is available at the Almost Corner Bookshop in Trastevere. Only Norton Critical Editions of this textbook are acceptable for use in the class.   
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Participation 10
Novel 1 short paper 15
Novel 2 short paper 15
Novel 3 short paper 15
Novel 4 short paper 15
Final Exam 20
Reading Quizzes 10

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed.

Students are allowed two absences without consequence.  Any absence beyond the two allowed will result in the reduction of your course grade by 5%.  Students with more than 5 absences will receive a failing grade (F).  Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class and after class resumes following a break.  You must be in your seat when attendance is taken.  Two late arrivals to class (including after a break) will count as an absence.



ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Weeks 1 - 2
Introduction to the History of the Genre:  The Novel
Weeks 3 - 5
Defoe's Robinson Crusoe
Reading Quiz 1
Paper 1 Due.
Weeks 6-8
Dickens's Great Expectations
Reading Quiz 2
Paper 2 Due.
Weeks 9 - 11
Woolf's To the Lighthouse 
Reading Quiz 3
Paper 3 Due.
Weeks 12-14
McCullers's The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter
Paper 4 Due.
Week 15
Final Exam