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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "EN 315-B"
COURSE NAME: "Selected Topics in American Literature: American Drama after 1945"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2020
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Lewis Samuel Klausner
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 1:30-2:45 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 course explores in some depth a particular period, theme(s), or genre in American Literature. Students study the major historical and cultural contexts out of which the works grew. An important aim of the course is to deepen students' knowledge of a certain topic through a choice of representative writers and works. May be taken more than once for credit with different topics.  This is a reading and writing intensive course. Students in 300-level literature classes are required to produce 5-6,000 words of critical writing.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
We will be reading 5 recent American plays, analyzing them in terms of their literary and theatrical qualities as well as their social and historical contexts.  The plays we are looking at are often concerned with contemporary  issues such as race, gender, sexual orientation, social and economic class, American politics, and business ethics. They are also concerned with love, family, the nature of theater (on stage and in everyday life), the nature of writing and creativity. We will look at performances of the plays, usually on DVD, talking about how performance can interpret and shape our understanding of plays.


LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will have increased awareness and knowledge of contemporary American drama. Students will hone their ability to think, talk, and write analytically about drama. Students will have increased awareness of knowledge of the issues that contemporary American plays are concerned with.
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Paper One 20
Paper Two 20
Paper three  20
Midterm Exam 20
Final Exam 20

-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:
Only three absences are allowed before reduction of grade. This is a course based on class participation.
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

This is a tentative schedule that reflects the plays I currently think we are going to read and the amount of time I think we will spend on them. The schedule will likely change before the beginning of the semester.

Week One

True West by Sam Shepard

Week Two

True West

Week Three

Angels in America, by Tony Kushner Part 1

Week Four

Angels in America Parts 1 and 2

Week Five

Angels in America Part 2

Week Six

Angels in America, Part 2

Week Seven

Fences by August Wilson
Midterm Exam

Week Eight

Fences by August Wilson

Week Nine

Fences

Week Ten
Sweat by Lynn Nottage

Week Eleven
Sweat by Lynn Nottage

Week Twelve
Glengarry Glenross by David Mamet

Week Thirteen
Glengarry Glenross

Week Fourteen

Review

Final Exam