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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "EN 221"
COURSE NAME: "Masterpieces of World Literature"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2014
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Silvia Ammary
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 8:30 AM 9:45 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: EN 110 with a grade of C or above
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

COURSE AIMS:

This course is a wide overview of the major works of world literature which deal with the theme of alienation from the world and how the self recognizes itself in the face of the other. We will focus our attention on some of the biggest names and works in and beyond the history of western literature. We will take time to survey the general traditions of literature of various nations and look at some of the most important pieces of literature of those nations and see how they compare and contrast and share common universal themes.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
      SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
Versions of Heroism     

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Learning Objectives

1. The primary purpose of this class is make students familiar with the major works of literature from around the world. In many cases, this will mean reading the entire work; in others, it will mean simply reading a summary of the work, reading a selection from the work, or simply listening to someone else’s summary or explanation of a work.

2. Students will enhance their general and close reading skills in their approach to challenging literary texts, especially those from non-English-speaking cultures; as they do so, they will apply their knowledge of literary and cultural theory to the texts; in doing so, they will gain some historical and cultural perspective on world literature (the “big picture”).

2. Students will sharpen their writing skills, especially those required of students of literature, namely the succinct but illustrative presentation of an idea or problem or a theme in a given text. This will be done through in-class essays.

3. Students will exhibit their mastery of these various objectives through weekly focused writing assignments and class presentations. On the first class, each student will be assigned a presentation and will take responsibility for 20 minutes to discuss a certain theme or illustrate the life of the author.

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
The Norton Anthology of World MasterpiecesMack MaynardNorton978-0-393-95486-9     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Writing Assignments in an out class essays/respose to movie versions 40%
Presentation for 20 minutes 15%
Mid-term exam 20%
Final exam 25%

-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:
No more than 5 absences are allowed.
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

Course Structure

 

Week 1: Introduction to the course/syllabus/assigning the presentations

 

Week 2&3: Oedipus Rex- Sophocles

Week 4: Oedipus Rex/the film

In-class essay 1

 

Week 5&6:  Don Quixote- Cervantes

In-class essay 2

Mid term

 

Week 7&8: Notes from the Underground- Dostoevsky

Week 9&10: Metamorphosis-Kafka

In-class essay 3

 

Week 11&12: Things Fall Apart-Achebe

In-class essay: 4

 

Week 13: Things settled and Unsettled

Final Exam