Introduction to Literature, Spring LITR , Monday/Thursday, 2:00-3:50 p.m., Low 4040

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1 Introduction to Literature, Spring LITR , Monday/Thursday, 2:00-3:50 p.m., Low 4040 James P. Zappen 4406 Russell Sage Laboratory Office Hours: Monday/Thursday 4:00-5:00 p.m. Web: Course Description A study of major literary works that introduces students to basic ideas and terminology in literary criticism. Students learn to read and interpret a selection of novels, plays, poetry, or other forms of writing to be determined each semester by the instructor. For Spring 2018, LITR , students will be introduced to contemporary novels and short stories representing a range of genres from realist to modern to postmodern and a variety of perspectives on U.S. and Russian literature and culture, with Russian texts in English translations. The major themes will be the evolution of the American dream and the devolution of the Soviet dream of a Marxist utopia. Introduction to Literature has been approved as a Communication Intensive course. Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of the course, students will have: Read selected contemporary fiction and essays representing a range of perspectives on literature and culture, including international perspectives Developed interpretive skills and vocabularies, including both textual and contextual analysis Developed basic writing and speaking skills in the formulation of arguments based on literary texts, including analyzing audiences and purposes, stating claims, identifying and using appropriate warrants and supporting data, developing logical patterns of organization, and writing and speaking in standard English prose. Students will receive regular and timely responses to reading quizzes, oral presentations, and writing assignments, with grades, via . Course Requirements and Resources Required Texts*: Díaz, Junot. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao New York: Penguin Random House, Riverhead Trade Paperbacks, Egan, Jennifer. A Visit from the Goon Squad New York: Random House, Anchor Books, Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby New York: Scribner, Roth, Philip. Goodbye, Columbus and Five Short Stories New York: Random House, Vintage Books, Vintage International Edition,

2 Solzhenitsyn, Alexander. One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich Trans. Ralph Parker New York: Penguin Group, New American Library, OR: Solzhenitsyn, Aleksandr. One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich. 1962, Trans. H. T. Willetts New York: Ferrar, Straus, and Giroux, *I will reference the page numbers in these editions. Page numbers or locations in other editions, either print or electronic, may differ. Additional Class Readings: Available via the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) Required Rensselaer Address: You must have an active and functional Rensselaer address, and you must read it regularly for class notices, assignments, evaluations, and other class business. Required Software: MS Word with Track Changes set to All Markup. Class Discussions and Presentations: Please be careful when moving about the classroom so that you do not damage your laptops and other mobile devices and do not injure yourself or others. Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS): Skype: Schedule of Classes and Assignments Jan. 18 Introduction to the Study of Literature and Culture Academic Writing and Argumentation 1: Rensselaer s Communicative Competencies and the Structure of Academic Arguments Optional Reading: Stephen Toulmin, The Uses of Argument, pp The Study of Literature and Culture I: The American Dream Class Activity: Self-Introduction 22 Contemporary U.S. Literature: The Traditional American Dream of Upward Mobility Required Reading Due: F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Chapters 1-3, pages 1-59 The Study of Literature and Culture II: Narrative Theory 1 The Study of Literature and Culture X: Postmodern Literature, Part A Academic Essay 1 Assignment Academic Essay 1: Sample Essay: A Narrator s Blindness in Raymond Carver s Cathedral Class Activity: Discussion of The Great Gatsby 2

3 25 Contemporary U.S. Literature: The Traditional American Dream of Upward Mobility Required Reading Due: F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Chapters 4-6, pages Selected Readings on the Traditional American Dream and Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald: Overview Class Activity: Discussion of The Great Gatsby Class Activity: Coordination of Group Projects on the Traditional American Dream and Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald 29 Contemporary U.S. Literature: The Traditional American Dream of Upward Mobility Required Reading Due: F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Chapters 7-9, pages Reading Quiz 1: F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (4 points) Class Activity: Discussion of Gregory Pardlo s For Which It Stands Class Activity: Discussion of The Great Gatsby Class Activity: Research for Group Projects on the Traditional American Dream and Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Feb. 1 Contemporary U.S. Literature: The Traditional American Dream of Upward Mobility Required Reading Due: Philip Roth, Goodbye, Columbus, in Goodbye, Columbus and Five Short Stories (pp only) Reading Quiz 2: Philip Roth, Goodbye, Columbus (2 points) Class Activity: Discussion of Goodbye, Columbus Class Activity: Preparation for Group Projects on the Traditional American Dream and Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald 5 Contemporary U.S. Literature: The Traditional American Dream of Upward Mobility Class Activity: Group Presentations on the Traditional American Dream and Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Class Activity: Review of Academic Essay 1 Ideas and Outlines 8 Consultations on Academic Essay 1 Due Friday, February 9, 5:00 p.m.: Academic Essay 1: The Great Gatsby and/or Goodbye, Columbus 12 Contemporary Russian Literature: The Soviet Dream: A Marxist Utopia 3

4 Optional Reading: Abraham Ascher, Russia: A Short History, pages , , Required Reading Due: Alexander Solzhenitsyn, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, pages 3-68, Ralph Parker translation; pages 3-75, H. T. Willetts translation (to dinner/middle of workday) The Study of Literature and Culture III: Soviet and Post-Soviet Russia Class Activity: Discussion of One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich 15 Contemporary Russian Literature: The Soviet Dream: A Marxist Utopia Optional Reading: Joseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, pages Required Reading Due: Alexander Solzhenitsyn, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, pages , Ralph Parker translation; pages , H. T. Willetts translation (to supper/end of workday) Academic Essay 2 Assignment Academic Writing and Argumentation 2: Grammar and Style 1 The Study of Literature and Culture IV: Narrative Theory 2 The Study of Literature and Culture XI: Affect Theory in Literature and Social Media, Part A.5 Selected Readings on Russian History and Culture: Overview Class Activity: Discussion of One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich Class Activity: Coordination of Group Projects on Russian History and Culture 20 Contemporary Russian Literature: The Soviet Dream: A Marxist Utopia Required Reading Due: Alexander Solzhenitsyn, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, pages , Ralph Parker translation; pages , H. T. Willetts translation (to the day s end) Reading Quiz 3: Alexander Solzhenitsyn, One Day in the Life (4 points) Academic Essay 2: Sample Essay Outline 1 The Study of Literature and Culture V: Narrative Theory 3 Class Activity: Discussion of One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich Class Activity: Research for Group Projects on Russian History and Culture 22 Contemporary Russian Literature: The Post-Soviet Reality Required Reading Due: Victor Pelevin, The Yellow Arrow 4

5 Reading Quiz 4: Victor Pelevin, The Yellow Arrow (2 points) The Study of Literature and Culture VI: A Brief Introduction to Existential Literature Class Activity: Discussion of Gregory Pardlo s Kierkegaard: He who does the work gives birth to his own father. Class Activity: Discussion of The Yellow Arrow Class Activity: Preparation for Group Projects on Russian History and Culture 26 Contemporary Russian Literature: The Soviet Dream and the Post-Soviet Reality Class Activity: Group Presentations on Russian History and Culture Class Activity: Review of Academic Essay 2 Ideas and Outlines Mar. 1 Consultations on Academic Essay 2 Due Friday, March 2, 4:00 p.m.: Academic Essay 2: One Day in the Life and/or The Yellow Arrow 5 Contemporary U.S. Literature: The New American Dream and the Problem of Cultural Assimilation Optional Reading: Frank Moya Pons, The Dominican Republic: A National History, Chapters 16-18, pages Required Reading Due: Required Reading: Junot Díaz, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, pages note 1 Recommended Reading: The Search for Decolonial Love: A Conversation between Junot Díaz and Paula M. L. Moya, Junot Díaz and the Decolonial Imagination, pp The Study of Literature and Culture VII: The Era of Trujillo and American Immigrants Dream Academic Writing and Argumentation 3: Grammar and Style 2 Class Activity: Discussion of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao 8 Contemporary U.S. Literature: The New American Dream and the Problem of Cultural Assimilation Required Reading Due: Junot Díaz, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, pages note 19 The Study of Literature and Culture VIII: Genres of Speculative Fiction, Parts A, B, and C1-2 Academic Essay 3 Assignment 5

6 Class Activity: Discussion of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao 19 Contemporary U.S. Literature: The New American Dream and the Problem of Cultural Assimilation Required Reading Due: Junot Díaz, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, pages Selected Readings on Speculative Fiction and Magical Realism, the Era of Trujillo, and American Political Culture Immigration, Terrorism, and Politics: Overview Class Activity: Discussion of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao 22 Contemporary U.S. Literature: The New American Dream and the Problem of Cultural Assimilation Required Reading Due: Junot Díaz, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, pages The Study of Literature and Culture IX: Intertextual and Contextual Approaches to Literary Interpretation Class Activity: Discussion of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao Class Activity: Coordination of Group Projects on Speculative Fiction and Magical Realism, the Era of Trujillo, and American Political Culture 26 Contemporary U.S.: The New American Dream and the Problem of Cultural Assimilation Required Reading Due: Junot Díaz, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, pages Reading Quiz 5: Junot Díaz, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (6 points) Class Activity: Discussion of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao Class Activity: Research for Group Projects on Speculative Fiction and Magical Realism, the Era of Trujillo, and American Political Culture 29 Contemporary Russian Literature: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness 1: Marriage, Family, and Friendship in Post-Soviet Russia Required Reading: Ludmilla Petrushevskaya, Revenge, The Shadow Life, and There s Someone in the House, in There Once Lived a Woman Who Tried to Kill Her Neighbor s Baby: Scary Fairy Tales (pp. 7-11, , only); and Hallelujah, Family! in There Once Lived 6

7 a Girl Who Seduced Her Sister s Husband, and He Hanged Himself: Love Stories (pp only) Reading Quiz 6: Ludmilla Petrushevskaya, Revenge, The Shadow Life, There s Someone in the House, and Hallelujah, Family! (2 points) The Study of Literature and Culture VIII: Genres of Speculative Fiction, Parts A4 and C3-4 Class Activity: Discussion of Ludmilla Petrushevskaya, Revenge, The Shadow Life, There s Someone in the House, and Hallelujah, Family! Class Activity: Preparation for Group Projects on Speculative Fiction and Magical Realism, the Era of Trujillo, and American Political Culture Apr. 2 Contemporary U.S. Literature: The New American Dream and the Problem of Cultural Assimilation Class Activity: Group Presentations on Speculative Fiction and Magical Realism, the Era of Trujillo, and American Political Culture Immigration, Terrorism, and Politics Class Activity: Review of Academic Essay 3 Ideas and Outlines 5 Consultations on Academic Essay 3 Due Friday, April 6, 4:00 p.m.: Academic Essay 3: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and/or Ludmilla Petrushevskaya Stories 9 Contemporary U.S. Literature: The New American Dream and the Quest for Redemption Required Reading: Jennifer Egan, A Visit from the Goon Squad, pages 1-83 (Chapters 1-4) The Study of Literature and Culture X: Postmodern Literature, Parts B through F Class Activity: Discussion of A Visit from the Goon Squad 12 Contemporary U.S. Literature: The New American Dream and the Quest for Redemption Required Reading Due: Jennifer Egan, A Visit from the Goon Squad, pages (Chapters 5-8) The Study of Literature and Culture XI: Affect Theory in Literature and Social Media, Parts A1-4, B, and C Academic Essay 4 Assignment Class Activity: Discussion of A Visit from the Goon Squad 7

8 16 Contemporary U.S. Literature: The New American Dream and the Quest for Redemption Required Reading Due: Jennifer Egan, A Visit from the Goon Squad, pages (Chapters 9-11) Selected Readings on Postmodern Literature and the New American Dream Education, Technology, and the Economy: Overview Class Activity: Discussion of A Visit from the Goon Squad Class Activity: Coordination of Group Projects on Postmodern Literature and the New American Dream Education, Technology, and the Economy 19 Contemporary U.S. Literature: The New American Dream and the Quest for Redemption Required Reading Due: Jennifer Egan, A Visit from the Goon Squad, pages (Chapters 12-13) Reading Quiz 7: Jennifer Egan, A Visit from the Goon Squad (6 points) Notes: Jean Baudrillard on Simulacra and Simulation Class Activity: Discussion of A Visit from the Goon Squad Class Activity: Research for Group Projects on Postmodern Literature and the New American Dream Education, Technology, and the Economy 23 Contemporary U.S. Literature: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness 2: Love, Sex, and Marriage in the U.S. Required Reading: Philip Roth, Epstein, in Goodbye, Columbus and Five Short Stories (pp only); Richard Ford, Under the Radar, in A Multitude of Sins: Stories (pp only); and Jennifer Egan, The Watch Trick, in Emerald City: Stories (pp only) Reading Quiz 8: Philip Roth, Epstein ; Richard Ford, Under the Radar ; and Jennifer Egan, The Watch Trick (2 points) Class Activity: Discussion of Philip Roth, Epstein ; Richard Ford, Under the Radar ; and Jennifer Egan, The Watch Trick Course Evaluation (In Class Please bring laptops or smartphones.) Class Activity: Preparation for Group Projects on Postmodern Literature and the New American Dream Education, Technology, and the Economy 26 Contemporary U.S. Literature: Postmodern Literature, the New American Dream, and/or the Economy, Technology, and Politics Class Activity: Group Presentations on Postmodern Literature and the New American Dream Education, Technology, and the Economy 8

9 30 Contemporary U.S. Literature: The New American Dream and the Quest for Redemption Due Wednesday, May 2, 11:59 p.m., or Friday, May 4, 6:00 p.m.: Academic Essay 4: A Visit from the Goon Squad and/or Contemporary U.S. Stories Grading Procedure Attendance/Participation Reading Quizzes Group Presentations (5-9 minutes each) (4) Academic Essays (4-5 pages each) (4) points points points points points points points points points points points A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D F points points points (2 points each) points (15 points each) Policies and Procedures Class Activities: Class activities are due on the dates scheduled in the course outline. These activities include group discussions, group reports, consultations with the instructor, and other activities designed to assist with the interpretation of the readings and the development of ideas and strategies for the group presentations and the writing assignments. Reading Assignments and Quizzes: Reading assignments are relatively short, but the concepts are in some cases challenging and complex. Reading assignments are designed to provide an introduction to contemporary U.S. and Russian literature and culture and a basis for the group presentations and the writing assignments. Reading quizzes are offered on the dates scheduled in the course outline only. Reading quizzes are tests of reading completed on time for the purpose of keeping you on schedule and prepared for each class meeting. They will not be rescheduled or offered as make-ups due to missed classes or other excuses except in the case of illness or family emergency documented by the office of the Medical Director, the Counseling Center, or the Dean of Students. Group Presentations: Group presentations are collaborative activities and should be developed equitably within each group. Group members who do not contribute equitably 9

10 to the group s activities may be dismissed from the group. Each presentation must include a list of works consulted in the preparation of the presentation. Writing Assignments: Writing assignments are due on the dates scheduled in the course outline and are the primary outputs or products of the class readings and activities. The writing assignments are standard academic essays guided by well-established conventions for essays of this kind, including assessment of audience and purpose; formulation of appropriately focused topic ideas; development of claims, warrants, and supporting data; and writing and editing consistent with standard English prose. Each writing assignment must be each individual student s own work but may be developed, revised, and rewritten in consultation with the instructor any number of times before but not after the due date and time for each assignment. Submission of Class Assignments: Reading quizzes, group presentations, and other class activities are offered on the dates listed in the Schedule of Classes and Assignments only and are not rescheduled or offered as make-ups. Writing assignments must be submitted no later than the due date and time listed in the Schedule of Classes and Assignments. Writing assignments must be typed and submitted in hard copy or via , in standard format, such as APA ( MLA ( or Chicago ( style and/or Chicago style online ( Late Penalties: The late penalty for each writing assignment submitted after the due date and time for the assignment will be 1/10 of the value of the assignment plus an additional 1/10 of the value of the assignment for each successive class period (or equivalent time period) after the due date and time (that is, 1/2 point for a 5-point assignment, 1 point for a 10-point assignment, 2 points for a 20-point assignment, etc.). The late penalty for the final assignment will be 2 1/2 points for each day or part of a day late. Late penalties will be assessed in points (from a total of 100 points for the course). Requests for accommodations, exceptions, extensions, or incomplete grades due to illnesses or personal emergencies must be supported by written documentation from the Dean of Students, the Dean for Undergraduate Education, or a Class Dean. Class Attendance: Class attendance and participation in class activities are required. Students who miss class for extended periods of time without permission or explanation will be reported to the Dean of Students or the Department of Public Safety for support and assistance, as needed. Requests for accommodations, exceptions, extensions, or incomplete grades due to illnesses or personal emergencies must be supported by written documentation from the Dean of Students, the Dean for Undergraduate Education, or a Class Dean. Electronic Citizenship and Intellectual Property: Rensselaer s policies on electronic citizenship and intellectual property are explained in Rensselaer s Guidelines for Computer Use ( Violations of these policies may be reported to the Dean of Students, the Dean for Undergraduate Education, a Class Dean, and/or the Dean of the student s college or school. Students Rights and Responsibilities: Students rights and responsibilities are explained in The Rensselaer Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities:

11 ( and govern the conduct of both faculty and students. Rensselaer s policies on academic integrity are explained on pp and include strict prohibitions against academic dishonesty. Please note in particular that the plagiarism is the omission of acknowledgement or reference for sources, whether or not intentional (so I did not mean to plagiarize is not an adequate excuse): Plagiarism Representing the work or words of another as one s own through the omission of acknowledgment or reference. For example, using sentences verbatim from a published source in a term paper without appropriate referencing, or presenting as one s own the detailed argument of a published source, or presenting as one s own electronically or digitally enhanced graphic representations from any form of media. Incidents of academic dishonesty on any assignment will be graded 0 points for the assignment and may be reported to the Dean of Students, per standard procedure. Per the Office of the Provost: Student-teacher relationships are built on trust. For example, students must trust that teachers have made appropriate decisions about the structure and content of the courses they teach, and teachers must trust that the assignments which students turn in are their own. Acts that violate this trust undermine the educational process. The Rensselaer Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities defines various forms of Academic Dishonesty and procedures for responding to them. All forms are violations of the trust between students and teachers. Office of the Provost Appeals Process: Decisions by the instructor may be appealed through the Head, Department of Communication and Media; the Dean, School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences; and/or the Dean of Students. Latest Update: