English 2100: literature & the humanities exile
CRN 20117, Sec. 003
Professor Jane Rago
Gamble Hall Rm 103 Office: 102 A.
T/Tr 6-7:15 p.m. janevrago@yahoo.com
(912) 927-5386
Office Hours: M W F, 10:00-11:00; T Tr, 2:30-4:00, or by appointment

Required Texts & Materials:
Cisneros, Sandra. The House on Mango Street. (1984) Vintage
Hemingway, Ernest. The Sun Also Rises. (1926) Scribner's
Rhys, Jean. Wide Sargasso Sea. (1966) Norton Critical Edition
Shakespeare, William. The Tempest. (1611) Norton Critical Edition
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus. (1818) 1818 Text; Norton Critical Edition
Wells, H.G. The Island of Dr. Moreau. (1896) Penguin
An up-to-date, college level dictionary
An activated email account
A notebook and a folder

Course Purpose & Objectives:
Dorothy, from the Wizard of Oz, repeats the mantra "There's No Place Like Home" in order to return to Kansas. It seems that only when she is stuck in Oz does 'home' become so important to her. In this class, we will be exploring the idea of exile-or those who have lost their home; were forced to leave their home; have no home; don't know where home is; or are banished from a country or community because of their actions and/or beliefs. When one is exiled, how does their idea of 'home' take shape? What does 'exile' even mean? Does the idea of exile have to relate to a geographic location, or can one be an exile within their own place? We will explore the idea of exile as it has been expressed in different ways through reading a variety of literary genres, focusing primarily on the novel, over the course of the semester.
We will use a variety of approaches, from personal response to critical inquiry, when discussing and writing about the texts. In addition to being an introduction to some of the fundamental concepts of literature, this course also serves as a place to sharpen your critical thinking skills. We will focus both on writing and reading: to be an effective writer you must first be an attentive and adept reader. Learning to read at an active, engaged level requires time, effort, and will sharpen not only your writing skills but also your critical thinking skills. Critical thinking is a tool that is crucial to understanding ourselves, our world, and our place in this world. Therefore, you need to come to class prepared-if you have not read, you are not prepared.

Requirements & Grades:
Class Participation, In-class writing, quizzes 30%
3 take-home essay exams 30 (10% each)
2 in-class essays 20%
Research paper 20%

Class Format, Policies, and Procedures, or the Nitty-Gritty:
Your participation in this learning community is vital to this class. During class we will be actively engaging with the material, through discussions, reading responses, and quizzes (which are super-sneaky-unannounced). You should come to class prepared with questions and comments pertaining to the day's reading.
Your attendance is vital to your success in this class. You have 3 absences you may use over the semester-any unexcused absence beyond that will result in a drop in your grade. IF you have any problems please talk to me BEFORE you miss class so that we can work together to resolve the issue.
Lateness is disruptive and rude: don't be late. Assignments will be collected at the beginning of class. I do not accept late work. Ever.
Academic Honesty: I assume that I will never have reason to doubt your honesty. Plagiarism will result in a failing grade for that assignment, and a formal report that will be on your student file for your entire tenure here at AASU. To plagiarize, as defined by the New Riverside University Dictionary is "to steal and use (the ideas and writings) of another as one's own." If you have any questions, please talk with me or go to the Lane Library website: http:www.library.armstrong.edu/plagiarismtutorial.html. If you feel that you have special needs that will affect your performance in this class, please contact disability services at (912) 927. 5269.
This is an intensive class and we will be working closely with each other. Therefore, this classroom is committed to social justice. I expect to maintain a positive learning experience based upon open communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color, or national origin. Any suggestions on how to further such a positive and open learning environment will be appreciated and given serious consideration.
Respect your classmates: no cell phones, no talking while somebody else is talking, and do not interrupt anybody while they are speaking.
Please make sure that you fully understand both what is expected from you and what is expected from me. If you have any questions or concerns, please see me. This syllabus is a binding contract between you, your classmates, this institution, and me.

The Writing Center is a fantastic resource that offers free tutoring, help with revisions, and editing advice. It is located in 109 Gamble Hall. For hours and to set up an appointment, please contact (912) 927. 5210.

Grades:
A = 100-90
B = 89-80
C = 79-80
D = 69-60
F = 60-0
W = Withdrawal from course; WF = Withdrawal/fail
See last page of syllabus for grading criteria.

Overview:
House on Mango Street
Book One from Paradise Lost
Frankenstein
The Island of Dr. Moreau
The Tempest
"This Thing of Darkness I Acknowledge Mine" The Tempest and the Discourse of Colonialism (Paul Brown, ed. Alan Sinfield & John Dollimore) In Packet
Wide Sargasso Sea
The Sun Also Rises
Xerox Packet: Short Stories, Poetry; Critical Essays
Film: Prospero's Books

Syllabus:
Subject to change

Week 1: 1/9-Introductions. Syllabus
Write What do you think 'exile' means?

1/11-Discuss Concepts of Exile
Read House on Mango Street (entire text)

Week 2: 1/16-Mango And Home


1/18-Lecture: Milton and Paradise Lost
Read Book 1: Paradise Lost (Xerox)

Week 3: 1/23-Paradise Lost
Finish Paradise Lost

1/25-Quiz; Shelley & the Romantics
Read Volume One Frankenstein

Week 4: 1/30-Frankenstein
Read Chapters I-V in Volume Two Frankensteim

2/1-Frankenstein
Finish Frankenstein

Week 5: 2/6-Frankenstein
"From Animate Body to Inanimate Text: The Lady as Portrait" Elisabeth Bronfen, Packet

2/8-Lecture: Victorian Science
Read 1-8 The Island of Dr. Moreau

Week 6: 2/13-Moreau
Read Chapters 9-15

2/15-Moreau
Finish Moreau

Week 7: 2/20-Quiz
Begin Tempest

2/22-Tempest
Read Tempest

Week 8: 2/27-In-Class Essay: Cumulative
Read Tempest

3/1-Tempest (Mid-term)
Read Tempest

Week 9: 3/6-Film Prospero's Books
Finish Tempest; Read Caliban Speaks 100 years later

3/8-Film
Read Parts One and Two of Wide Sargasso Sea

SPRING BREAK: 3/12-3/18. Relax and Have Fun

Week 10: 3/20-Wide Sargasso Sea
Finish Wide Sargasso Sea

3/22-Wide Sargasso Sea
Relax

Week 11: 3/27-Tying it all together Lecture
Read Chapters I - V Sun Also Rises

3/29-Sun Also Rises
Read Chapters VI-XII Sun

Week 12: 4/3-Sun
Read Chapters XIII-XVI Sun

4/5-Sun
Finish Sun

Week 13: 4/10-Literary Theory

4/12-New Historicism, Psychoanalytic

Week 14: 4/17-Marxisr (historical materialism), feminist

4/19-In-Class Essay (post-mid-term)

Week 15: 4/23-Research Paper Review

4/26-Paper due; Last Day of Class; Celebrate

Final Exam Date: 6:00 p.m. Thursday, May 3rd