The Age of Johnson
Fall 2001
Dr. G. F. Snelson
Office: Dunkle Hall 139
Telephone: x4316, or (English Office) x4221
Home Page: http://www.frostburg.edu/dept/engl/snelson/
Office Hours: M-W: 10 - 11:00, T-R 12:30 – 2:00, and by appointment
Catalog Description
Poetry and prose of the later 18th century. Attention to Johnson and Boswell, drama, and some major novels. Fall of odd-numbered years. Prerequisite: C or better in ENGL 101 or 111 or equivalent.
· Fielding’s Joseph Andrews
· Sterne’s Tristram Shandy
· Boswell’s Life of Johnson
· Sheridan’s School for Scandal
· Goldsmith’s She Stoops to Conquer
· Hand-outs for poetry and criticism
· The Library
· Two plays in PAC
· DVD media: The Madness of King George, Tom Jones, others.
General Objectives
This course is designed to help you
· Appreciate and respond to drama, poetry, biography, fiction, and criticism,
· Understand the development of literary forms in the later 18th century,
· Become aware of the connections between literature, politics, and religion during the
period,
· Appreciate and respond to filmed representations of the historical and literary period, and
· Further develop expository writing skills.
Class Activities
Most classes are devoted mainly to close explication of the assigned reading with frequent questions directed to the student. There is some lecture material. At other times the class will take a “workshop” or “seminar” approach with you being expected to make brief presentations to the class. You should prepare to engage in analysis and explication of the works in class and in papers and other projects.
Papers
Two typewritten (word-processed) analytical papers, one of 750 words and one of 1000 words, based on primary materials, not on library (or electronic media) research or secondary materials, are due (complete) on the dates shown on the tentative schedule. *For one of these, a project may be substituted. The nature of the project will arise from classroom discussion and the curricular needs of the class. Two less-formal play evaluations of approximately 200-250 words each are required. Their due dates (papers are due at the beginning of class) are noted on the tentative schedule. For any paper to be graded at least a C, minimal English 101 standards must be met. Late papers are penalized at the rate of 5% per day.
Note: Never give the only copy of any project to anyone.
Grades
Grades will be assigned on the basis of ten twenty-minute mini-tests, a final exam, two reviews, and two papers to be assigned during the semester. Class participation is expected, but exemplary participation will be taken into account in borderline cases. The NC grade is not a possibility.
Performance Reviews 10%
Short Paper 10%
Long Paper 20%
Scheduled Quizzes 50%
Final Exam 10%
-------------------------------------
100%
Attendance
You are expected to attend every class meeting. The real value of a university course in literature lies in the opportunity to share your own ideas and insights derived from the works and to test your reactions against those of the instructor and other members of the class. There is no way to “make up” this experience or recapture a discussion once it is past. On the other hand, emergencies arise. You are allowed to miss three classes for emergencies during the semester. Reserve your allotment for real emergencies. Your semester grade will be penalized three percentage points for each absence after the two (emergency) absences. Special exceptions, such as touring with a FSU theatre production, can be worked out between you and the instructor if your attendance is otherwise exemplary. If you miss a quiz, please see the instructor privately to discuss the possibility of a make-up. Notice that the course schedule has conference days built into it. You may discuss an upcoming paper at any time, but scheduling a conference on the day before a paper is due is strongly discouraged. A missed conference (one that you have scheduled) counts as a missed class meeting unless you reschedule in advance. Three tardies (late arrivals) count as one absence.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty relates to “any form of cheating and/or plagiarism” as defined and explained in The Pathfinder. The University considers it “to be impermissible and subject to disciplinary action.” Penalties for academic dishonesty in this course will range from a zero (0%) for the assignment to a failing grade in the course and referral to the judiciary board for its consideration. For the full statement regarding academic dishonesty, see The Pathfinder.
