Dr. L. Adam Mekler
English 202 Spring 2006 |
Office: Holmes Hall 221
Office Phone: (443) 885-4032 Email@Morgan: lmekler@jewel.morgan.edu
Class Homepage: http://jewel.morgan.edu/~lmekler/eng202links.htm
Secondary Homepage Site: http://www.geocities.com/lmekler/eng202links.htm |
Go To Assigments For:
January ![]() |
February ![]() |
March ![]() |
April ![]() |
May ![]() |
Required Texts:
Damrosch, et al, eds. The Longman Anthology of British Literature,
Vol. 2
Purpose of the Course:
This course focuses on British literature from the late eighteenth
century until the early twentieth century. During this time, there were
significant changes in the philosophical, political, and religious views
of British subjects, both within the United Kingdom and in its colonies
abroad. For that reason, we will examine a number of important historical
events over the course of the semester in order to appreciate one motivating
factor behind the texts of the period. Of course, the primary focus will
remain the literature itself, which we will discuss in great detail, incorporating
consideration not only of historical context, but also biographical and
intellectual factors as well. Unfortunately, given the constraints
of the class, we will be unable to examine all of the readings in the collection.
What we will hopefully be able to do is consider the thoughts of a fairly
wide range of different writers to get a good understanding of the types
of thought and literature produced during the period .
Requirements:
Students are expected to attend every class and are required to bring
all necessary books with them to class. On-line versions are available
for most readings, so economic hardship, while certainly a reality for
many of us, does not constitute a valid excuse in this context. Please
come speak with me if you have any questions.
All assigned readings must be completed before coming to class. You are expected to arrive prepared to provide thoughtful discussions of the daily readings, responding to questions from the instructor or your classmates as they arise.
There will be one (1) brief (800 word minimum) critical response paper,
in addition to one (1) documented research paper (2500 word minimum)
,
using a minimum of eight documented sources, six of which must be secondary
sources. You will also take part in a presentation of a minimum thirty
minutes to be given during the second part of the course.
There will also be a midterm and a final examination.
All papers will follow MLA format: Typed, double-spaced, use parenthetical
citations and when necessary, a list of works cited, including references
made to the textbook. (See sample MLA Paper )
The main point of the response papers is to allow you the opportunity to
explore specific aspects of texts that you find interesting in terms of
the major themes and issues we discuss, but the specific focus is largely
up to you. Of course,
plagiarism will not be tolerated. Please familiarize
yourself with the policy
and let Dr. Mekler know if anything is unclear.
Grading:
Class Participation/Quizzes | 10% |
Critical Response Paper ![]() |
10% |
Midterm Exam | 20% |
Group Presentation ![]() |
20% |
Research Paper ![]() |
20% |
Final Exam | 20% |
Reading List (Subject to Subtle Revision):