Eng: 231 – ECHY1: Expository Writing

(3 -0-3)
Instructor: Scott Temple
Semester: Fall 2010

Phone: 704-484-4048
E-mail: templesc@clevelandcommunitycollege.edu
Day/Time Class Meets: Monday and Wednesday from 12:00 – 12:45 pm / Room 2056
Office Location: 2155
Office Hours: Monday from 8 – 11 am and Wednesday 9 – 11 am

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course covers selected works in American literature from its beginning to 1580. Emphasis is
placed on historical background, cultural context, and literary analysis of selected prose, poetry, and
drama. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret, analyze, and respond to literary works in
their historical and cultural contexts. Prerequisites: ENG 112 or ENG 113. This course has been
approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement general education core requirement in
humanities/fine arts.

II. TEXTBOOK

Perkins and Perkins. The American Tradition in Literature. Twelfth Edition; Vol. I.
New York: McGraw Hill, 2009.

A dictionary (I recommend Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary)

Other Materials:
• A flash drive
• Headphones if you plan on using the library computers or computers without speakers

III. COURSE GOALS

A. To present historical background and critical interpretations of the works of those

American writers who have made significant contributions to the field of
American literature
B. To analyze the variety of traditions and genres that have become important in
American literature and to show how they affect and are affected by past and
present institutions
C. To show how American writers have been influenced by writers outside America
D. To examine the philosophical foundation of representative works (Puritanism,
romanticism, humanitarianism, transcendentalism, and neo-classicism)
 E. To acquire knowledge in the language of literature
F. To explore the task of critical reading
G. To provide an opportunity for free, open class discussion on American literary
topics

IV. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION

A. Lectures
B. Blackboard
C. Discussion
D. Conferences
E. Small group activities
F. Peer Editing
G. Video/DVD

V. LEARNING ACTIVITIES

A. Active research into various periods of American literature, both individually and in
groups
B. Active participation in all class discussions on BlackBoard
C. Critical reading of all assigned works
D. Oral presentations on at least two authors

VI. CRITICAL/ANALYTICAL THINKING ACTIVITIES

A. Analyze short stories, poems, novels, illustrating evidence of that type of work.
B. Recognize the value of various cultures in American literature.
C. Compare and contrast various authors and periods of literature.
D. Distinguish those literary characteristics that are uniquely American.

VII. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

A. Define literary terms and demonstrate their application to poems, short stories,
dramas, novels.
B. Write critical analyses of poems, short stories, dramas, novels.
C. Identify the terms Puritanism, romanticism, humanitarianism, transcendentalism, and
neo-classicism in American literature.
D. Analyze literary characteristics and apply those characteristics to works read in class.
E. Find thematic connections among various works discussed in class and write effective
essays about those connections.
F. Demonstrate the ability to use one's personal interpretations of a work to determine
American characteristics and present these interpretations in effective, well-written
essays.
G. Trace historical and linguistic outcomes of American literature.
 H. Compile a bibliography of uniquely American works.
I. Apply critical theories to reading of American literature.
J. Achieve confidence in one's own critical perspective.

VIII. BIBLIOGRAPHY

A. The Library has many helpful sources (including all the Audio-Visual).
B. Tutorial assistance from www.smarthinking.com (instructor will supply current
passwords).
C. Plagiarism review from www.turnitin.com for all graded paper submissions. Instructors
submits the paper.

IX. EVALUATION

Students will be evaluated through writing assignments, essays, and presentations

X. GRADING/ Percentages

Major Essays – 40%

Assignments/participation – 30%
2 Presentations – 20%
Approved reading event attended outside of class and Experience Paper – 10%
(Reading options: Ron Rash Literary Festival GWU; Malaprops Book Store in Asheville; Readings at
CCC)

XI. GRADING SCALE

A=93-100
B=85-92
C=77-84
D=70-76
F=69

**Late homework, essays, and related assignments will not be accepted.

XII. ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Instructor Policy:
Students cannot miss more than 4 days. After 4 days, student will fail the class. Talk to
me about any serious health or legal issues.

XIII. TARDINESS POLICY:

While tardiness might happen once due to unforeseen events (I might even be tardy
once!), a pattern of tardiness will be considered a missed class. If a test, quiz or
assignment has been distributed, no extra time is given to those students tardy.
Also Note: It is the student’s sole responsibility to make sure the instructor knows you
entered the classroom after the instructor called attendance. Failure to do so will result in
an “absence” for that day. Please inform the instructor of your tardiness at the end of
class.

XIV. MAKEUP POLICY:

Instructor Policy: No late assignments are accepted. Students are required to post all
homework/tests/projects on Blackboard or turned in homework/tests/projects at the
beginning of class on the due date. Refer to schedule for due dates. Keeping up with
schedule changes is the sole responsibility of the student.

XV. Academic Honesty Policy:

Instructor Policy: Students are expected to conduct themselves as professionals in the

classroom and on campus. Students are expected to respect the opinions and suggestions
of fellow classmates and respond to disputes and concerns in a constructive manner.
Failure to act in a professional manner may result in a lower grade for class participation.

XVI.
Plagiarism Policy: Students are expected to submit original work crafted by the
student. Deliberately copied text or undocumented quotes, paraphrases, or
summarizes from another author will result in an F on the assignment.

XVII.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES STATEMENT:
To minimize classroom disruptions and protect the integrity of test-taking situations,
electronic communication devices such as telephones and pagers are generally not
permitted in instructional areas at Cleveland Community College. Exceptions may be
made for emergency personnel. If you choose to use a computer, you may do so for note
taking purposes. If laptops become a distraction beyond academic use then the instructor
may ask that the computer be put away.

***This class may take field trips if needed.