English 201 is designed both as a General Education course and as an introductory-level course for English majors and minors. Essentially, this survey of the three major literary genres, will focus on short fiction, poetry, and drama. In the process of examining these types, special attention will be paid to the cultural, intellectual, and social contexts and influences relevant to each selection. Students will be expected to learn basic literary and critical terms necessary to the understanding and appreciation of litetature.

Upon completion of this course, the student will have acquired:
1. an appreciation of the wide range of cultural, historical, intellectual, and social currents influencing a wide range of literary types
2. an introduction to the three major genres: fiction, poetry, and drama
3. an understanding of the basic critical trends in literature
4. a deeper appreciation of literature through a deeper understanding of its aesthetic princples.

Your final grade will be determined by your performance on the following: two major examinations (mid-term and final), sneak quizzes, and one paper.

Your final grade will be made up of the following graded work: exam average 70%, quiz average 10%, paper 20%. NOTE: All required work must be completed in order to pass the class.

Trust me, you’ll learn more if you show up to class regularly. Consequently, I have an attendance policy designed to encourage you to attend. Stated clearly, it goes like this:

1) Do not miss three consecutive classes. If you do, I will assume you’re not coming back and drop you from the class (then where would you be?). If you must be away that long, check with me in advance, not after you return. Note: If this happens after the drop/withdrawal deadline, your final grade will be an F.

2) If you miss more than five classes throughout the semester, you will be dropped.

3) I will take roll each class. If you miss more than three (3) classes during the semester, your final grade may be adversely affected. Here’s how: If at the end of the term you are teetering precariously between two grades, let’s say between an A and a B or a C and the dreaded D, I would let your attendance records determine which of the grades you receive. If you missed, say, five classes you would receive the lower of the two grades, the B or the dreaded D. On the other hand, if you missed, say, three times you would receive the higher of the two, the A or the C.

A word or two about tardiness. Normally, I don’t mind your walking in occasionally a minute or two late, but I do not want you to make a habit of it. So here’s another rule; three tardies equal one absence. That means if you’re tardy more than nine time, you’ll be in the same boat (sinking) as if you had missed more than three classes (see item #3 above).

I expect each of you to do your own work. That means anything you turn in with your name on it must be your own work. Attempting to pass off the words, ideas, or work of another is plagiarism, a serious offense in my book. If you try that, I will catch you and you’ll be in hot water. You’ll get an F on that assignment. If I catch you a second time, out you go. So don’t cheat; we’ll both feel better if you don’t.

I will accept late assignments provided you have a darned good excuse, but you should not get in the habit of turning in late work. If you miss an exam, you have two school days to make up that exam, no longer. If you fail to do this, you will receive an F on that exam. Daily quizzes cannot be made up. During the last week of the term, I will not accept any late work for any reason, too busy. NOTE: It is your responsibility to make arrangements for all make-up work, not mine.

While I want you to feel relaxed in here, I expect each of you to behave as adults, not high-schoolers. I don’t mind your occasional discreet whispering to your neighbor, but I will not tolerate any behavior which disrupts the class or keeps me from doing my job. If you misbehave you will get two warnings, after that out you go. I also reserve the right to rearrange classroom seating if I think it will improve the overall quality of the class.

I know English classes have a reputation for being dull, tedious affairs. To some degree this is true. I should know; after all, I sat through enough as a student. However, our class does not have to be boring. No siree! That’s up to you. Consequently, I fully expect each of you to do your best to keep things interesting. You can do that by participating in class, by asking questions, by being prepared, and by sharing your ideas and opinions with the class. Of course, being bright and witty wouldn’t hurt either. I assure you that any contributions you make toward the welfare of the class will be duly noted and appreciated.

Above all, ask lots of questions. Ask questions any time. If I say something you don’t understand, please ask me to explain. Trust me; I don’t mind. That’s part of my job.

Note: I reserve the right to make minor changes to this course syllabus. So don’t whine if I do.

Finally, I want you to enjoy this class, Do your part and I promise to do mine.