General course information

Required Texts

• Damrosch, David, and Kevin J. H. Dettmar, eds. Masters of British Literature. Vol. B. New York: Pearson Longman, 2008.
• Greene, Graham. The End of the Affair. New York: Penguin, 2004.
• Hardy, Thomas. The Mayor of Casterbridge. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008.

Recommended Texts

• A good writer’s handbook, such as A Canadian Writer’s Reference (Hacker; Bedford/St. Martin’s) and The Concise Canadian Writer’s Handbook (Messenger et al.; Oxford).
• A guide to writing research papers in the modern language disciplines that presents the MLA style. The main guide is The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, and the above two writer’s handbook include information on MLA style.
• A good dictionary of literary terms. You can access the Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms online (through Oxford Reference Online Premium).

Course Objectives

• continue to develop ability to write clear, error-free, university-level prose
• continue to develop ability to write short, argumentative essays
• gain a basic knowledge of the history of British literature from 1800
• demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the course texts
• continue to develop close reading strategies, especially surrounding theme and imagery
• continue to develop ability to analyze the treatment of themes between two or more texts
• develop research skills, especially relating to library resources
• develop ability to summarize and respond to literary criticism

Preparation and Participation

You are expected to participate in class in an informed manner. At the very least, you are expected to come to class regularly, having read all assigned reading for that class. Ideally, you will have thought about the reading, taken notes on the reading, and have prepared opinions on and notes and questions about the reading. Ideally, you will participate in class discussions. Keep in mind that participating in class is usually a highly rewarding experience, greatly enhancing your ability to understand the course material and helping ensure your success in the course. Everyone is expected to be courteous and professional at all times in class.

Lateness

All assignments are due in class. All assignments may be submitted up to seven days (including weekend days) late without penalty. After that, there will be a 2%/day (including weekend days) penalty on all assignments to a maximum of 20%. Essays handed in more than three days late will be graded with minimal or no feedback. No assignment will be accepted after the start of the final exam.