The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutLIT-1101 Bergen Community College Division of Humanities Department of English Course Syllabus LIT-110 Introduction to the Short Story Instructor: Office: Phone: E-mail: Office Hours: Course Description Introduction to the Short Story is a study of short fiction that examines the stylistic and technical qualities of the genre, its kinship with narrative forms stretching to the earliest literatures of diverse cultures, and the range of themes expressed in short stories by authors writing in English and a variety of other languages. Credits 3; Lecture 3 Prerequisite: None General Education course Student Learning Outcomes The students who successfully complete the requirements of this course will be able to: 1. Read a wide range of short stories from various time periods and regions around the world. 2. Identify and discuss a variety of literary techniques and styles used in short stories. 2 0. Distinguish the relationship between form and meaning in the construction of short stories. 0. Demonstrate an analytic approach to the themes, ethics and world views represented in the works through critical response papers and discussions. 0. Identify and evaluate a variety of research tools to locate literary scholarship. 0. Integrate secondary source material into written analyses of literature using MLA citation style and rhetorically coherent strategies. Means of Assessment Students will be required to do the following: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the course readings through discussions, summaries, journals, reading responses, reading comprehension questions, quizzes and a research paper. (Meets Student Learning Outcomes 1-4.) 2. Write at least two (2) multi-paragraph, academic critical response essays of at least 500 words that analyze short stories by authors of various cultural, geographic, ethnic and historical backgrounds and express an understanding of the themes, ethics, and world views represented in the works. (Meets Student Learning Outcomes 1-4.) 3. Conduct independent research and write a 5 -7 page research paper using MLA formatting and citation conventions. (Meets Student Learning Outcomes 2-6.) Course Content This course begins with the study of the technical elements of short stories including narrative perspectives, plot devices, style, tone and setting. Following this foundation, there will be much reading and discussion of short stories with a view to understanding the various manifestations of the genre across history and cultures. The course centers on aesthetic movements of the twentieth century and ends with a theme-based consideration of works in the contemporary global context. Course Texts and/or Other Study Materials 3 Readings are available on Moodle (Students must have the assigned readings with them every class period, either in print or electronically.) Assessment of Student Learning Class Participation The primary focus of this course is the close examination of the assigned literature. This is a reading class: students taking this course must therefore be self - directed, motivated and dedicated to reading the assigned stories. The reading and discussion framework is the course’s educational forum: the student benefits from the instructor’s teaching, the exchange of ideas with other students, and the independent work of developing a personal process of intellectual growth in connection with the literary works covered in the course. By developing well-thought out perspectives through engagement with the literature and articulating these perspectives clearly in writing and discussion, the student will meet the challenges of this course. Reading Tests Students can expect their close reading to be assessed each week, through both oral and written tests on the selected readings. Written Work There will be two short critical response papers in this course, and a 5-7 paged research paper. Grading Policy Grading Scale 100-90 A 89-85 B+ 84-80 B 79-75 C+ 4 74-70 C 69-60 D 59 and below F Statement on Plagiarism In college, we read and critically explore ideas that represent the intellectual property of researchers and scholars. Just as stealing another’s property is wrong in everyday life, so also is the taking of someone’s intellectual property without giving the creator/author credit. Plagiarism is the presentation of others’ language, ideas and thoughts as if they were our own. The Latin word plagiarius means “kidnapper.” Plagiarism is taking another’s intellectual property without the owner’s permission or without acknowledging the source. Whether the plagiarism occurs purposefully or carelessly, the offense is serious and carries severe academic penalties. How Can Students Prevent Plagiarism? Students must carefully use citations to credit: ∙ Ideas that are not common or general knowledge ∙ Facts and statistics from published research ∙ Graphs, charts, and diagrams from published research ∙ The exact words of another in spoken or written form (quotations) ∙ Material published in books, magazines, encyclopedias or journals ∙ Material from electronic on-line sources, including ChatGPT ∙ Material written by other students or individuals ∙ Material obtained from paper-writing “services,” such as Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) sites. In this class, the College policy on cheating and plagiarism as stated in the Bergen Community College Catalog will be followed. I take plagiarism very seriously. Plagiarism on any essay will result in a failing grade on the essay, and possibly a failing grade in the course depending on the severity of the case. Attendance Policy 5 BCC Attendance Policy: All students are expected to attend every scheduled meeting of each course in which they are registered. No more than four excused absences are permitted; after four your grade will be lowered by 5%, and another 5% for each subsequent absence. Three late arrivals also will account for one absence. ADA Statement Bergen Community College is committed to ensuring the full participation of all students in its programs. If you have a documented disability (or think you may have a disability) and, as a result, need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this class, complete course requirements, or benefit from the College’s programs or services, contact the Office of Special Services (OSS) as soon as possible at 201 - 612-5270 or www.bergen.edu/oss. To receive any academic accommodation, you must be appropriately registered with OSS. The OSS works with students confidentially and does not disclose any disability-related information without their permission. The OSS serves as a clearinghouse on disability issues and works in partnership with faculty and all other student service offices. Course Schedule Unit 1 – Modernist Stories Week 1 Introductions. “The Story of an Hour” Week 2 Moore, “Homesickness”; Joyce, “Araby” Unit II – Russian Short Stories Weeks 3 & 4 Anton Chekhov: “The Lady with A Dog”; Gogol: “The Overcoat”: Alexander Pushkin: “The Stationmaster” & “The Young Peasant Lady” Unit III – John Cheever Week 5 & 6 “The Country Husband,” “The Enormous Radio” and “The Swimmer” 6 Critical Response Paper 1 due Unit IV - North American Short Stories Weeks 7, 8 & 9 Ernest Hemingway: (Biography) “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber,” “Indian Camp;” Charlotte Perkins-Gilman: “The Yellow Wallpaper” Critical Response Paper II due Week 10 & 11 William Faulkner: “A Rose for Emily”; Jhumpa Lahiri: “Interpreter of Maladies,” “Sexy,” “This Blessed House,” “Mrs. Sens” Week 12 Flannery O’Connor: “Everything That Rises Must Converge;” Junot Diaz: “Miss Lora” and “Fiesta, 1980.” Audio: Dennis Johnson: “Emergency” Unit V – South American Short Stories & Postmodernism Week 13 & 14 Garcia Marquez: “Big Mama’s Funeral”; Julio Cortazar, from Blow Up and Other Stories; Donald Barthelme, from 64 stories (Handouts) Week 15 Movie: The Secret in Their Eyes Research Paper Due