Summer 2004

E s316K • Masterworks of Literature: American

Course Description

This section of 316K focuses primarily on American short stories and plays of the 20th century-roughly one selection per class meeting. The course has three aims: to teach you how to read more critically and appreciatively; to help you work towards a writing style that's clean, clear, tight, and honest; and to encourage you to really connect with literature so as to grow emotionally, not just intellectually, as a reader.

For most of the readings, I will ask you to write meaty journal comments, 1-2 pages long, discussing your reactions and puzzlements. These comments, meant to be shared orally with the class, will form the basis of our daily discussions. You will also hand in a portfolio of your journal entries for a grade.

Besides the daily journal requirement, you can expect a midterm and a final exam.

Grading Policy

Journal Portfolio 20%
Midterm exam 20%
In-class performance 10%
Final exam 50%

Texts

Nina Baym, ed., The Norton Anthology of American Literature, Shorter 6th ed. (Norton 2003)
Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman (Penguin, 1976)
Arthur Miller, The Price (Penguin, 1985)
John Trimble, Writing with Style, 2nd ed. (Prentice Hall, 2000)

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