Explore online education in Tennessee

ENGL 2035 (formerly ENGL 2010) Syllabus

Course Syllabus

ENGL 2035 (formerly ENGL 2010) - Introduction to Literature I: Fiction

3 Credit Hours

Course Information

Course Description:

This course provides the opportunity, through reading, discussion, and short projects, to analyze short stories and a novel in terms of their literary characteristics. The course gives students experience in reading and interpreting literature.

Course Outcomes:

You will learn to:
1) Relate literary experience to the human condition,
2) Identify the elements of fiction and understand how those elements relate to theme,
3) Distinguish literary style from other types of writing,
4) Identify the characteristics of the writing styles of selected authors,
5) Understand the importance of setting and character in a story or novel. 

Prerequisites & Co-requisites:

ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 to ensure that the student has sufficient skills to effectively explore and develop arguments about new ideas and to communicate them in writing.

Course Topics:

This course will explore the elements of literature. It is strongly suggested that each module be completed in the order presented in order to build a solid foundation for subsequent material.
- Introduction: Reading and Writing about Fiction
- Plot
- Character
- Setting
- Point of View
(The first test will cover the preceding elements).
- Symbolism
- Theme
- Style, Tone, Irony 
- A Study of Nathaniel Hawthorne
- A Study of Flannery O'Connor
(The second test will cover the preceding elements).
- Putting the elements of fiction together
- Applying the elements of fiction to the novel form
(The final test will cover the preceding elements). 

Specific Course Requirements:

There are no specific special course requirements necessary for successful completion of the course other than a working knowledge of how to operate in the D2L environment. 

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Required Textbooks:

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain textbook information for this course. Move your cursor over the "Books" link in the navigation bar and select "Textbooks & Course Materials." Select your Program, Term, Department, and Course; then select "Submit."

Supplementary Materials:
Hardware and Software Requirements:

Minimum hardware requirements can be found here.

Minimum software requirements can be found here.

Common applications you might need:

Web Resources:

Purdue OWL Online Writing Lab (for APA, MLA, or Chicago style)

The Writing Center Online Writer's Handbook

Student Resources:
  • Technical support information can be found on the TN eCampus Help Desk page.
  • Smarthinking virtual tutoring is available FREE of charge. to access Smarthinking, visit the course homepage and select Smarthinking under Course Resources. You also view sample sessions to see what Smarthinking offers and how it works.
  • Information on other student issues or concerns can be located on the TN eCampus Student Resources page.

Instructor Information

Please see "Instructor Information" in the Getting Started Module for instructor contact information, virtual office hours, and other communication information. You can expect to receive a response from the instructor within 24-48 hours unless notified of extenuating circumstances.

Participation, Assessments, & Grading

Testing Procedures:

All quizzes, assignments, and tests will be available through the D2L interface. No proctors are needed for the quizzes or tests; however, the Respondus LockDown Browser will be required to take all quizzes and tests in this class.

For more information on the Respondus LockDown Browser and instructions for downloading, click here: Respondus LockDown Browser Student Guide

To download the Browser, click here: Respondus LockDown Browser

The quizzes should be taken in the week that they are assigned. They are made available to you early in the course and should be completed by the specific deadline dates (see the Calendar for specific due dates). Note: you will only be able to submit answers to the quizzes once.

The tests have limited access. They have a time limit and a limited availability window. Students will be on their honor to complete the test without the use of notes, texts, and/or internet sites. Once the student begins the test, a maximum of two hours will be available to complete it. There will be at least a 48 hour window in which each test will be available. These windows will be clearly posted in the Calendar section of the course.

Grading Procedure:
All graded coursework will be returned within two weeks of the due date. The grade for this course will be based on several types of assessment tools.

Frequent reading quizzes will be used to ensure the student understands the material presented in the text and online materials. These quizzes will include objective questions (matching, multiple choice) and short answer response questions.

Periodic assignments will allow the student to explore the significance of the various elements of fiction as they apply to various works read in the course. Each assignment has a specific grading rubric included.

Three tests will measure the student's ability to identify the elements of fiction and distinguish literary style as it pertains to selected authors. Tests will contain a combination of objective questions (matching, multiple choice), short answer response questions, and brief essay response questions.

Two fully developed papers will explore the student's experience of the ideas in the works read in class and place them in context in the student's real world environment. Each essay will be graded using
the Literature Essay Grading Rubric. Specific requirements will be discussed in the individual assignments. NOTE: Plagiarism, which involves using someone else's words, ideas, or opinions without giving proper credit or documentation, will result in receiving a grade of zero for the assignment. Intentional attempts to "pass off" someone else's work (even a paper purchased from someone else) will result in failing the course. Turnitin.com will be used to check for plagiarism on all papers and assignments.

The student will also participate in a discussion forum to share perspectives with classmates. Discussion questions will be provided as a starting point, but any element of the week's reading material is also acceptable discussion material. The student is expected to participate in ALL 15 discussions. The student's participation will be graded on BOTH frequency of participation and quality of input. The response to the discussion prompt and responses to other students may receive up to 10 points for each topic, for a total of 150 points possible for the whole semester. 

Grading Procedures:
Assignment NameNumber of AssignmentsPoints
Reading quizzes10 total - 10 points each100 points
Discussion Participation15 total - 10 points each150 points
Unit Tests3 total - 100 points each300 points
Periodic Assignments

3 total: 2 @ 35 points each

            1 @ 80 points

150 points
Papers2 total - 150 points each300 points

 

Grading Scale:
900-1000 pointsA - excellent performance
800-899 pointsB - very good performance
700-799 pointsC - good to acceptable performance
600-699 pointsD - below average performance
less than 600 pointsF - failing performance

 

Assignments and Projects:

Details of each Module are included on the specific pages in the Course Content section of the course.

Module 1: Read the Course Introductory Material
Read Chapter 1 in the text
Read Chapter 2 in the text
Complete the Module 1 Quiz
Participate in the weekly discussion

Module 2: Read Chapter 3 in the text
Read "The Cask of Amontillado" (in "Stories for Further Reading" - Chap. 17)
Study the Vocabulary List
Complete the Module 2 Quiz
Participate in the weekly discussion 

Module 3: Read Chapter 4 in the text
Read "Girl" in the text (in "Stories for Further Reading" - Chap. 17)
Study the Vocabulary List
Complete the Module 3 "Character" Assignment
Participate in the weekly discussion

Module 4: Read Chapter 5 in the text
Read "A & P" in the text (in "Stories for Further Reading" - Chap. 17)
Study Vocabulary List
Complete the Module 4 Quiz
Begin writing process on Paper #1
Participate in the weekly discussion

Module 5: Read Chapter 6 in the text
Study Vocabulary List
Complete the Module 5 Quiz
Participate in the weekly discussion
Complete Test #1

Module 6: Read Chapter 7 in the text
Read "Clothes" in the text (in "Stories for Further Reading" - Chapt. 17)
Study Vocabulary List
Complete the Module 6 "Symbolism" Assignment
Participate in the weekly discussion

Module 7: Read Chapter 8 in the text
Read "By-and-By" in the text (in "An Album of Contemporary Stories" - Chap. 16)
Study Vocabulary List
Complete the Module 7 Quiz
Participate in the weekly discussion
Submit Paper #1 for grading

Module 8: Read Chapter 9 in the text
Read "Carnal Knowledge" in the text (in "A Thematic Case Study: Humor and Satire" - Chap. 15)
Study Vocabulary List
Complete the Module 8 Quiz
Participate in the weekly discussion

Module 9: Read Chapter 11 in the text
Complete the Module 9 Quiz
Participate in the weekly discussion
Begin writing process on Paper #2

Module 10: Read Chapter 12 in the text
Complete the Module 10 Quiz
Participate in the weekly discussion

Module 11: Select your novel for approval by the instructor
Once approved, begin reading your selected novel
Participate in the weekly discussion 
Complete Test #2

Module 12: Read "The Happy Memories Club" in the text (in "A Thematic Case Study: Humor and Satire" - Chap. 15)
Read "Her First Elk" in the text (in "An Album of Contemporary Stories" - Chap. 16)
Continue reading your selected and approved novel
Complete the Module 12 Quiz
Participate in the weekly discussion
Submit Paper #2 for grading

Module 13: Read "The Last Days of Muhammad Atta" in the text (in "An Album of Contemporary Stories" - Chap. 16)
Read "How to Tell a True War Story" in the text (in "Stories for Further Reading" - Chap. 17)
Continue reading your selected and approved novel
Complete the Module 13 Quiz
Participate in the weekly discussion

Module 14: Complete reading your selected and approved novel
Complete the Module 14 "Novel" Assignment
Participate in the weekly discussion

Module 15: Participate in the weekly discussion
Complete Test #3 

Class Participation:

Your participation in this course is a vital part of the learning environment. Participation includes more than just reading the assignments and completing the quizzes, papers, and tests. You need to use all of the resources available to you. The discussion board is available to you to engage in class-wide explorations of your responses to the readings and the stories. If you don't understand something, post a question to the main discussion board. In all likelihood someone else in the course will be able to help you understand what you may not be able to figure out on your own. The weekly discussion questions are NOT optional. You should respond to the prompt in the assignment and read other students' responses as well. I also encourage you to reply to each other's postings. A large part of learning is sharing ideas. I will monitor and provide feedback to postings as well as add probing questions that are suggested by your own responses. In addition, the email system is available to communicate with the instructor. The instructor is a resource for you to use, too. The main discussion board will also be used to post general information applicable to the class as a whole, so you should check it frequently. 

Late Policy:

Each week of the course has specific elements that need to be accomplished in that week. Each week's assignment builds on the material in previous weeks. Therefore, you should work on the material in the order given in the schedule of assignments. With the exception of the tests and papers, as long as you complete the material for each module in the week it is due, there are no specific days or times that you need to participate. You can work on this course at a time of day best suited to your needs. The detailed due dates for the papers and tests are listed in the calendar and should be met. Assignments may be turned in early, but late work (completed after the due date noted in the calendar) will not be accepted, neither will late papers or tests. 

Course Ground Rules

The following two statements (1., 2.) were derived from the TBR System-wide Student Rules document, released January 2012:

RULES OF THE TENNESSEE BOARD OF REGENTS STATE UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM OF TENNESSEE SYSTEMWIDE STUDENT RULES CHAPTER 0240-02-03 STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

Read the document in its entirety here.

1. Standards of Conduct:

  • Students are required to adhere to the same professional, legal and ethical standards of conduct online as on campus. In addition, students should conform to generally accepted standards of "netiquette" while sending e-mail, posting comments to the discussion board, and while participating in other means of communicating online. Specifically, students should refrain from inappropriate and/or offensive language, comments and actions.

2. Review the TN eCampus Academic Integrity/Academic Honesty Policy:

  • In their academic activities, students are expected to maintain high standards of honesty and integrity. Academic dishonesty is prohibited.

Such conduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • an attempt by one or more students to use unauthorized information in the taking of an exam
  • to submit as one's own work, themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes, computer programs, or other products prepared by another person,
  • or to knowingly assist another student in obtaining or using unauthorized materials.

Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited.

Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are subject to disciplinary action through the regular procedures of the student’s home institution.  Refer to the student handbook provided by your home institution to review the student conduct policy.

In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed, the instructor has the authority to assign an "F" or zero for an activity or to assign an "F" for the course.

Other Course Rules:

Students are expected to:

  • Participate in all aspects of the course
  • Communicate with other students
  • Learn how to navigate in Brightspace
  • Keep abreast of course announcements
  • Use the assigned course management (Brightspace) email address rather than a personal email address
  • Address technical problems immediately:
  • Observe course netiquette at all times.

Guidelines for Communications

Email:

  • Always include a subject line.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members

Discussions:

  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in TN eCampus programs and courses. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading will be included within the course modules. To access the Virtual Library, go to the course homepage and select the Virtual Library link under Course Resources.

Students with Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this syllabus is for general information purposes only. While we endeavor to keep this information up-to-date and accurate, there may be some discrepancies between this syllabus and the one found in your online course. The syllabus of record is the one found in your online course. Please make sure you read the syllabus in your course at the beginning of the semester. Questions regarding course content should be directed to your instructor.


Last Revised on July 12, 2021