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ENGL 2210 Syllabus

Course Syllabus

ENGL 2210 - English Literature I

3 Credit Hours

Course Information

Course Description:

This course is a survey of major and minor works from British literature.  It explores the fiction, poetry, drama and nonfiction of these periods with respect to the literary forms and characteristics of each period, as well as the societal, cultural, philosophical and historical forces that influenced their development

Course Outcomes:

As a result of class instruction, you will . . .

  • Use critical thinking skills to analyze, interpret, and discuss selected literary masterpieces.

  • Analyze, interpret, and discuss how the societal, cultural, philosophical, and historical contexts of respective periods influenced the development of the masterpieces.

  • Analyze, interpret, and discuss works of fiction, poetry, drama, and nonfiction from these respective periods with respect to the distinctive literary forms and characteristics that define each period.

  • Develop, research, write, and document (MLA) analytical essays on various works, smoothly synthesizing your impressions with those of published sources.

  • Demonstrate your understanding of the course content through examinations.

  • Use online collaborative activities to interact within a community of learners, actively engaging and fostering others in your analysis and appreciation of literature. 

Prerequisites & Co-requisites:

ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020

Course Topics:
  • MODULE 1: Medieval Period Introduction, "Caedmon's Hymn," "Dream of the Rood"
  • MODULE 2: Beowulf
  • MODULE 3: Marie De France's Lanval
  • MODULE 4: Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales ("The General Prologue") 
  • MODULE 5: Test One - Literature of the Medieval Period
  • MODULE 6: William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night
  • MODULE 7: William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night (continued)
  • MODULE 8: John Donne's poetry and Holy Sonnets, George Herbert's The Temple
  • MODULE 9: John Milton's Paradise Lost (Books 1-6)
  • MODULE 10: Test Two - Literature of the Renaissance Period
  • MODULE 11: John Dryden's Absalom and Achitophel
  • MODULE 12: Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal"
  • MODULE 13: Alexander Pope's The Rape of the Lock
  • MODULE 14: Test Three - Literature of the Neoclassical Period 
Specific Course Requirements:

To complete this course successfully, you should have mastery of the college-level reading and writing skills taught and developed in ENGL1010 and ENGL1020--the ability to read, think, and write critically about literary texts, moving beyond mere summary to analysis. In addition, you should be prepared to conduct research, to document sources using the MLA style, to write in a way that confirms your awareness of audience and purpose and tone, and to express yourself in writing that is grammatically and mechanically correct. 

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:

Suggested Textbooks:

Any fully updated, current edition of a grammar handbook covering MLA documentation will be sufficient for the work we'll do in this class. (The most current editions of such handbooks as the Brief Wadsworth or The Little Brown Handbook will also work well.) 

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:

You will have online examinations over each literary period covered, respectively. The examinations may be a combination of multiple choice, matching, short answer, and discussion questions. Although no proctors will be necessary for this course, you must take each exam during the week specified on the syllabus and course calendar. 

Grading Procedures:

Three exams worth 140 points each = 420 points
Six Reading Quizzes worth 30 points each = 180 points
Ten Class Discussions worth 25 points each = 250 points
Literary Quest Project worth 150 points = 150 points
Total: 1000 points 

Grading Scale:
900-1000 pointsA
800-899 pointsB
700-799 pointsC
650-699 pointsD
Less than 650 pointsF
Assignments and Projects:

Exams

You will have online examinations over each literary period covered in this course, respectively. The examinations may be a combination of multiple choice, matching, short answer, and discussion questions. You may locate online examinations under the link entitled "Assessments."

Reading Quizzes

You will take online reading quizzes--two during each literary period covered in this course. To successfully complete each quiz, it is important that you keep up with the reading assignments. Because the quizzes are not timed, you are encouraged to use your books, notes, and online study guides to carefully respond to each question. Furthermore, the quizzes are designed to prepare you for the exams, as well, so it's important to regard them seriously as a valuable review. I cannot overemphasize how important it is to read the online study guides alongside the assigned readings in the Norton text-- something that will prove invaluable during quizzing and testing. You may locate online quizzes under the link entitled "Assessments."

Class Discussions

Discussions will take place online throughout the course of the semester--one during each module of reading. Participating in the class discussions is an important component in the course not only to earn full credit for each discussion, but also because interacting with others helps you maintain a strong learning community--an element that is especially crucial to success in an online course. To receive full credit for each discussion, follow the directions in the posting, providing thoughtful, well-supported, in- depth responses to the original posting, responses that suggest a close reading and analysis of the text under consideration. Remember to refer to the "Rules For Discussions" posted at the top of the Discussions page.

Literary Quest Project

Early in the semester, by the date designated on the calendar/course schedule, you will "claim" your topics, and near the end of the semester, by the date designated on the calendar/course schedule, the project will be due. Although in-depth details about the project may be found in the link on the course menu, know that it is not too early to begin exploring your interests and deciding on the topic you'd like to pursue further in this project. 

Class Participation:

To be successful in this course, take an active role in all interactive aspects of this course. Course assignments have been specifically designed to encourage frequent interaction both with the instructor and with other members of the online learning community. 

Late Policy:

As the online learning environment requires you to be self-directed and independent learners, the course framework and deadlines are designed to ensure that you maintain weekly contact with instructors and fellow learners, as well as be well-prepared for each major assignment. Because punctuality is the key to each student's success in this course, the instructor may refuse to accept all late work. Exams must be taken within the prescribed time frames, as there are no make-ups given for exams. 

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