Introduction+to+the+Novel

** ENG 210A—HISTORY OF THE NOVEL ** = 3 CREDITS, PROF. J. PEDERSEN, SPRING 2011 = **COURSE DESCRIPTION**: Students study the history and elements of the novel and the categories within the genre. A critical evaluation of novels concentrates on those exemplifying the historical and aesthetic developments of this literary form. ** COURSE OBJECTIVES: ** 1. Understand the basic facts of the development of the genre of the novel.
 * FELICIAN COLLEGE—DIVISION OF ARTS & SCIENCES **

2. Identify basic styles and themes of the various novels studied, their historical backgrounds, and how they develop and shift over time.

3. Perform critical analysis and literary interpretation of the novels, both oral in class discussion and in four papers that use literary terms and concepts to support the students’ original thoughts and thesis

** REQUIRED TEXTS: ** ** Norton Anthology 6th Edition **

**//Ways to Contact Instructor//**:
 * 1) Feel free to email me at any time at jpedersen1@aol.com.--
 * 2) In an emergency please call my office at (908)754-4620 (250)

**ATTENDANCE:** This is taken for every class. Each student is allowed 3 absences without penalty. If a student is absent more than this, the grade will be reduced to reflect the amount of work missed. Anyone with more than 6 absences is in danger of failing the course. ANY absence may be excused if the student has a DOCUMENTED reason. Being more than 15 minutes late, or leaving more than 15 min. early, or leaving during class counts as a half of an absence.

**LATE PAPERS**: A student may hand in any paper on the due date and one class day later. That is, a paper due on Mon. may be handed in on Thurs. without a late penalty. After that, there is a 1 grade penalty for every day late. After the next paper is due, no previous paper may be handed in. If for any reason, you need more time, please see me so you can be excused from this penalty.

** EVALUATION: ** 1. Assignments: 10% 2. Midterm: 20% 3. Final Exam: 20% 4. 4 papers: 40% 5. Presentation: 10%

**PAPER REQUIREMENTS**: 1. Each paper must be at least 3 typed pages. 2. Each paper must be completed in MLA format. 3. All work must be entirely by the student. If you consult another source or quote from someone else, just give credit by citing the source. See me for a few minutes if you need help understanding how to use the correct MLA form. 4. Each paper must include at least 3 quotes to support your thesis. 5. Summarize your conclusions and other significant thoughts in your final paragraph. 6. Each paper must stick to the topic. Summaries of stories will not be graded!

** PAPER TOPICS ** ESSAY #1: How does //The Heart of Darkness// explore the theme of darkness? Explain ESSAY # 2: What do you think is the author’s message in //The Metamorphosis//? Provide evidence to support your opinion. ESSAY #3: Explain how Ethan Frome can be viewed as a tragedy. Cite excerpts from the novel to support your response. ESSAY #4: Identify two major themes from the novel you have chosen and explain. Provide specific quotes or excerpts from the novel to support your thesis.

** PRESENTATION: ** A 30 minute presentation to the class will be based on your novel of choice. The presentation must include the following items: - A brief summary. - A brief description of the main characters. - Explanation of the major themes with quotes from the text. - A list and explanation of all of the major symbols used in the novel. - An explanation of the author’s purpose. - Your reaction to the novel. - Your evaluation of the novel including what you liked, what you didn’t like and what you would have changed about the story.

** NOVELS: ** The three novels that we will cover in class are: 1. Heart of Darkness (p. 269) 2. The Metamorphosis (p. 885) 3. Ethan Frome (can be found at []) 4. A novel of your own choice that has been approved by the instructor. Free books can be found at @http://www.bibliomania.com/0/-/frameset.html