MIDDLESEX
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
SUMMER SYLLABUS & COURSE DESCRIPTION
INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE: EN1105
Instructor:
Professor Jean Trounstine
Office: Fifth Floor,
38A
Office Phone:
(978)656-3121
Home Phone:
(978) 640-1239
At the University Theatre
in Harvard Square, I went
to see The
True Glory and
I was still in uniform.
When they showed the films
of Dachau, the woman who sat
beside me said, “That’s a lie.”
I was rugged in those days.
I just couldn’t take it.
I said, “Lady, I’ve been there.
I have seen this. This is real.
I still smell the stench.”
And I said it loud and all
the people heard.
Barbara Helfgott Hyett from In Evidence
This is a poem, indeed a powerful poem that asks us to respond. It is a piece of literature and one that raises questions. It expects us to now about the Holocaust and to be aware of Dauchau. Perhaps it leaves us glad the poem exists, that someone speaks the truth.
In this course, we will be discussing
many pieces of literature that raise questions and allow us to look at ideas
such as what is good and what is evil in our world.
I will be asking you to respond to these pieces of literature:
to feel, to think, to talk, and to write.
I will be asking you to examine the short stories, novel, poems and plays
that you read and to become involved with them.
I will be asking you to move from a safe distance to a place where you
grapple with ideas to enable you:
--to respond emotionally to what you read
--to understand and examine a literary work (story/poem/play/novel)
--to recognize the author’s use of language and literary device
(diction/tone/irony/imagery/point of view/symbolism/etc.)
--to evaluate a work of art
All this is to encourage you to find relevance in what you read, and to
make fiction, poetry and drama a part of your life.
Texts:
Literature:
An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry and Drama
Brown and Company
Night
by Elie Wiesel, BantaM
Cyrano
de Bergerac by Edmund Rostand, trans. Brian Hooker,
Bantam
Prerequisites and Credits: Successful completion of ENIIO3
Requirements:
Papers-2 essays at the
conclusion of short story
and poetry sections, one involving
library research; Any evidence of plagarism
results in a grade of 0.
Readings-Assigned readings for
in-class and small group discussion;
occasional in
class writing to check preparedness and
comprehension.
Midterm-Test on novel and elements of fiction.
No make-ups.
Journal Keeping-Personal responses to what you read with
occasional writing
assignments on elements of fiction, poetry,
and drama. Buy a light paper three
ring
folder and quantities of looseleaf paper for
this purpose.
Attendance:
Unless there are extenuating
circumstances, you will
be asked to drop the
course if you miss more than 2
important and promptness, part of your
responsibility. Three lates = one absence.
Students are also responsible for collecting
any materials which may have been given
out during an absence and expected to come to
class prepared. Papers drop a grade
for each day late.
Evaluation:
-2 essays
20%
-Midterm
20%
- Journal
30%
-Classwork/Attendance
10%
-Final Exam
20%
-TOTAL
100%
Questions or comments? Send email to
Trounstinej@middlesex.cc.ma.us
or call Jean Trounstine at 978-656-3121
Last updated: April 01, 2001