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English 252/O0l Appalachian Fiction Fall Semester 2003
M-W-F 10:30:20 G21 Woodburn
Jo Ann Dadisman
345 Stansbury
Office: 203-3107x450
Home: 864-0879 (before 1 0:00PM)
Email: joann.dadisman@mail.wvu.edu
jdadisman@aol.com
Office hours. M-W 1:30-2:30
T-R 1:00-2:00 and by special appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed as an introduction to Appalachian fiction, with an emphasis on critical reading and thinking about the literature of the region. The course will attempt to increase understanding of this regional literature by reading what outsiders and insiders have to say about the region, its people and its rich literary heritage; by reading some stories which generally take the oral tradition and both short and long forms of fiction by Appalachian poets, short story writers and novelists. In addition to reading fiction, students will also be exposed to film medium and recordings from radio in which writers talk about their work. Students will have the opportunity to respond critically to the course content during group discussions, writing assignments and in class activities.
TEXT BOOKS AND MATERIALS:
Giardma, Denise. Storming Heaven. New York: Ivy, 1987.
Kingsolver, Barbara. Prodigal Summer. New York: Perennial, 2000.
McCrumb, Sharyn. She Walks These Hills. New York: Signet, 1994.
Morgan, Robert. Gap Creek: The Story of a Marriage. Chapel Hill: Algonquin, 1999.
Smith, Lee. Saving Grace. New York. Ballantine, 1995.
Some readings will be found on the internet and others on electronic reserve at Wise Library. The password for these materials is 245. Additional materials will be distributed by the instructor.
Because of the nature of the class and the plethora of handouts you will be acquiring, I recommend that you use a 3-ring binder for this class. Materials can be organized easily and stored for your changing needs. A record of your participation is mandatory.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Students are expected to attend an class sessions, be prepared for all class activities and complete one 6-8 page paper on a topic relating to our readings which you have chosen and presented in a proposal for approval. You will: submit an initial draft for evaluation before the final draft due date.
SCHEDULE OF READINGS/ACTIVITIES
Week #l: August 18-22
dealing with Appalachia
Week#2: August25-28
Week #3: September 1-5
Week #4: September 8-12
Week #5: September 15-19
Week #6: September 22-26
Week #7: September 29-October 3
Pancake
Week #8: October 6-10
Week#9: October 13-17
Week #1O October 20-24
Week #11: October 27-31
Week #12: November 3-7
Week#13: NovemberlO-14
Week #14: November 17-21
Week #15: November 24-28
Week #16: December 1-5
Week #17: December 8-12 Finals Week
GRADES:
In class writing, homework and participation, including 30%
Unannounced quizzes (available only to those in attendance)
Midterm l 5%
Formal essay 25%
Final exam l 5%
Attendance (-5 points for each absence, with more than 15%
6 absences resulting in course failure)
DUE DATES
Work with due dates have been identified on the course syllabus. Students are encouraged to read and work ahead of deadlines for readings, especially the novels. Assignments can be submitted to me by 4:30 on the due date and still be considered current. These submissions are to be placed in my mailbox in room 231 of Stansbury, after Karen has signed and dated them. Do not place any work under my office door. Late papers will be docked a half letter grade.
WVU is committed to social justice. I concur with that commitment and expect to foster a nurturing learning environment based upon open communication, mutual respect and nondiscrimination. Our University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color or national origin. Any suggestions as to how to further a positive and open environment in this class will be appreciated and given serious consideration.
If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodations in order to participate in this class, please advise me and make appropriate arrangements with Disability Services (293-6700).
FINAL NOTE
I believe that all students can succeed in this class by staying abreast of the reading and writing assignments. Attendance is mandatory and can only strengthen your understanding of the material, how it relates to you and your world and your self confidence in articulating thoughts about the readings. I look forward to a good semester with each of you and will maintain an "open door" policy throughout the semester. Please contact me when you are in doubt or are struggling with an assignment.
Unless
otherwise noted, items published by the Center for Literary Computing are
copyrighted by the authors and may be shared in accordance with the Fair
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