English 310

Dr. Sylvia Little-Sweat

Fall 2007

Office:  Burris 211

Extension:  8086

Tel.:  704-233-4127

Office Hours:  10-11 MWF, 1:30-3:30 MW, 9:30-10:30 TT, 2:45-3:30TT

Objectives:

• To analyze fiction structurally and critically
• To understand differences in fictional styles and techniques
• To read substantively from contemporary short fiction and novels
• To think and write critically

Departmental Objectives Observed:

• To use ideas, values, and thematic topics of literary works as the source for effective communication
• To demonstrate understanding of literary genre and terminology
• To demonstrate basic grammar and style for written and oral work
• To develop critical thinking skills through analysis of literature
• To demonstrate proper use of research methods and materials

Texts: Boyle, Doubletakes

            Earley, Jim the Boy

            Smith, Fair and Tender Ladies

            House, A Parchment of Leaves

            Faulkner, As I Lay Dying

Expectations:  The study of fiction will be conducted with readings from major contemporary short story writers and four novelists.   The class will be conducted as a seminar with major responsibilities for careful reading and oral discussions.  The short story component will be used for individual and class interpretations.  The novels will be for panel discussions that will culminate in critical essays and a research essay.  Students are expected to read on schedule and be prepared for discussion each day.  There will be very little lecturing since the course attempts to engage students in lively exchange of literary interpretation.  The final grade will be computed as follows:  essays and panel discussions of novels (60%), individual presentations and class participation in discussions of short stories (20%), final exam (20%). 

Course Outline:

August

28                    Introduction:  Flannery O’Connor

30                    Beattie and Bender  13-44

September

4                      Boyle and Calvino  61-104

6                      Carter and Carver  105-146

11, 13              Jim the Boy   Discussions

18                    Cheever 147-178, All Essays Due

20                    Dahl 189-212

25                    Diaz and Ford  227-298

27                    Gaitskill  299-329

October

2, 4, 9              Fair and Tender Ladies   Discussions

11                    Gilchrist 343-372   All Essays Due

13-16               Fall Recess

18                    Hempel   373-390

23                    Huggan and Kincaid  391-432

25                    Moore and Oates  433-476

30                    O’Brien and Proulx  477-510, 545-562

November

1                      Richter and Saunders  563-616

6, 8, 13            A Parchment of Leaves   Discussions

15                    Wallace 617-629  All Essays Due

20                    Wideman  631-644

21-25               Thanksgiving Recess   

27                    Wolff 645-654

29                     As I Lay Dying   Discussions

December

4, 6                   As I Lay Dying   Discussions 

                         Research Essays Due on December 6

12                      Final Examination at 9:00

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