English 1108:12 Introductionto Literature: Poetry and Drama Dr. Farnsworth

Term: 2017Winter Time: MW10:05 – 11:20 pm Room: B201

Office: Campus Centre 232 Tel: 902 563-1250 Email:

Office Hours: MW 1:00 – 3:30 pm or by appointment

Description: This course provides an introduction to critical reading and writing through the exploration oftwo of the major literary genres in English – poetry and drama. We will examine a number of poems by authors from different times and places and three plays, one of which will be Shakespeare’s comedy of young love, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Course Goals and Outcomes: Throughclose reading of various poems and plays,students will develop the reading, writing and thinking skills needed to succeed at university and beyond.

Method: lectures, class discussion, and exercises.

Grading: The mark for each term consists of 40% for a final exam and 60% for term work. There is one in-class essay (15%), a research paper(30%), and writing exercises (15%).Supplementary exams are not permitted.

Policy on Late Assignments: Essays are due by 4 p.m. on the due date. Late essays will be penalized 3% per day and essays more than a week late will not be accepted unless accompanied by a medical certificate or the equivalent. Please come and talk to me if there are exceptional circumstances preventing you from completing assignments on time.

Required Texts: Findlay, ed. Introduction to Literature (Thomson Nelson)

Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Folger)

Thiessen, Vimy (Playwrights Canada Press)

Buckley, Checkmate: A Writing Reference for Canadians, 3rd edition (Nelson)

Plagiarism: Plagiarism is a serious academic offense. Students should make sure that they are aware of the statement on academic ethics in the Academic Calendar. Any work found to be plagiarized will be dealt with according to University regulations. Students are strongly encouraged to get help with their writing, if needed, from the Writing Centre on campus ( ). The use of any other editorial service or private tutors, however, will constitute plagiarism in this course.

Accommodation: Any student requiring special accommodation should speak with me at the beginning of class. The Jennifer Keeping Accessibility Centre has many available resources to help (

Electronic Devices: All phones are to be turned off and put away before class begins. See the CBU policy regarding the use of electronic devices in the classroom in the Academic Calendar.

Inclement Weather Policy: For CBU’s policy go to

English 1108:12 Dr. Farnsworth

Assigned Readings

Jan. 4 Introductionto Course

Jan. 9 Introduction to Poetry

Jan. 11 Poetry List:

Anon, “Lord Randal” p. 123

Anon, “Western Wind” p. 126

Hughes, “Harlem” p. 254

Blake, “The Lamb” p. 172, “London” p. 173, “The Tyger” p. 174 Tennyson, “Ulysses” p. 194

Eliot, “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” p. 240

Rich, “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” p. 300

Atwood, “A Bus Along St. Clair: December: (handout)

Marshall, “Clay Pots and Bones” p. 358

The Sonnet: Shakespeare, “Sonnet 18” p. 133, “Sonnet 116” p. 134

Donne, “Death, Be Not Proud” p. 138

Wordsworth, “Composed upon Westminster Bridge” p. 180 Hopkins, “Pied Beauty” p. 210

Harwood, “In the Park” (handout)

NOTE: All poems are from Introduction to Literature unless otherwise indicated

Feb. 15 Essay 1 (in-class)

Feb. 27 Research Essay introduction

Mar. 1 Introduction to Drama

Trifles (handout)

Mar. 6 A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Folger)

Mar. 15 Research Essay Part A due

Mar. 22 Vimy (Playwrights Canada Press)

Mar. 29 Class cancelled

April 3 ResearchEssay Part Bdue

Examination information

NOTE: Reading dates are approximate