ENGL 3450 – Intro to Short Story
Fall 2016 / Curry 110
Instructor: J. Foertsch
Office: LANG 409-D Hours: T, W 3:30 – 5:30
Course Objectives: In this course, we will interpret short fiction from early and modern periods, thinking about the unique properties of the genre itself as well as its examples shifted over the centuries in response to major literary movements and broader historical contexts. Students may be required to read up to 30 pages a night.
Course Text:
Norton Anthology of Short Fiction, Shorter 8th Edition
Papers/Requirements:
Essay #1 (5-7 pages each) - 30%
Essay #2 (5-7 pages) - 30% (25% source-free / 5% source material)
Final Exam (essay format) - 20%
Class Participation (writing and discussion) - 20%
Please note how heavily weighted class participation will be in this course. This is frequent, on-topic, spontaneous contribution to class discussion (either in the form of comment or questions); regular class attendance; and compliance with all course requirements. I give big points to students who take their roles as members of this class seriously, regardless of ability to speak or write at the “A” level. Be prepared, follow directions, pay attention in class, and you'll earn much credit. Office conferencing - especially over drafts of the essay assignments - is another way to maximize your class participation grade. E-conferencing is also an option for both earning participation points and improving one's essay drafts. A word, however, re: e-mail etiquette: please use courteous forms of address and signature, and correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation when writing. NB: Failure to complete any one of these assignments will result in a maximum grade of D.
Attendance/Technology Policy: Excessive absences (more than two) will likely lead to a student's being dropped from the course. UNT recognizes absences only for certain religious observances and authorized school activities; therefore, other reasons for missing multiple classes (illness, job conflict) can result in a student's removal from class. To that end, please do not approach me before or after class or via e-mail regarding your upcoming or recent absences, as these are your own business, your own decision, and your own funeral when they become excessive. J Please also note: mental as well as physical presence is required. Lack of preparation (e.g., no book brought to class, repeated late arrival, late assignments, internet use/texting in class, getting up during class to take or make phone calls) will count as absences and lead to removal from class. Laptops must be open to a 135-degree angle so that I can see what is on your screen.
Students with Disabilities: I am happy to accommodate students with physical or learning disabilities with respect to room scheduling, seating arrangements, test time, tape recording,
etc., once necessary documentation from the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) is produced. If you need to obtain these documents, or would like to be tested or counseled for a disability, please contact the ODA at Sage Hall, Ste. 167, 565-4323.
Final Examination:
Due December 14, 2016 8:50 p.m.
ENGL 3450 – Short Story
Fall 2016 / Curry 110
Inst: J. Foertsch
Course Schedule
Aug. 31: Introduction: Sample Stories
Sept. 7: Hawthorne (339) / Poe (674)
Sept. 14: Melville (511) and “Benito Cereno” (handout)
Sept. 21: Tolstoy (765) / Bierce (78)
Sept. 28: Crane (211) / London “To Build a Fire” (handout)
Oct. 5: In Class: Chopin (147) / Welty (839) / / Hemingway (349)
Essay #1 due
Oct. 12: Gilman (327) / Cather (113)
Oct. 19: Kafka (399) / Cheever (128)
Nov. 2: Faulkner (262 and 269) / Hurston (354)
Nov. 9: O’Connor (611 and 622) / Wright (860)
Nov. 16: Fitzgerald (282) / Nabokov (581) / Oates (586)
Nov. 23: In class: Bambara (64) / Beattie (76) / Kawabata (434) / Wolff (850)
Essay #2 due (source-free)
Nov. 30: Carver (102) / Mukherjee (538) / Bausch (69)
Dec. 7: Danticat (229) / Viramontes (811) / Senna (722)
Essay #3 due (source-enhanced)