COURSE INFORMATION
COURSE PREFIX/NO:
COURSE TITLE:
LEC HRS/WEEK:
LAB HRS/WEEK:
CREDIT HRS/SEMESTER:
ENG 201
AMERICAN LITERATURE I
3.0
0.0
3.0
Distance Learning Attendance/VA Statement
Textbook Information
Student Code and Grievance Procedure
Course description:
This course is a study of American literature from the Colonial Period to the Civil War.
Course competencies:
To complete this course successfully, a student will be able to
• Differentiate characteristics among the various literary genres.
• Identify and utilize literary terms in discussions, writings/essays, and presentations.
• Analyze and evaluate cultural, political, economic, social, and/or historical influences
of the readings through discussions and writings.
• Trace and discuss trends, recurring themes, and writing styles throughout the
periods and genres.
• Apply various principles of literary criticism and analysis to readings, discussions,
and critical essays.
• Compare and contrast characteristics of major literary figures.
• Develop literary arguments(s) using MLA documentation through analyzing readings
and synthesizing research from both traditional and electronic sources.
The topics below are recommended topics for this course. Individual instructors will provide
their own calendars of readings.
Module 1: Seventeenth Century and Earlier
• Native American civilizations and cultures
• Exploration and colonization
• Cultures and religious beliefs of early settlers
• Characteristics of oral literature
• Motives of early American writers
• Genres of early colonial literature
• Definition of canon
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Module 2: Eighteenth Century
• Changes in themes as nation forms
• Impact of publishing on genres
• Influence of science and philosophy
• Formation of American literature
• Native American voices
•
Major writers and their contributions
Module 3: Early to Mid-Nineteenth Century
• Writers’ responses to slavery and oppression
• Writers’ concern with industrialization and social changes
• Romanticism and major writers
• Naturalism and major writers
• Emphasis on creative genres
Module 4: Research Paper
• Submit at least 1200 words of researched writing using a minimum of five sources
meeting requirements designated by the instructor.
• Utilize one or more forms of literary criticism.
• Locate, critique, and synthesize source material.
• Use MLA documentation and formatting.
• Refine research project through instructor feedback.
MINIMAL STANDARDS
A minimum a grade average of C (70%) is required to transfer credit to most colleges.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Attendance – Students are responsible for attending all scheduled class meetings and for all
material covered and all assignments made. Any student who is not in attendance the required
90% of the scheduled class time may be withdrawn. Absences are counted from the first
scheduled class.
Ordinarily, late arrivals or early departures of fewer than 10 minutes may constitute a tardy.
Three tardies may constitute one absence. Late arrivals or early departures of more than 10
minutes may constitute an absence.
Withdrawal from class – A student may withdraw from the class until midterm and receive a
grade of W. After midterm, the student must contact the instructor to have a Request for
Withdrawal form completed. After midterm, a grade of W or WF will be determined by the
instructor.
Assignments: The following are departmental requirements for this course: 3 or
more major tests, at least 1200 words of researched writing using MLA format, and
an oral presentation.
Each instructor will provide specific guidelines for his or her course.
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Late or missed assignments – Any approved make-up, late, or revised work must be
completed in a designated time and manner as directed by the instructor. An instructor may
choose not to accept late or missed work or may limit the maximum credit allowed.
Other academic assistance or requirements – Any student who demonstrates an area of
weakness or need for additional help may be referred to Student Services, the tutoring center,
the computer lab, or other appropriate resources for assistance. Conferences with the instructor
also may be required.
Academic integrity – As indicated in the York Technical College Catalog and Handbook:
“Students are expected to meet high standards of academic honesty and integrity. Academic
misconduct includes, but is not limited to, cheating, copying another student’s work, using
unauthorized equipment or materials during a test, obtaining, using, buying or selling the
contents of a test, falsifying or inventing information such as reports or laboratory results,
plagiarism, and collusion. Students who are found guilty of academic dishonesty may be
assigned a lower grade for the assignment including a grade of zero, may be required to repeat
or resubmit the assignment, may be assigned a failing grade for the course, or be required to
withdraw from the course. Students may also be subject to further disciplinary action.”
Evaluation strategies/grading:
To receive credit for any assignment, the student must complete all preliminary work in the
order and manner required by the instructor.
Exams
Classwork/Homework
Research paper(s)
Oral Presentation(s)
50% to 65%
10% to 20%
20% to 30%
5% to 10%
Grading Scale
GRADE
A
B
C
D
F
SCORE
90 – 100
80 – 89
70 – 79
60 – 69
Below 60
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Principles will be introduced by the instructors through lecture, presentation, technology and
computer-based training. Additional methods designed for remediation or enrichment will be
individually tailored as needed.
OTHER RESOURCES/REFERENCES
Library orientation tour and computer workshop, Anne Springs Close Library.
ENTRY-LEVEL SKILLS
Basic computer skills.
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PREREQUISITES
ENG 102 with a minimum grade of C.
CO-REQUISITE
None
Disabilities Statement: Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the
impact of a disability should contact the Special Resources Offices (SRO) at 803-327-8007 in
the 300 area of Student Services. The SRO coordinates reasonable accommodations for
students with documented disabilities.
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