Fall 2024 ENGL 2813 101 & 150 PY 209 (center, 2^nd floor): 9:30 – 10:50 AM TR

Course supplemented by D2L. On navigation bar, click on CONTENT. See modules on left side.

Dr. Peter Fields, assoc. professor of English

peter.fields@msutexas.edu

Bea Wood 230 in PY (Prothro-Yeager College of Humanities and Social Sciences)

Office Hours: MW 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM; TR 11:15 AM – 12:15 AM.

You may call ANY time at 940-397-4246.

Course Description

A survey of English Literature from its seventh century beginnings through the neoclassical era. Emphasis is on the works of principal authors as they reflect literary and historical backgrounds.

Course Objectives

·        Write two Essays, each comprising three typed, double-spaced description paragraphs—two of which pertain to one work, one to another. Description paragraphs feature a topic idea, description of a scenario or action with lots of specific details (description should be sustained—most of the paragraph), insight, and quote with parenthetical reference. Students use our primary text to answer the prompt question. We use MLA in-body citing.

·        Write a typed, double-spaced Research Project of six paragraphs: i.e., two paragraphs from the Essays as paragraphs two and three, each representing different works. Paragraph one is a mini-essay anticipating ideas, characters, and scenarios in paragraphs two and three. Paragraph four explains and quotes from a supporting source in the critical edition pertaining to paragraph two; paragraph five does the same for a supporting source in the critical edition pertaining to paragraph three.

·        Paragraph six of the Research Project is a reflective epilogue/coda we will write in-class as our Final. This epilogue begins by describing a scenario not mentioned in paragraphs two or three.

·        Develop and demonstrate a thoughtful appreciation for the diction, syntax, and themes of Beowulf. Malory’s Le Morte Darthur, Milton’s Paradise Lost, and Julian of Norwich’s Showings.

Assignments/Grade percentage

• Essay 1 (30 percent) three description paragraphs
• Essay 2 (30 percent) three description paragraphs
• Research Project (30 percent) – Pars. 1-5 as submitted document; Par. 6 in class as final.
• Attendance (10 percent).

Attendance Grade (10 %): I take roll right away. If you are late, be sure to tell me you were present before you leave. Here is the percentage grade as per number of missed classes. An absence is excused only if the student can document it (e.g., cell phone picture of paperwork with name and date) to the satisfaction of the instructor.:

One absence: 100 %

Two:                 90 %

Three:              80 %

Four:                70 %

Five:                 60 %

Six:                  50 %

Seven:             40 %

Eight:               30 %

Nine:     20 %

Ten:      10 %

Over ten: 0 %

Grade values are as follows: 90-100 (A), 80-89 (B), 70-79 (C), 60-69 (D), and below 60 is F.

The final calculated grade in D2L is the actual semester grade. It is NOT rounded up: e.g., an 89.9 is a B (not an A); a 79.9 is a C (not a B); a 69.9 is a D (not a C); 59.9 is an F (not a D). The same is true for the Essays and Research Project (in-class paragraph six is graded as part of the Research Project). They are not rounded up.

AVOIDING ACADEMIC DISHONETY: I am all the AI you need for this course.

Do not succumb to temptation by using AI or something you found on the internet. A document which relies on AI or borrows from sources I have not approved is a “0” (an F). Please think of ME (your instructor) as your AI. I am not even remotely all-knowing nor do I possess “machine knowledge.” But I do know what you need for this course.

OPTION: GETTING MY INPUT ON YOUR PARAGRAPHS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT FOR GRADE

You have the OPTION in D2L of getting my preliminary feedback on your paragraphs as writing-in-progress. In CONTENT click on the relevant GETTING MY INPUT module; then click on the arrow beside the title of the discussion forum; click on VIEW TOPIC; type or copy-and-paste your paragraph into the text box and post to me (don’t use the attachment function; I cannot reply to it). I will the catch errors of whatever I find in the text box. I will fix punctuation. I can make your paragraph better with subtle, surgical changes in phrasing and/or word choice. If you have misunderstood or overlooked something important, I will tell you.

I am the ONLY person who can see your paragraph(s); you are the ONLY person who can see my reply.

Getting my input on your paragraphs as writing-in-progress has to occur in timely fashion.

Getting my input ahead of time on your writing is OPTIONAL. If you prefer to do everything the night before or even the day it is due, you certainly do not have time for my input.

ASSIGNMENTS

ESSAY: An ESSAY is three description paragraphs (two paragraphs for one of our titles, one for another title—e.g., two description paragraphs for BEOWULF and one for SIR GAWAIN)—that address a prompt (see reading schedule below). A description paragraph has four components: topic idea, description of scenario or action, insight, and quote that follows MLA in-body citing standards (quotation marks and parenthetical reference—line numbers for poetry, page number for prose). Most of a description paragraph is descriptive—specific details in your own words.

RESEARCH PROJECT: The two best description paragraphs (from Essays 1 and 2) will become paragraphs two and three of the RESEARCH PROJECT. Paragraphs four and five of the RESEARCH PROJECT explain (and quote from) supporting sources (one supporting source per paragraph). Students choose their supporting sources from the apparatus in our required critical editions. Paragraph length is whatever does justice to the topic (approximately 300 – 400 words).

FINAL: The RESEARCH PROJECT features a paragraph one that previews the important ideas, characters, and scenarios in paragraphs two and three. The RESEARCH PROJECT also features an epilogue/coda, that is, a final paragraph that starts with, and reflects in light of, a scenario with descriptive details from one of our texts but this particular scenario was not mentioned in paragraphs two or three. Reflection should be universal in some sense and inclusive of more than one work. We will write the epilogue—paragraph SIX—in class as our Final. We use MLA in-body citing for all assignments. For the RESEARCH PROJECT we must have an MLA Works Cited with hanging indent.

In CONTENT in D2L: Instructions for Essays 1 and 2 & Research Project

This is the module that contains instructions for what you need to do for Essays 1 and 2, and for the Research Project. On the navigation bar, click on CONTENT. All modules are down the left side.

READING & DUE DATES

Week 1 August 26-30

Beowulf: Be familiar with the Race with Breca (lines 491-661), but you cannot use it for a description paragraph because I have already claimed it for a model paragraph.

Read the FIGHT with Grendel and the celebration with Queen Wealhtheow: lines 86-163, 662-1007, 1158-1250.

Week 2 September 2-6

The FIGHT with Grendel’s mother: lines 1251-1650; Hrothgar’s homily on Pride and Heremod: lines 1651-1798. The FIGHT with the Dragon: lines 2293-2354, 2397-2424, and 2510-2820.

Week 3 September 9-13

Malory’s Le Morte Darthur: From The Marriage of King Uther unto King Arthur: pp. 31-43. Every page is important but students are drawn to the episode of Uther's deception pp. 31-37 and especially the episode of the Sword in the Stone pp. 37-43.

From Sir Tristram de Lyones (Selections concerning Lancelot and Elaine of Corbin): see where Dame Elaine of Corbin tricks Lancelot into conceiving by her the son prophesied to exceed his father and achieve the Grail pp. 79-87;

the Holy Grail heals Lancelot after a long period of madness pp. 87-101;

Lancelot cannot accept a happy life with Elaine on the Joyous Isle and calls himself The Knight That Hath Trespassed pp. 101-109.

Week 4 September 16-20

Be familiar with this scenario from The Noble Tale of the Sankgreal: Galahad (Lancelot’s son by Elaine) takes his rightful seat in the Siege Perilous; the Holy Grail appears to the knights of the round table pp. 110-122. However, you cannot use this scenario for a description paragraph because I have already claimed it for a model paragraph.

But the following Grail scenarios are free and clear for your use:

Lancelot confesses his great sin to the hermit pp. 125-132;

Lancelot is driven back by the Grail and lies in a coma for 24 days pp. 140-147;

Galahad (Lancelot’s son) sees Christ rise from the Grail pp. 149-154;

Galahad completes the quest of the Grail in Sarras pp. 155-160;

from The Tale of Sir Launcelot & Queen Guinevere:

Meliagaunt’s ill-fated challenge of Lancelot pp. 226-236;

Lancelot heals Sir Urry pp. 236-245.

Week 5 September 23-27

From the chapter The Death of Arthur: pp. 246-309:

Agravain & Mordred lay a trap for Lancelot and Queen Guinevere pp. 246-254;

Lancelot rescues Queen Guinevere but kills the brothers of Gawain at the same time pp. 256-282; Lancelot retreats to Benwick in France; he reluctantly fights Gawain who is mortally wounded pp. 282-294; the death of Gawain and Arthur pp. 294-322. 

Week 6 September 30-Oct 4

Essay 1 for BEOWULF & MALORY’S ARTHUR due in DROP BOX before 11:59 PM Monday September 30.

Milton’s Paradise Lost:

Eternal Providence 1.1-26;

Be familiar with Satan’s dialogue with Beelzebub in the lake of fire 1.84-270; also, building Pandemonium 1.242-330. I have claimed both scenarios for model paragraphs; do not use them for your description paragraphs.

You can use this scenario: Satan, Sin, and Death at the gates of hell: 2.629-1055.

Week 7 October 7-11 [Dr. Fields is at Rocky Mountain MLA conference Oct. 9-12.]

Satan observes Adam and Eve; Eve’s initial reluctance to accept Adam: 4.288- 538.

The Dream that Satan plants in Eve’s sleeping mind: 5.26-135.

Week 8 October 14-18

Adam tells Raphael about the creation of Eve: 8.349-653.

The Fall of Adam and Eve: 9.445-1189.

Week 9 October 21-25

War in Heaven: Michael wounds Satan: 6.245-353

War in Heaven: Satan and rebel angels deploy cannons; God’s angels react by throwing mountains at the rebel angels; total destruction of heaven: 6.469-679.

The Son drives the Ezekiel chariot and drives Satan and rebel angels out of heaven: 6.680-912

Punishment of Satan, Sin, and Death: 10.410-640.

Week 10 October 28-November 1

For background, be sure to familiarize yourself with Julian's most important vision: ALL SHALL BE WELL AND ALL MANNER OF THINGS SHALL BE WELL (pp. 39-46, chs. 27-32).

The Vision of the Servant and the Lord: pp. 70-79, ch. 51.

The Vision of the Motherhood of Christ: pp. 90-97, chs. 58-61.

Week 11 November 4-8

I have claimed the Christ-as-our-clothing scenario for a model paragraph (p. 9; ch. 5; p. 11; ch. 6); you cannot use it for a description paragraph.

Christ's bleeding head: pp. 8-14, chs. 4-7.

Face half covered by blood: pp. 17-18, Ch. 10. On p. 17 she goes under the sea.

Providence as the Foreseeing Wisdom of God, pp. 20-21, ch. 11.

The Vision of the Plenteous Bleeding: p. 22, ch. 12.

The Vision of the Sharp Thorns & Julian’s feeling of Christ’s pain: pp. 26-29, chs. 16-17.

Week 12 November 11-15

Essay 2 for Milton’s Paradise Lost & Julian’s Showings due in DROP BOX before 11:59 PM Monday November 11.

Week 13 November 18-22 The ESSAY

OPTION: GETTING MY INPUT: the RESEARCH PROJECT.

Week 14 November 25-29 – THANKSGIVING – No classes Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

OPTION: GETTING MY INPUT: the RESEARCH PROJECT.

Week 15 December 2-6. The ESSAY

OPTION: GETTING MY INPUT: the RESEARCH PROJECT:

Finals Week: 8:00 – 10:00 AM In-class Final - TUESDAY DECEMBER 10

We will write PARAGRAPH SIX of our RESEARCH PROJECT in class as our Final Exam—just this paragraph.

RESEARCH PROJECT: Pars. 1-5 are due in the drop box before 11:59 PM Tuesday December 10. The Essay is penalized 10 points even if it is less than a minute late. The drop box for the Essay will close and lock permanently two hours after the due date.

Late Work – Must be in the drop box no later than 11:59 PM Tuesday December 10. The late penalty is 10 points out of 100. The drop boxes will be locked as of 2:00 AM December 11.

Students with disabilities: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantees reasonable accommodation. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Assessment of THECB core objectives for LANGUAGE, PHILOSOPHY & CULTURE

·        Critical thinking

o   To assess a student’s critical thinking, the Research Project rubric will be applied to the Research Paper.

·        Communication

o   To assess a student’s communication, the Research Project rubric will be applied to the Research Paper.

·        Personal Responsibility

o   To assess a student’s personal responsibility, the Research Project rubric will be applied to the Research Paper.

·        Social Responsibility

o   To assess a student’s social responsibility, the Research Project rubric will be applied to the Research Paper.

Below are he criteria for the Research Project.

They are rated as Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Poor, and Failing.

Context

 (Social responsibility)

Does the essay establish connections between contemporary society and early literary traditions? Does the essay discuss how the primary texts demonstrate not just the respective aesthetic concerns of the author(s), but civic and social engagement as well?

(Personal Responsibility)

Does the essay name and evaluate how social, cultural, and/or political ideologies informed authors’ ethical perspectives as expressed through published writings?

Content Development (Critical Thinking Skills)

Does the essay present a clear position and provide a thorough analysis of the issue/problem?

Genre and Disciplinary Conventions

(Communication Skills)

Structure

Does the essay assert a position with a thesis statement placed at the end of the introduction? Does the essay provide body paragraphs that focus on one idea and support it with several examples and details? Does the essay present an organized discussion?

Documentation:

Does the essay follow MLA for in-text citations and the Works Cited page? Does the essay use sources in ethical and contextually appropriate ways?

Sources and Evidence (Communication Skills)

Does the essay provide specific examples and/or explanation?

Control of Syntax and Mechanics (Communication Skills)

Is it stylistically appropriate for an academic reader? Does the essay demonstrate proficiency in standard written English?

QUICK REFERENCE

Week or Module

Activities/Assignments/Exams

Due Date

Week 1

8/26 to 8/30

Beowulf: Fight with Grendel

Fight with Grendel’s mother

Week 2

9/2 to 9/6  

Beowulf: Fight with the Dragon

Week 3

9/9 to 9/13

Malory’s Le Morte Darthur:

The Sword in the Stone

Week 4

9/16 to 9/20

Malory: Lancelot, Guinevere, & Elaine

Week 5

9/23 to 9/26

Malory: Grail Quest & Death of Arthur

Week 6

9/30 to 10/04

ESSAY 1: Three Description paragraphs for Beowulf & Malory

Due Monday September 30

Week 7

10/7 to 10/11

Milton’s Paradise Lost

Satan at the Gates of Hell

Week 8

10/14 to 10/18  

Milton: Adam, Eve, Satan

Week 9

10/21 to 10/25

Milton: War in Heaven

Week 10

10/28 to 11/1

Julian of Norwich’s Showings:

Motherhood of Jesus & Homely Love

Week 11

11/4 to 11/8

Motherhood of Jesus & Homely Love

Week 12

11/11 to 11/15

ESSAY 2: Three Description Paragraphs for Milton & Julian Due Monday November 11

Week 13

11/18 to 11/22

RESEARCH PROJECT: Supporting Paragraphs from supporting sources in our critical editions.

Week 14

11/25 to 11/29

RESEARCH PROJECT: Supporting Paragraphs from supporting sources in our critical editions.

Week 15

12/2 to 12/6

  RESEARCH PROJECT: Supporting Paragraphs from supporting sources in our critical editions.

Finals Week

12/9-12/13

RESEARCH PROJECT: Pars. 1-5 due in drop box. We will write PAR SIX in class as our FINAL 8:00 to 10:00 AM same day, Tuesday December 10.

RESEARCH PROJECT due Tuesday Dec 10; we will write par. 6 in class as Final at 8:00 AM on Dec 10.

Attendance Grade (10 %): I take roll right away. If you are late, be sure to tell me you were present before you leave. Here is the percentage grade as per number of missed classes. An absence is excused only if the student can document it (e.g., cell phone picture of paperwork with name and date) to the satisfaction of the instructor.:

One absence: 100 %

Two:                 90 %

Three:              80 %

Four:               70 %

Five:                60 %

Six:                 50 %

Seven:            40 %

Eight:               30 %

Nine:     20 %

Ten:     10 %

Over ten: 0 %

Late Work – Must be in the drop box no later than 11:59 PM Tuesday December 10. The late penalty is 10 points out of 100. The drop boxes will be locked as of 2:00 AM December 11.

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.

Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.

We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.

We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.

Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, (940) 397-4140.

The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MSUTexas e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Obligation to Report Sex Discrimination under State and Federal Law

Midwestern State University is committed to providing and strengthening an educational, working, and living environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are free from sex discrimination of any kind. State and federal law require University employees to report sex discrimination and sexual misconduct to the University’s Office of Title IX. As a faculty member, I am required to report to the Title IX Coordinator any allegations, personally observed behavior, or other direct or indirect knowledge of conduct that reasonably may constitute sex discrimination or sexual misconduct, which includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, or stalking, involving a student or employee. After a report is made, the office of Title IX will reach out to the affected student or employee in an effort to connect such person(s) with resources and options in addressing the allegations made in the report. You are also encouraged to report any incidents to the office of Title IX. You may do so by contacting:

Laura Hetrick

Title IX Coordinator
Sunwatcher Village Clubhouse
940-397-4213

laura.hetrick@msutexas.edu

You may also file an online report 24/7 at Maxient 

Should you wish to visit with someone about your experience in confidence, you may contact the MSU Counseling Center at 940-397-4618. For more information on the University’s policy on Title IX or sexual misconduct, please visit MSU Texas Title IX

Senate Bill 11 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature allows licensed handgun holders to carry concealed handguns on campus, effective August 1, 2016. Areas excluded from concealed carry are appropriately marked, in accordance with state law. For more information regarding campus carry, please refer to the University’s webpage at https://msutexas.edu/campus-carry/rules-policies.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact MSU Chief of Police at police@msutexas.edu.