Keith Fennen

Course Description:

This class is the first segment of the first year core sequence Narratives of the Self.  As such, it focuses on ancient through renaissance writings and strives to develop writing skills. The texts for this course include writings by Homer, Augustine, Shakespeare, and Montaigne.  In addition, selections from the bible will be read.  These readings will allow us to consider conceptions of the self in relation to the divine, the relationship between human experience and self-knowledge, the nature and possibility of autobiography, and the relationship between memory and the self.  For developing writing skills, a variety of written assignments, ranging from short 200 word responses to a 6-8 page paper, will be utilized.  Moreover, some class time each week will strive to develop writing skills by discussing the nature of writing, critiquing the work of others, and working together as a class to rewrite selected paragraphs. 

Required Text:

Augustine.  Confessions, trans. Henry Chadwick.  New York:  Oxford University Press, 1998

Bible – Various translations acceptable.

Homer, Odyssey, trans. Richmond Lattimore. New York:  Harper Collins Publishers, 1999.

Shakespeare, Othello.  New York:  Bantam Books, 1988

Montaigne, Michel, The Essays:  A Selection, trans. M.A. Screech.  Penguin Books, 1994

Assignments and Grading: 

50% Three Short Paper (3 -4 pages)

25% One Long Paper (6-8 pages)

12.5% Six Question and Response assignments (200 - 300 words each)

12.5% Class participation

Letter grades will be administered on a scale of A to F. 

1.  Question and Response Assignments

To encourage thoughtful reading and class discussion each student must write six short question papers (200 - 300 words) that aim at raising a question that arises from his or her reading of the text.  These papers are due at the beginning of each Monday class meeting, unless otherwise noted.  You must only submit one paper every two weeks and you choose which Monday.  See the right hand column of the reading schedule below for more details. 

Each paper must first state a question based on the reading for that day and then elaborate a possible response.  Both the question and the response should be very concise.  These assignments are designed to develop your skills of reading and reflecting on the text.  Moreover, they should prepare you for class discussion.  To help clarify this task we will look at examples of both good and bad questions and responses during the first week of class.

Grading of response assignments

Each paper will receive either a check plus, check, check minus, or zero.  If you receive a zero you have one chance to receive a check or check minus by handing in two cards during the next two week cycle.  If you receive six papers with a check you will receive an A (95%) for 12.5% your grade.  Each check plus will add one point to this part of the grade, each check minus will deduct two points, and each missed card or zero will deduct 10 points.  For example, a student with four checks and two check minuses will receive a 91% for 12.5% of his or her grade. 

Note: Each student is responsible for keeping a duplicate copy of his or her paper. 

2. Class Participation and Attendance

Attendance is expected and role will be taken at the beginning of each class.  This class is designed around both a seminar and lecture format; thus, much of the class will be discussion driven.  Participation is 12.5% of the final grade and participation means not only attending class but also actual participation (i.e. asking questions, interpreting the text, participating in discussions, etc.). 

Unexcused Absences and Tardies

You are allowed two unexcused absences and after that each absence will reduce your participation grade by five points.  Each late arrival will reduce your participation grade by two points.  If you arrive late for class you are responsible for ensuring that you are counted as present by reminding me at the end of class that day.

Excused absences

For an absence to count as excused you must give me a written note with the date(s) of your absence and the reason for the absence upon your return to class or prior to your absence.  Voice mail and e-mail will not substitute for the written note. 

Excessive absences

If a student misses more than three unexcused classes he cannot receive higher than a B in the course.  If a student misses more than five unexcused classes he or she will receive the Grade “FA” (Failure due to excessive absences). 

3. Papers

Papers must be typed and handed in on their due date.  Each paper should deal with a particular problem or issue that arises from our readings and class discussions.  Papers must critically engage the chosen topic and not be book reports or a reiteration of class notes. When the due date of the first paper nears a detailed account of what is expected, and potential paper topics, will be discussed in class.  Late Papers will lose 10% per weekday late.  No paper will be accepted that is more than one week late. 

Note: Each student is responsible for keeping a duplicate copy of his or her paper. 

Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.  All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with Oglethorpe University policy. Note that student work will not be graded unless it contains a signed, properly worded honor pledge.

The Pledge:

I pledge that I have neither given nor received any unauthorized aid on this assignment.

Signed:

Tentative Schedule: