engl 245/cwl 267: the short story
section p | tues/thurs 11:00 a.m – 12:15 p.m.
elyse vigiletti
office: english building, 338
office hours: tues/thurs 1:00-2:00 p.m. or by appointment
vigilet1@illinois.edu | mailbox #277
course description
This course is a world literature survey of the short story. Each week, we will read examples of the genre and develop skills of analysis unique to it. By the end of this course, students will
- understand the short story’s history as a genre, both within and outside the US;
- perform close readings and contextual analysis of various specific short stories;
- read short stories as parts of larger works.
course texts
The following texts are required for this course:
40 Short Stories: A Portable Anthology, Bevery Lawn, fourth edition. ISBN: 1457604752
Yokohama, California, Toshio Mori
The above books are available at the Illini Union bookstore. If you choose to order your books from another source, please make an effort to get the correct edition.
In addition to these, you may wish to purchase the most recent edition of the MLA handbook to help you with citations in your writing assignments.
grading
Be prepared to produce some form of writing during and/or in between nearly every class meeting. Many of these assignments will be informal and serve to comprise your reading journal or blog (details below). In addition to these frequent writing exercises, you will complete three essays and take one exam. The grades are based on cumulative points which break down as follows
75 – Informal assignments/Participation
75 – Reading journal
50 – Summary/response paper
100 – Close reading paper
50 – Midterm exam
150 – Final essay and presentation
for a total of 500 points
You are responsible for turning in your assignments complete and on time. Late work will be subject to a 20% deduction for each day late. Incomplete work will not be graded. You are allowed one penalty-free 48-hour extension on any of the essays, no questions asked. If you choose to take advantage of this grace period, you will need to notify me in writing (preferably by email) at least 24 hours before the assignment is due. No additional extensions will be granted, so you should invoke this grace period wisely.
If you have a serious situation that is likely to affect your work in all of your classes, I recommend that you discuss it with the Emergency Dean, who can be reached at 217.333.0050. Please bear in mind that, while a letter from the Emergency Dean is required for you to be granted an exception, it does not necessarily guarantee you one.
reading journal
You will produce some reflective writing about the reading between every class meeting. It can be a handwritten notebook, an electronic document you continually update, or a blog. Often, you will be given specific instructions for the shape your reflection should take; sometimes you will decide for yourself how best to chronicle your reading experience. You will occasionally be asked to read aloud from your journal, or to use your journal during small group discussions. You will turn in your completed journal at the end of the semester for a grade.
attendance and participation
I will take attendance at each session. Attendance will factor into your grade in the following way:
Perfect attendance: +10 points extra credit
One absence: +5 points extra credit
Two absences: ±0 points
Each absence after the second: -10 points per absence
Please don’t be late. If you miss class, consult your course schedule and/or talk with another student to find out what work and materials you missed; I will not respond to emails asking about what we did in class unless you have a specific question. You will also need to submit any due homework assignments via email. You will not be permitted to make up in-class assignments.
Participation includes collected in-class writing assignments, readings quizzes, attendance of scheduled conferences (see below), and your contributions to small group activities and class discussion. If at any point you have questions about your participation grade, please do not hesitate to email me or stop by during office hours; I am happy to give you an indication of your progress.
conferences
Though you are free to meet with me anytime throughout the semester, each of you will be required to meet with me at least once. You will be responsible for coming to office hours or scheduling an appointment. The best way to contact me is through email.
plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined by the U of I as “using words or ideas from another source as if they were your own.” This is an extremely serious offense in American academic writing. In this class, you will learn the methods for proper treatment of sources in order to prevent mistakes which result in plagiarism, and you will be expected to be meticulous in adhering to those methods. Deliberate plagiarism will result in an automatic failure in either the assignment or the class, as dictated by University policy. Following is a statement about the university’s policy for academic integrity and plagiarism:
The University of Illinois has high standards of academic integrity set out in Article 1, Part 4 of the University Student Code. According to the code, using words or ideas from another source as if they were your own is plagiarism, a violation of academic integrity. Submitting your own work for more than one course without acknowledgment can also constitute plagiarism. Ignorance of the code is not an excuse, so if you have questions about the definition of plagiarism, please consult the code at the following web address. The University Student Code also explains the consequences of plagiarism, which can include suspension or dismissal from the university.
A PDF of the full student code can be found here. The section entitled “Academic Integrity” begins on page 17.
other resources
Writers Workshop
The Writers Workshop is the writing center at the U of I, located in room 251 of the Undergraduate Library. Skilled staff members meet one-on-one with students of all disciplines at all stages the writing process to discuss their work. The service is free for students and each session lasts about 50 minutes. This kind of assistance is extremely useful for writers of any level of ability, and you are highly encouraged to take advantage of it. To make an appointment, call 217.333.8796 or stop by.
Undergraduate Library
The U of I has one of the best library systems and staff in the country. Stop by during library office hours, or use the online Ask a Librarian service to get personalized assistance with locating sources for your research project.
Disability Resources and Educational Services
Any student who has a disability and who can benefit from any adjustments to the classroom should speak with me—please! Also, where necessary, contact the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services at 217.333.1970 for assistance with accommodations.
class culture
The study of literature is a study of expression. For this class to be the most productive it is important that you build and maintain good working relationships by being respectful and courteous to one another at all times. The population of this class undoubtedly represents a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, and each of you will bring different perspectives to these discussions, that can occasionally feel personal. This classroom needs to be a safe space in which everyone is free to share his/her ideas and given ample opportunity to express him/herself. Be supportive of one another: turn off your cell phones, take notes, give feedback, and don’t be afraid to share your own ideas as you work to develop your unique voice as a student of literature.
Please note: The contents of this syllabus and the course schedule (coming soon) are subject to change. I will alert you to any changes both in class and on the course website; it is your responsibility to take note of these updates.
