Dr. Carol L. Robinson
Office: A210D
Office Hours: Tuesdays (11:30-2:15; 4:00-5:00),
and/or by appointment
Online Hours: by appointment
Yahoo! ID: postmedievalist
AIM ID: postmedievalist
Phone: 330-675-8907
Email: clrobins@kent.edu

Course Syllabus
Course Plan
Useful Links
Forum
Cyberclosets will be generated at the time of the first grade posting.

Required Texts:
See the Course Plan

Last Updated: May 6, 2009

ENG 25001 Literature in English I Course Description:
Catalog Description: British literature or combination of British and U.S. literature written before 1800 studied within a broad historiical context. Comprehensive introduction to knowledge and skills that serve as a foundation for further study in literature. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- (1.7) in ENG 11011 or 11002 or 21011 or HONR 10197 or ACT combined English/Writing score of 26 or higher or SAT Writing score of 600 or higher. This course can serve as a required core course for English majors as well as an upper division elective in many majors.

Specific Course Focus: This particular class will focus upon the aesthetics and cultural significance of such works as Beowulf, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Paradise Lost. Recognizing the historical origins and development of the English language, we will focus upon the various cultural and linguistic influences of other languages upon this body of literature. Students will be required to participate in an online forum discussion and take three comprehensive exams.

Attendance, Tardiness, Participation: These classes are your time, your energy, and someone’s money: do not waste them senselessly. You are expected to attend class regularly and to arrive to class on time. You are also expected to come prepared to participate in class. If you miss a class, you alone are responsible for finding out what you missed in class and for doing whatever work has been assigned. Cellphones must be set to "silent" mode (or shut off) during class--if a phone rings in class, I reserve the right to answer your phone.

Assignments & Grades:

SCORES

EXAMS (60%):  There will be three comprehensive exams.
EXAM ONE (10%): This exam will have two parts: a closed-books/closed notes test (5%)and an opened books/opened notes essay (5%).
EXAM TWO (20%): This exam will have two parts: a closed-books/closed notes test (10%)and an opened books/opened notes essay (10%).
EXAM THREE (30%): This exam will be a unique experience (I hope). It will consist of an analytical discussion of the works we have read all semester. Topics will be posted by Tuesday, May 5th--you will have to choose two topics (from a posted list of topics) and post four entries (totaling 300-500 words) for each topic (e.g., the exam is 600-1000 words).

RESEARCH PROJECT (20%): This is to be a close-textual analysis of a work you select that was originally composed in an English language (Old English, Middle English, Early Modern English ) or else is a text derived from early British culture (written in Old French, Old Norse, Latin, or Celtic languages). In other words, it must be a British text written prior to 1800; in addition, it must be conducive to the class selected theme (adaptation), and be approved by me. Your project must use at least 5 scholarly texts (book chapters or articles) and be roughly 1600-3000 words long. You will post your final presentation in the Online Literature in English I Forum. Each project shall have its own topic heading.

ONLINE DISCUSSION (20%):
SET ONE (10%): This will include topic discussions of "Lanval," Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and the Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale. See the Literature in English I Forum for topic questions.
SET TWO (10%): This will include topic discussions of Everyman, Much Ado About Nothing and Paradise Lost (Book II). See the Literature in English I Forum for topic questions.

A RANGE
A+ 100 50
A 95 48
A- 92 46
B RANGE
B+ 88 44
B 85 43
B- 82 41
C RANGE
C+ 78 39
C 75 38
C- 72 36
D RANGE
D+ 68 34
D 65 33
F RANGE
F 55 28

A Note on Plagiarism & Cheating: We no longer live in the Middle Ages, when copying wasn't so much a right as it was a duty, usually by a member of the clergy, and when cheating was usually punished in the afterlife. Bottom line: don't do either. Please see University Policy Register #3342-3-07.

Students with Disabilities: Kent State University recognizes its responsibility for creating an institutional climate in which students with disabilities can succeed. In accordance with university policy, if you have a documented disability, you may request accommodations to obtain equal access and to promote your learning in this class. Please contact the disability coordinator Ms Elaine Shively located in the Skill Center or call 330 675-8932. After your eligibility for accommodations is determined, you will be given a letter, which when presented to instructors, will help us know best how to assist you.