English 150 (Spring 2007): Section Syllabus
From UCSB English Department Knowledge Base
Ryan Boyd
English 150: Anglo-Irish Literature
Spring 2007
And catch the heart off guard and blow it open.
-Seamus Heaney
Ins & Outs, Hopes & Expectations
The question that should probably interest most interest us is a big one, which we might attempt to answer in a variety of ways: is there a set of common themes, and ways of presenting those themes, in the poetry, novels and drama we’re reading this quarter? Another way of putting that is, perhaps, "What does it mean to be human?"
Is ‘humanity’ an idea that transcends historical contexts? Or do the contexts produce the ‘human’? Is Irish literature primarily about Ireland or the whole experience of human life?
Our discussions will center around talking about the texts we’re reading. We should consider how these books make us feel and think about the stories they tell—reading is both an intellectual and an emotional experience.
I have only one expectation: that we approach the readings with passion and intelligence. The direction of our section is up to you. Don’t stress too much—literature is something to be joyful about, and this isn’t an accounting class.
Assignments & Grading:
Section participation (includes your 12-line recital): 20%
Midterm (Monday 4/30): 20%
Paper (8-10 pages, due Monday 6/4): 30%
Final exam (June 14, Noon-2pm): 30%
Section Attendance Policy: Two unexcused absences = no section credit.
Excuses granted for the usual, major reasons—death (your own or someone else’s), severe illness, natural disaster, etc.—provided you contact me with a good explanation/proof.
Plagiarism:
I am sure you’re all familiar with this issue, but I'll rehash:
If you attempt to pass off someone else’s work or words as your own without properly citing them, that is plagiarism. If you submit old work of your own without identifying it as such, that is self-plagiarism, also a cardinal sin. If you have any questions about UCSB’s official policies, have a look at the “Academic Dishonesty” heading at Services kiosk.ucsb.edu/Academic Services.
When it comes to citing sources in your papers, I suggest the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers be your guide. The Sixth Edition is the most recent and best. However, I really don’t care how you cite sources or what kind of style you write in, provided your essay is interesting and elegant.
