Some or all of the following methods will be used:
- Lecture/discussion
- Group work
- Peer review
- Instructor feedback on students’ work
- Individual consultation
All first-year English literature courses share the following features:
- Students are instructed in the writing of critical essays on literary subjects.
- Students are taught to recognize and understand a variety of literary devices and textual elements, such as metaphor, symbolism, distinctions between author and narrator/narrating persona, and issues of language and of structure, as appropriate to the genres and texts studied.
- Readings and topics vary among sections of the same course, according to each instructor’s selection; however, all course materials are consistent with the objectives of the course.
In English 1112, students will examine at least two novels as well as some of the following:
- Traditional literature, such as folk tales, fairy tales, and myths
- Early didactic/instructional works (prose and/or poetry)
- Children’s verse (poetry and nursery rhymes)
- Picture books
- Drama
- Short fiction
Upon completion of any first-year English literature course, the successful student should be able to
- read receptively and reflectively, with sensitivity to the subtleties of language;
- recognize and understand literary devices;
- practice writing as a process involving pre-writing, drafting, revising and editing;
- write an essay of literary analysis that develops an interpretive thesis supported by appropriate and correctly cited evidence; and
- give and receive constructive criticism on written work.
Upon completion of English 1112, the successful student should also be able to
- read with an awareness of the intended child audience;
- understand key issues in children’s literature, such as didacticism and social attitudes towards children and childhood, as reflected in literary texts; and,
- where appropriate, identify typical features of literary genres and modes, such as realism and fantasy, and discuss their effect on plot, character and theme.
- A minimum of two formal academic essays, with a combined value of at least 40% of the course grade.
- A minimum of 80% of the course grade will be based on writing assignments (essays, essay-based exams, journals, paragraphs). A maximum of 20% of the course grade may be based on informal writing (quizzes, short answer tests); oral reports/presentations; participation/preparation grades; and/or other non writing-intensive assignments.
- A minimum of 15% of the course grade will be based on in-class writing (essay or exam).
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students
Sample reading list:
- Craddock, Secret of the Cards
- Hallett and Karasek (eds.), Folk and Fairy Tales
- Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
- Lowry, The Giver
- Macdonald, The Princess and the Goblin
- Paterson, Bridge to Terabithia
A minimum score on the Douglas College writing assessment, or equivalent, as per the College calendar.
In combination with another 1000-level English literature or writing course other than English 1124, or with any CRWR course, this course may serve as a pre-requisite for any 2300-level English course.