intro to lit starting February 4

1. INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE
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What is Introduction to Literature all about?
Recommended as a first course in literary analysis, this course introduces students to the major genres of
literature and addresses issues related to writing about literature and/or other texts. Individual sections may
focus on a particular literary theme or emphasis.
English 1 is a prerequisite of this course, so it is assumed that you begin the semester with college-level
reading and writing skills. After completing the course with a C or better, you will have significant experience
in these areas:
1. Applying appropriate strategies when reading literary works
2. Analyzing literature
3. Interpreting literature
4. Writing about literature
5. Evaluating literature
Who is my teacher?
Hi! My name is Tara Ptasnik, and I am looking forward to reading and
writing with you this semester. As your instructor, I intend to treat you,
this class, and myself with the respect necessary for us all to learn
together. I will try to respect your time by communicating with you
clearly and promptly about the course and answering your questions
promptly in person, via email, or over the phone. I will also respect your
learning style by being available for meetings outside of class at a variety
of flexible times.
Tara Ptasnik
Office:
Truax C3446
Phone:
608-246-6507
Email:
tptasnik@madisoncollege.edu
Writing Center Hours: Tuesdays
and Fridays: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Office Hours: Wednesday 10-11
and many other times -- just ask.
What are my responsibilities as a student?
As a student in this class,
you have the
opportunity to learn
a great deal about
reading, interpreting
literature, and writing.
To get the most out of
this class, I urge you to
Respect yourself
by taking
responsibility for
your own learning
and setting high
standards for your
work.
Respect the
educational
environment by
being prepared and
participating
enthusiastically
during class.
Respect your
classmates and me
by treating others
with respect and
acting responsibly
and reliably in
group work
Section 62306 Monday and Wednesday 1:00-2:15 Truax D3833

2. INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE
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What will we read, discuss, and write about?
We will theme the semester by focusing on how literature taps into our drive to tell and listen to stories, a
need central to human nature. Whether we think about it or not, we live literature through story every day.
The semester is divided into four units, each ending with a project
connected to the unit’s text and themes:
 First, we will ponder the purpose of literature and
storytelling. Story has evolved to become an essential
element in social structures, culture, and psychology. We
will ask the question, “Do stories make us human?”
 Next, we will discuss how literature guides us to look both
inward and outward. Using the metaphors of “a mirror, a
window, a door,” we will explore how literature leads us to
see ourselves and our world differently.
 Third, we examine literature as a learning object and a
teaching tool. How do we interact with a text to experience
it most fully as individuals and as a community?
 Last, we will look at ways literature can be used to
persuade, to change minds, and to create action.
Content Warning: Some of these texts deal with difficult subjects that some students might find disturbing.
I will try to mention this when possible. Please contact me if you would like to discuss in further detail.
How will my grade be determined?
In order to receive a passing grade for the course, all major assignments must be completed.
Assignments
Unit 1 Project 10%
Unit 2 Project 10% Exam 1 15% Assignments 30%
Unit 3 Project 10% Exam 2 15%
Unit 4 Project 10%
What is the grading scale?
Grade Points Grade Points Grade Points
A 92-100 B 82-87 C 70-77
AB 88-91 BC 78-81 D 62-69
F 62 and below
•"The best literature helps us to
understand ourselves, one another,
and our world in new ways and to
make connections that had never
occurred to us or that we might have
sensed but were unable to express."
Your textbook
authors say,
Abcarian, Richard, Marvin Klotz and Samuel
Cohen, editors. Literature: The Human
Experience. Shorter 12th ed., Bedford,
2018.

3. INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE
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Six things you
can do to be
successful
Attend class regularly, prepared and
ready to learn:
Because studies show that students who
regularly attend classes possess a greater
understanding of course material and
perform better, it is very important for you
to attend each class meeting on time. I
collect and assign graded assignments in
class, often at the beginning of the period,
and an absence or tardy arrival may result
in a missed assignment that cannot be
made up. Thus, consistent absences or late
arrivals will negatively affect your grade.
Any time you know you will be absent,
contact your instructor ahead of time and
check Blackboard for announcements. It is
always your responsibility to make up work
missed.
Access Blackboard
regularly:
I make a serious effort to
post all necessary and useful
information on Blackboard.
Outside of class time, I post
announcements,
assignments, reading
materials, and helpful advice.
You will find it greatly to
your benefit to check
Blackboard and explore the
resources there at least three
times a week. When you are
confused or lost, there will
likely be an answer on
Blackboard.
Access your student email
regularly:
You are responsible for
monitoring your student e-mail
account. When sending an email
to your instructor, please make
sure that your name, class, and
section are labeled clearly. If you
email a document to your
instructor, save your attachment
in a Word format (*.doc or
*.docx), Portable Document
(*.pdf), or Rich Text Format
(*.rtf). I do my best to check and
answer student email regularly,
and I can do this most helpfully
for you when your messages are
clear and professional.
Complete your work with
integrity:
Academic integrity is an
expectation in all Madison College
classes. Plagiarism and cheating are
prohibited. Plagiarism is defined
as passing of another person’s
work as your own. In this class, I
have a zero-tolerance policy about
plagiarism. Plagiarized work will
earn a zero, and a zero on a major
assignment will affect the semester
grade significantly.
Work with technology effectively:
I strongly suggest you have multiple
means of composing, saving, and
printing your work. Save all work in
several locations, and also consider
printing a backup copy. Computer
difficulties are not a long-term
excuse for non-participation, but do
let me know if technology
difficulties are impeding your work.
See the Helpful Resources section of
the syllabus or Blackboard for
information about free resources
and the Student Help Desk, where
experts can help you with
technology difficulties.
Cell phone use can be helpful or
disruptive. Please keep your cell
phone use to a minimum and
comply cheerfully if the instructor
asks you to discontinue use.
Submit work on time:
All assignments are due at
the beginning of class.
Assignments (except in-class
work) may be turned in up to
one week late and will lose
one letter grade. A grade of a
zero will be assigned for any
assignments that are not
turned in.
No make-up exams will be
given.

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Where can I get help when I need it?
Your instructor: I care a great deal about the success of every student,
and I want to help you. Helping you in or out of class is never a
burden or a bother. If you’re thinking of withdrawing, discuss your
progress with me first. We might be able to find a way for you to be
successful in the class. Please contact me as often as you wish with
questions and feedback.
Your classmates: No one in this class has to do this alone—help each
other. Research shows that you can increase your chances of success
in a class simply by exchanging contact information with another
student on day one. It’s that easy! Trade cell numbers and email
addresses with a few people and chat about assignments outside of
class. Be each other’s support system.
According to its Web site, “The Writing Center’s primary mission is to
help members of the Madison College community become more
effective, confident, and successful writers.” I strongly suggest
everyone plan to use the Writing Center’s services regularly. Hours,
location, and instructions for appointments can be found by visiting
its Web site or calling (608) 243-4289.
The Student Computer Help Desk is located in the Truax Campus
Library Room A3000. Student lab assistants are available often until
late in the evening in person, and by phone, (608) 243-4444; toll-free
at (866) 277-4445; by email at https://madisoncollege.edu/student-
computer-help to provide computer support. In addition, students
can call an after-hours help desk until 10pm most days at (608) 246-
6666.
According to their Web site, “Our libraries are staffed
with librarians and talented student help to provide the services and
reference assistance you need for academic success. Madison
College Libraries offers traditional on-site services, but also provides
24/7 access to many resources and services online through our
comprehensive library web page.”
If you feel you may qualify for accommodations due to a disability,
please contact Disability Resources Services at 246-6716 (Students
who are deaf via Relay 711), room 159 at Truax or email
drs@madisoncollege.edu It is best to request accommodations at the
beginning if not before class so there is ample time to make the
accommodations.

5. INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE
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Note: I may modify the syllabus or schedule with reasonable notice to you. This schedule is a
snapshot overview of the semester. Further instructions will be given in class and on Blackboard.
Unit Date Do Before Class
Snow Day!
January 23
January 28
January 30
Course
Introduction
February 4
Unit 1: Stories
Make Us Human
February 6
Read selections from scholarly and journalistic sources about
the cultural, psychological, and professional uses of story.
Respond in writing and in class activities. Complete Unit 1
project planning, presentation, and final product.
February 11
February 13
February 18
February 20
Unit 2: Literature
Can Be a Mirror,
a Window, a
Door
February 25
Read fiction selections from Literature: The Human Experience
exploring the themes of innocence, experience, love, and death.
Respond in writing and in class activities. Complete Unit 2
project planning, presentation, and final product.
February 27
March 4
March 6
March 11
March 13
March 25
March 27
Exam 1 April 1 Prepare for exam.
Unit 3: Literature
Teaches Us
about the World
April 3
Read poetry selections from Literature: The Human Experience
and practice with a variety of tools for understanding poetry.
Respond in writing and in class activities. Complete Unit 3
project planning, presentation, and final product.
April 8
April 10
April 15
April 17
April 22
April 24
April 29
Unit 4: Literature
Says Something
May 1
Read nonfiction selections from Literature: The Human
Experience demonstrating how literature can be used to make an
argument. Respond in writing and in class activities. Complete
Unit 4 project planning, presentation, and final product.
May 6
May 8
May 13
Exam 2 May 15 Prepare for exam.