This document provides the syllabus for an English 1500 course titled "Experiences in Literature" with a theme of "Dysfunctional Families". The course will be taught in spring 2016 by Professor Levine and will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-10:45 am. It will introduce students to critical reading, literary analysis, and academic writing through exploring a range of literature from different time periods, genres, and cultural contexts focused on the theme of dysfunctional families. Students will complete reading responses, two 4-6 page essays, a documented research essay, a presentation, and a final portfolio. Grading will be based on essays, class participation, assignments, a midterm, and the final portfolio