Description:

We will approach the expanding field of eighteenth-century texts from the literary-historical perspective of genre, studying tern or so of the great variety of literary forms in poetry and prose in Britain from 1660 to 1790. These include satire in verse and prose; letters in verse and prose; odes; georgics; elegies and epitaphs; sermons; locodescriptive poems, as well as weird works with no definite or agreed upon genre. Eighteenth-century writers were constantly reevaluating what should count as literature, so will explore the way forms for writing poetry and prose allowed authors to innovate carefully while remaining anchored in tradition; how men and women writers handled the same genres; which genres were popular and why, and why some have survived better than others. Throughout the readings we will learn the importance of the rhetorical principle of decorum, of choosing a fit style for different subjects and audiences. Though we will not include the novel or drama, we will consider other kinds of prose, including the periodical essay. We will study the works of writers from a century rich in intellectual range and from which we have inherited some abiding interests.

Learning Outcomes:

• recognize the features of selected eighteenth-century genres
• formulate and pursue a research question about eighteenth-century literature
• express literary interpretations in focused, coherent writing
• practice collaboration in a writing/speaking project
  
• apply literary interpretation and criticism independently

Required Text: NCSU Bookstore

Demaria, Robert ed. British Literature 1640-1789: An Anthology. 2nd Edition

You are encouraged to explore and use works on reserve under Morillo/ENG562:

http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/reserves/

• Attendance worth 15%
  
• Participation (discussion, quizzes, ungraded writing) worth 10%
  
• Collaborative writing/speaking presentation on author. 10-minute oral presentation, plus 1-page written summary of information, or brief web page of same information: worth 15%
  
• Close-Reading Paper 4-5 pages worth 15%
  
• Midterm exam worth 15%
  
• Research Paper Proposal worth 10%
  
• Final Research Paper: 8-10 pages, worth 20%
  

Late papers are accepted only one class late, and with full grade penalty. Any papers arriving later than that will not be accepted. Papers are due at the start of class, in class, printed out on paper.

How I Figure Your Grades

You must complete all the required work to pass the class. No opting out of assigned work.  I will grade plus/minus.

Percentages for each required graded category are figured via a percentage of a 12-pt. scale in which an A+ =12 and
an F=0 points. For example, a B+ on paper 1 would net you 9 x .15 or 1.35 points toward the final 12.  Or, a C in participation nets you 5 x .10 or .5, an A on the final paper nets you 12 x ..20 or 2.4 points.
I then add up the percentage points for each required category to determine your grade from 0 to 12.  For example, an 8.2 final score = B for the class.

Expected participation: come to class on time, with the appropriate texts, having read and thought about them enough to have something specific and intelligent to say or write about them. There may be quizzes to check that you are doing the readings.

Attendance: You are allowed 3 absences. If you are absent, unexcused, more than 3 times over the course of the semester, your absences will count progressively against your final grade, as a significant part --15%--of your final grade. Every 2 absences beyond the allowed 3 loses you a half letter grade. Anyone who misses the first two classes can be immediately dropped from the class. For the definition of an unexcused absence, see http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/pols_regs/REG205.00.4.php

            Box 7509, 515-7653. http://www.ncsu.edu/dss/

Academic Integrity Assumption
Universities are unique communities committed to creating and transmitting knowledge. They depend on freedom - individuals' freedom to explore ideas and to explore and further their own capabilities. Those freedoms depend on the good will and responsible behavior of all the members of the community, who must treat each other with tolerance and respect. They must allow each other to develop the full range of their capabilities and take full advantage of the institution's resources.