ENGL 260 - American Literature I - Dr. Chase Dimock
| Course: | American Literature I |
|---|---|
| Professor: | Dr. Chase Dimock |
| Email: | chase.dimock@canyons.edu |
| Format: |
|
| Course Length: |
|
Introduction
Welcome to ENGL 260! I am Dr. Chase Dimock and I will be the professor. My dog Dodger will be the Teaching Assistant. I am excited to share some of my favorite works of literature from the early part of American history over the course of the semester. Let me get you acquainted with the objectives and expectations of my course.
Course Description
Here are the official course description and learning objectives:
Course Description: |
Surveys the major movements and genres of American literature from its beginnings through the Civil War. |
|---|
Course Objectives
1. Analyze the historical, philosophical, social, political and/or aesthetic contexts of the period.
2. Analyze the primary changes in literary styles, genres, and movements during the period.
3. For the authors of the period, analyze the chief characteristics of their writing, such as their use of language, tone, genre, and structure.
4. Relate an author's use of diction, tone, setting, character, figurative language, and other elements of literature to the theme of a given text.
5. Relate an author's use of diction, tone, setting, character, figurative language, and other elements of literature to the historical, philosophical, social, political and/or aesthetic contexts of a given text.
6. Critically evaluate ideas and arguments presented in texts in relation to personal and cultural concerns.
Course Learning Outcomes
1. Critically evaluate and analyze the important literary works of the period in relation to their historical, philosophical, social, political, regional, and/or aesthetic contexts.
2: Analyze and interpret themes found in the literature and intellectual movements of the period, using appropriate academic discourse and the conventions of critical literary analysis.
What to Expect in this Course
What does it mean to be an American?
My hope is that over the duration of this class, we can all answer this question with greater depth and understanding. The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of American Literature ranging from its origins in the folklore of indigenous peoples and the writings of early colonists to the mid-19th century. We will read a wide variety of texts, including stories, poetry, memoirs, philosophy, travelogues, non-fiction articles, political arguments, speeches, and primary documents. As you read these texts, I want you to think about how we can better understand American history through them and how we can chart the origins of some modern day ideas and values.
Literature is both a documentation of history and a building block of culture. It depicts our culture, and our culture informs itself by reading literature. When we study a diversity of early American voices, we can understand and appreciate the origins of American culture and re-evaluate what we thought we knew or assumed by considering critical perspectives. Some ideas may be familiar to you, so I ask you to reconsider them freshly instead of taking the ideas for granted like many do. Often, famous figures like Benjamin Franklin or Pocahontas are so mythologized by folklore that we know them only by their legends and not so much by who they really were. Some ideas may be new and challenging at first, so I ask you to maintain an open mind and to honestly and fairly consider viewpoints that may conflict with your own opinions. We don’t always have to agree with or “like” an author in order to find value in their work and appreciate their influence on American society. By the end of the course, I hope everyone will have found some new voices in American literary history that speak personally to them.
Types of Assessments
Essays
Discussion Assignments
Response Assignments
Quizzes
Exams
Textbook Information
Textbook Title: The Norton Anthology of American Literature Shorter 10th Edition. Volume 1 Edited by Robert S. Levine (ISBN: 978-0-393-88617-7)
You may also use the ebook version instead of the paperback.
Other Relevant Course Information
As your professor, my top priority is your success as a student. I understand that all of you enter the classroom from diverse backgrounds with your own sets of challenges and goals. My mission is to help you meet the challenges that the course presents and show you how to integrate the skills and content from class into aiding your broader goals as a student. I know that every student has unique talents and perspectives and it is my hope to provide a forum for you to showcase and develop them in a way that enriches the learning experience of your fellow students.
I also realize that reading and writing can be difficult for many students and that people learn in different ways and at different paces. While I have to keep the course moving along at a predetermined schedule in order to meet our learning outcomes, I will do what I can to individualize my instruction to meet your needs. If you reach out to me with reasonable requests, I will do my best to meet you where you are. If you are having trouble with the material, or if other circumstances are affecting your studies, please let me help.
My success as a professor is dependent on your success as a student. I need engaged, motivated, and thoughtful students for my class to become a great learning environment. When you give it your best effort, you in turn enable me to use my most effective teaching techniques. Together we can achieve our full potential in creating an exciting and enlightening learning experience.
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Last updated: 01/31/2024 Sub#: 1014