Course Outline for English 45
Studies in Fiction

Effective: Fall 2021
SLO Rev: 10/28/2020
Catalog Description:

ENGL 45 - Studies in Fiction

3.00 Units

Exploration of particular themes and/or periods as reflected in works of fiction, including discussion of form, content, and cultural contexts.
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1A or ENGL 1.
1501.00 - English
Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Total 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. demonstrate familiarity with a variety of techniques and styles used by authors of fiction;
  2. demonstrate familiarity with the structure and elements of fiction and literature;
  3. recognize the cultural and historical influence on the works studied;
  4. demonstrate appreciation of the diversity of the literature while identifying common themes and topics;
  5. demonstrate awareness of thematic connections across literary works.
Course Content:
I. Theme-based selection of fictional works, including short stories and at least two novels
  1. Readings will include various fictional genres, forms, and styles
  2. Reading may also include other literary genres, such as graphic novels, poetry, drama, and memoir
  3. Readings will engage diverse voices and perspectives, including but not limited to national, ethnic, racial, gender, sexual, class, geographic diversity
II. Learn the critical discourse for the structure and elements of fiction, such as,
  1. plot, 
  2. point of view, 
  3. character development, 
  4. conflict, 
  5. setting, 
  6. style, 
  7. tone, 
  8. irony, 
  9. metaphor, 
  10. and other literary devices
III. Examine historical, political, cultural, and aesthetic contexts of course authors and literary works
  1. Identify historical and political ideas, attitudes, events, periods, and movements that form the social contexts for literary works
  2. Situate the literary work within the context of relevant cultural values and forms of creative, artistic, and literary expression
  3. Identify aesthetic values, antecedents, movements, and innovations that influenced the literary work
IV. Engage with supplemental readings giving historical, critical and thematic context for the literary works
  1. Learn how to engage with criticism and theory about literature 
  2. Engage with various critical and theoretical orientations, including but not limited to:
    1. feminist,
    2. queer, 
    3. critical race, 
    4. historicist, 
    5. psychoanalytic, 
    6. ecocritical, etc.
V. Appreciate the contribution of fiction to human culture and consciousness
  1. Identify historically and culturally specific concerns and themes of literary works
  2. Identify common themes across diverse literary works
  3. Assess impacts of literary works on human through, art, and history
VI. Engage in literary interpretation and analysis of fiction in class discussion and writing
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Group work
  2. Guest lecturers, when appropriate
  3. Lecture/Discussion
  4. Multimedia
  5. Student presentations
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Participate in a group discussion analyzing Toni Morrison's use of time and narrative perspective in A Mercy. Questions could include, what is the effect of beginning and ending the story as she does, and of the "framing" of the central narrator?
  2. Write an essay that discusses how the historical, political, legal, and social contexts of early 20th century United States informs our reading of Sui Sin Far's (Edith Maude Eaton's) fiction about Chinese immigrants in the Western United States.
  3. Make a group presentation about an area of literary criticism and theory, and how that area's concerns and methods can inform a deeper understanding of two literary texts from the course.
  4. Write an essay exploring the depictions of madness in Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper" and Lu Xen's Diary of a Madman.
  1. Short, critical essays
  2. Journals
  3. Participation in discussion
  4. Final Examination
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. demonstrate familiarity with the structure and elements of fiction, such as metaphor, plot, point of view, and character development;
  2. recognize the cultural and historical influence on the works studied;
  3. show an appreciation of the diversity of literature while identifying common themes and topics.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Morrison, Toni (2008). A Mercy Vintage.
  2. Anderson, M.T. (2012). Feed Candlewick.
  3. Baker,Jennifer, Editor (2018). Everyday People: the Color of Life Atria.
  4. Rhys, Jean (2016). Wide Sargasso Sea W.W. Norton.
  5. Ellis, Bret Easton (1991). American Psycho Vintage.
  6. Kang, Han (2016). The Vegetarian Hogarth.
  7. Vuong, Ocean (2019). On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous Penguin.
  8. Whitehead, Colson (2016). The Underground Railroad Anchor.
  9. Machado, Carmen Maria (2017). Her Body and Other Parties Graywolf.
  10. Orange, Tommy (2019). There, There Vintage.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Exploration of particular themes and/or periods as reflected in works of fiction, including discussion of form, content, and cultural contexts.
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1A or ENGL 1.
Discipline:
English*