COURSE OVERVIEW
This course will examine European literatures of the sixteenth century in the context of religious and cultural reformations. We will begin the semester by studying texts that contributed to the rise of the Italian Renaissance, Humanism, and the Protestant Reformation, i.e. Plato’s Ion, Symposium, Phaedrus (Greece), The Corpus Hermeticum (Egypt), Pico della Mirandola’s Oration on the Dignity of Man (Italy), Erasmus’ The Praise of Folly (Holland), Thomas More’s Utopia (England), Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince (Italy), and Luther’s debate with Erasmus about the Freedom/Bondage of the Will (Germany/Holland). From there, we will move into the heart of the sixteenth century and study the diversity of early modern literatures that grew out of these texts and reformatory/admonitory movements. In order to engage with  the inter-relatedness of both faith and superstitions in early modern literature, we will read English polemical writings, such as The School of Abuse by Stephen Gosson and An Apology for Poetry by Sir Philip Sidney as well as selections from demonological texts, such as On the Demon-Mania of Witches by Jean Bodin (France), The Discoverie of Witchcraft by Reginald Scot (England), Daemonologie by James VI (Scotland), and Of Ghosts and Spirites Walking by Nyghte by Ludwig Lavater (Switzerland),  alongside select dramatic works by such authors as Robert Greene, Christopher Marlowe, Edmund Spenser, and William Shakespeare.  Together we will attempt to understand beginnings and construct critical contexts within which to interpret a discourse that reaches beyond traditional topics of discussion (faith, politics, and the dangers of witchcraft) and includes newly emerging, such as skepticism, individuality, and (inter)nationalism.

Besides producing several summary analyses, short response papers, and one article-length term paper, graduate students will additionally be asked to design a micro-teaching session and a lesson plan/syllabus.

REQUIRED TEXTS

Erasmus, Desiderius. The Praise of Folly and Other Writings. Trans. Robert M. Adams. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1989. ISBN: 0393957497

Sidney, Sir Philip. Sir Philip Sidney's Apology for Poetry and Astrophil and Stella: Texts and Contexts. Ed. Peter C. Herman. Glen Allen: College Publishing, 2001. ISBN-10: 0967912113. ISBN-13: 978-0967912110

Greene, Robert. Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay. Lincoln: U of Nebraska P, 1963. ISBN: 0803252625

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet (A Longman Cultural Edition). Ed. Constance Jordan. New York: Longman, 2005. ISBN-10: 0321317297. ISBN-13: 9780321317292.

Luther, Martin, and Desiderius Erasmus. Discourse on Free Will. Trans. Ernst F. Winter. New York: Frederick Ungar, 1998. ISBN: 0826477941

Machiavelli, Niccolò. The Prince. Trans. Thomas C. Bergin. Wheeling: Crofts Classic, 1947. ISBN: 0882950533

The Norton Anthology of English Literature: The Sixteenth Century and the Early Seventeenth Century. Gen Ed. Stephen Greenblatt. 8th Edition. Volume B. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2006. ISBN: 0393927180

Marlowe, Christopher. The Jew of Malta (Revels Student Edition). Ed. David Bevington. Manchester: Manchester UP, 1997. ISBN-10: 0719051800. ISBN-13: 978-0719051807

More, Thomas. Utopia (Cambridge Texts in Political Thought). Ed. George M. Logan and Robert M. Adams. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2002. ISBN-10: 0521525403. ISBN-13: 978-0521525404.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

MLA Handbook (6th Edition) Modern Language Association of America, 2003. ISBN-10: 0873529863; ISBN-13: 978-0873529860

Harmon, William, and Hugh Holman, eds. Handbook to Literature (11th Edition). New York: Longman, 2009. ISBN-13: 9780136014393

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Our focus this semester will lie on fostering a professional environment in which we can read, discuss and write about literature confidently and competently. At the end of this course you should be able to:

* Read, comprehend, and write about literature in a confident and competent manner.

* Write reflective, interpretive, and critical essays about a variety of literary genres.

* Identify, utilize, and criticize various critical approaches to literature.
* Contextualize and historicize texts from a variety of literary periods and cultures.

GRADED ASSIGNMENTS

1) Individual Research Projects (3x 15% à45%): You will need to complete  at least one short paper and one summary analysis. You third assignment can be either a summary analysis or a short reflective paper. The caveat here is that you may not write the second paper about the same topic as the first; you may, however, prepare a summary analysis of an article on the same text or theme as one of your short papers. The deadlines for these assignments are inflexible; they are clearly marked on your syllabus and/or chosen by you (when you sign up for a summary analysis presentation). It is your responsibility to remember these due dates.

Option A: At least one but no more than two short reflective papers (2-4 pages—double-spaced): This is a mini research paper, which draws on one/several of the texts we have read in class. These papers will be your chance to respond to a text/several texts formally and outside of class discussion. Please indicate clearly in your paper which thoughts are yours, which come from experts in the field (direct quotations), and which have been inspired by your reading of outside material (summaries and paraphrases). Since this is a formal writing exercise, you are expected to follow the rules of Standard Written English and MLA style formatting (to document your use of outside sources). Your papers should be no fewer than 2 and no more than 4 pages in length (double-spaced), with a 1” margin all around. Be sure to provide an introduction and a conclusion to your paper and organize your thoughts into coherent paragraphs. Note, please that a paragraph consists of a minimum of 7-10 sentences (this holds true for introductory and concluding paragraphs as well); anything shorter than that will be considered as “a fragment of a thought,” not as a paragraph, and it will not be counted as part of your argument.  You may choose to repeat this exercise. Each paper will account for 15% of your final grade.

Option B: At least one but no more than two summary analyses (1 page—single-spaced): This is a research-driven analytical paper; it involves one critical, scholarly article. In addition to summarizing this article and briefly analyzing its rhetorical thrust and scholarly validity, you will be required to present your findings to the class. The 1-page paper that you need to submit to the instructor also needs to be provided to your peers in the class. Using MLA for the article citation, this paper must be submitted to your instructor ONE CLASS PERIOD PRIOR TO your presentation (copies for your peers may be distributed on the day of your presentation) and accompanied by a Xerox copy of your article (one copy, for instructor only). You will need to sign up for summary analyses by Thursday of week 2 (E-mail requests will not be considered). You may choose to repeat this exercise. Each of these brief presentations will account for 15% of your final grade.

2) Midterm and Final Exam (25%):  There will be two exams this semester, one at midterm and one during finals week (see daily schedule for exact dates). Both exams will consist of a mixture of identifications, fill-in-the-blanks, poem-scans, short essay questions, and one longer essay; and both exams will cover the texts read and discussed up to this particular exam (in case of the final exam, this does mean that all texts will be included). There will be no surprises, however, and you will be well prepared to pass these tests. Unless otherwise discussed, both the midterm and the final exam will be in-class, timed exams. The midterm will account for 10% and the final exam will account for 15% of your final grade for a total of 25 %.

4) Term paper (20%): This is the final class project, and it is meant to be a critical analysis of a literary text, an overarching theme, or a theme within just one text. This is the most extensive project this semester, and its quality should be professional and scholarly in nature, including a discussion of at least eight scholarly, secondary sources. Think of this paper as your chance to demonstrate what you have learned this semester through our study of sixteenth century literatures and superstitions. This paper needs to be 12-15 pages long, double-spaced, font 12p, with a 1” margin all around; strict adherence to MLA style format is a requirement, and a works cited page must be attached. This will account for 20% of your final grade.

5) Weekly Quizzes and Participation (10%): In addition to the midterm and final exam, there will be weekly quizzes on the assigned reading. Coming to class un- or ill-prepared is never a good idea; it will both inhibit your ability to succeed on quizzes and your confidence to participate in conversations about the readings with your classmates and me. Note that participation in class discussion is necessary and not synonymous with attendance. “Being there” is not enough; you will need to take part in group activities and class discussions on and about the reading every time we meet as a class. Active class participation and the completion of assigned reading in preparation for class discussion and quizzes will account for 10% of your final grade.

NOTE FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

Besides producing two shorter assignments (see short paper/summary analyses options), and one article-length term paper (20-25 pages), graduate students will also be asked to perform a mirco-teaching session as part of their midterm and to design a lesson plan and syllabus as part of their final exam for the course.

GRADING

This course and all its assignment will be graded on a standard scale from A to F, with A representing work greater in quality than 90% and F lower than 50%. Paper grades are determined by applying standards of logic, coherence, style, and mechanics. Class assignments, exams, and course projects are clearly marked with points and/or percentages; refer to the assignment section of this syllabus for assignment criteria and individual grade and/or percentage allotments. The breakdown of grades looks as follows:  

A: 100-90%                     B: 89-80%                        C: 79-70%                        D: 69-60%                       F: 59-0%

You may also consult http://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/~theile/grades.html for a description of standards applied in the grading of written/oral assignments.

COURSE POLICIES

Read these guidelines carefully—they are essential to your successful completion of English 483/683.

* All assigned readings need to be completed before class in preparation for class discussion.

* All written assignments must be typed and proofread.

* No late assignments will be accepted; please plan accordingly.Remember, it is your responsibility to stay in contact with me and to ask me for help if you are experiencing difficulties following the course material or completing work on time.

DEPARTMENT ATTENDANCE POLICY

In compliance with NDSU University Senate Policy, Section 333: Class Attendance and Policy and Procedure, located at <http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/policy/333.htm>, the English Department has established the following attendance policy. All English Department courses require active learning. Students are expected to speak, listen, and contribute. Therefore, prompt, regular attendance is required. Students who miss more than four weeks of class during the standard academic semester (e.g. twelve 50 minute classes, eight 75 minute classes, or their equivalent) will not pass the course. Moreover, each student is accountable for all work missed because of absence, and instructors have no obligation to make special arrangements for missed work. Additional attendance requirements may be implemented at the discretion of the individual instructor.

In addition, the following policies are applied to English 482/682: Timely attendance in class is a requirement for all students in English 482/682. Two late arrivals will count as one absence. Students with four absences will earn an F for the course; again, no exceptions are made. Keep track of your absences; regular and timely attendance is an absolute must.

ABSENCES AND CONTACT INFORMATION

You are responsible for finding out what you missed on the days you were absent, and this should not take place by asking me at the beginning (or the end) of the next class period. Gather the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of at least two other students you can contact to find out what happened in class. I suggest that you record this information now, so you will have it handy when you need it.

If you do not understand these policies, you must ask me for clarification or stop by my office at your earliest convenience. By staying in this class, you are showing your acceptance of and compliance with these guidelines.

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Center for Writers: The Center for Writers is located in the library. The Center employs student tutors who will talk to you about your writing. Note, please, that the Center is not a proofreading service; expect tutors to offer suggestions for the overall improvement of your paper—no more, no less.

Library: You will need to familiarize yourself with the library this semester as you conduct your research for your oral presentations, both individual and group. Besides the general catalogue/search engine, notice the database link on the NDSU Library home page; this will take you to all of the databases to which you have free access as an NDSU student (such as Project Muse, JSTOR, ProQuest Direct, and the MLA Bibliography).
Reference Librarians: The reference librarians are another important resource for you; they are some of the most competent and helpful people on campus, and they will be happy to help you locate whichever information you need.

Morrill Hall 209C: If you have questions about assignment instructions or expectations, please come and see me. The quickest way to get in touch with me is by finding me in my office; option 2 is sending me an e-mail inquiry. I rank phone messages as option 3, because 1) I only receive/check messages when I’m in my office, and 2) NDSU phones do not support long distance calls, which disqualifies most of your cell phone numbers, I’m sure; leave local numbers or e-mail addresses only, please.

A Note on E-mail Etiquette: I am always happy to answer questions and discuss research topics, your progress in the course, and course assignments via e-mail. I do trust, however, that all e-mails are written in a respectful, professional tone and that they are proofread before they are sent. Remember please that this is a university level English course; your writing needs to reflect that. I do not respond to unprofessional or sloppily composed e-mails.

ACADEMIC HONESTY AND PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY

Plagiarism is grounds for failing the assignment and this course. All incidents of plagiarism and/or collusion will be reported to the department chair, the dean, and Student Affairs. There are no exceptions to this rule. Academic dishonesty is not acceptable in this or any other class at NDSU. All work for this course and all NDSU courses must be completed in a manner consistent with NDSU University Senate Policy, Section 335: Code of Academic Responsibility and Conduct; see www.ndsu.edu/policy/335.htm for policy details. Note that action will be taken immediately and that dismissal from the university lies at the discretion of the Dean of Student Affairs. Save drafts, notes, and outlines for all of your written and oral assignments. You are expected to provide evidence of significant invention and revision for all work produced for English 482/682; be prepared to do so, and keep track of your work notes.

SPECIAL NEEDS

In keeping with the Americans with Disabilities Act, I encourage students with special needs, students who need special accommodations in this course, to share these concerns or requests with me during the first week of class.

PORTFOLIO RECOMMENDATION FOR ENGLISH MAJORS
During their senior year, English majors generally enroll in the English Capstone course (Engl 467), during which they assemble a portfolio containing representative written work from NDSU English courses.  The English Department evaluates these portfolios to assess its undergraduate programs, analyzing how student work meets departmental outcomes.  In order to facilitate the preparation of senior portfolios, English majors are encouraged to save copies of their written work (in electronic and hard copy) each semester.

TENATIVE LIST OF DAILY READINGS FOR ENGLISH 482/682
You will need to complete all of the reading by the day it is listed on the syllabus, announced in class, and/or posted on the website.  Note please that, as in all discussion based classes, the schedule will occasionally need to be shifted to accommodate class discussion. Stay informed by taking notes and checking with classmates.

Week 1                 Tuesday, January 12: Course Overview and Introduction to the Sixteenth Century

Thursday, January 14: Thomas More, Utopia

Week 2                 Tuesday, January 19: Erasmus, The Praise of Folly

Thursday, January 21: Erasmus, The Praise of Folly

Week 3                 Tuesday, January 26: Erasmus, Julius Excluded from Heaven

Thursday, January 28: Luther, 95 Theses and Pico, Oration on the Dignity of Man

Week 4                 Tuesday, February 2: Luther and Erasmus, Discourse on Free Will

Thursday, February 4: Luther and Erasmus, Discourse on Free Will

Week 5                 Tuesday, February 9: Machiavelli, The Prince

Thursday, February 11: Machiavelli, The Prince —PAPER 1 due

Week 6                 Tuesday, February 16: Castiglione/ Hoby, The Courtier and Norton, Women in Power

Thursday, February 18: Norton, English Bible and Faith in Conflict selections

Week 7                 Tuesday, February 23:  Gosson, School of Abuse

Thursday, February 25: Sidney, Defense of Poesie

Week 8                Tuesday, March 2: Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene

                               Thursday, March 4: MIDTERM

Week 9                 Tuesday, March 9: Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene

Thursday, March 11: Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene—PAPER 2 due

SPRING BREAK

Week 11              Tuesday, March 23: Bodin, The Demon-Mania of Witches

Thursday, March 25: Scot, The Discoverie of Witchcraft  

Week 12              Tuesday, March 30: Robert Greene, Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay

Thursday, April 1: Robert Greene, Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay

Week 13              Tuesday, April 6: Marlowe, Doctor Faustus
Thursday, April 8: Marlowe, Doctor Faustus

Week 14              Tuesday, April 13: Marlowe, Doctor Faustus
Thursday, April 15: Marlowe, The Jew of Malta—PAPER 3 due

Week 15              Tuesday, April 20: Marlowe, The Jew of Malta
Thursday, April 22: Shakespeare, Macbeth

Week 16              Tuesday, April 27: Shakespeare, Macbeth
Thursday, April 29: Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice

Dead Week        Tuesday, May 4: Shakespeare,  The Merchant of Venice

Thursday, May 6: FINAL REVIEW—exam guidelines/handout

Finals Week    Tuesday, May 11: FINAL REVIEW

Thursday, May 13: Term papers due at 5pm in my office, Morrill Hall 209C