KINGSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ENGLISH 30: Introduction to Literature
“Literature is a frigate to take us away to far away lands.” Emily Dickenson
Instructor: Professor J. O’Brien Spring, 2008 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
E-Mail joeyobrien@hotmail.com Mondays and Wednesdays
Room M366
Section: TBA
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Gardner,Janet E. Literature: A Portable Anthology. Bedford St. Martins Press. 2004.
Any dictionary of your choice
COURSE DESCRIPTION & GOALS:
Emily Dickenson once wrote that “Literature is a frigate to take us away to foreign lands.” It is hoped that through this course you will embark upon a similar journey as you learn to both critically read and analyze texts and grow to understand and be comfortable with the research process. It is hoped that this course will provide you the knowledge and confidence to critically examine both fictional and non-fictional texts, analyze and evaluate literature, and forge a touchstone for the years to come.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
As college students, you are expected to come to class on time and be prepared with the materials assigned for that day. In addition, a willingness to participate and engage in class discussion is essential. You are also expected to complete all assignments and abide by the guidelines stated in the syllabus.
ATTENDANCE, LATENESS, & DEADLINES:
As a school policy, it is to be noted that you are not allowed to exceed more than four (4) hours. I understand that this is a late class and many travel vast distances to arrive here, yet, we must make every attempt to report to class on time on a regular basis. Lateness of 10 min or more will count towards your total four (4) hours. If you are absent or late please make it your own responsibility to contact me as soon as possible. It is up to you to find out what you missed.
OTHER CLASSROOM RULES:
Please be kind and mindful of your surroundings as well as your classmates. ALL HEADPHONES AND MUSIC DEVICES MUST BE OFF AND PUT AWAY upon the start of class. PLEASE TURN OFF THE VOLUME ON YOUR CELL PHONE. If there is an emergency, or an important call, feel free to quietly step-outside and handle your business. DO NOT DISTURB THE CLASS.
You may bring something to drink and snack on. Please do not bring a full meal to class. If you choose to bring food or a drink make sure you throw away your trash when you are done.
* * * *
If you ever have ANY questions or concerns please feel free to come to me. I am easily accessible via e-mail. You may also speak with me before or after class. If you are unsure about something during class discussion or have your own personal comments to add PLEASE DO NOT hesitate to speak! Your voice is valued.
1 comment:
Brooklyn, NY
March 12, 2008
Ernest Emingway:
Dear Ernest,
I have heard about you many times through others' words, and I have heard about your great contribution to World Literature; but never had I read a master piece (work) of yours in its entirety until attending English 30at KCC with Professor O'Brien.
Yes,Ernest this master work of yours, "Hills Like White Elephants" has really inspired me to write this letter to you and to share with you my opinion toward it as a reader.
The "Hills Like White Elephants" is one of your literary works that have classified you as a distinctive writer among the other great ones; especially for your metaphoric style of of comparing things that are completely different. To be honest with you Ernest, reading this story had been a challenge for me the first time because I couldn't quite comprehend the theme of it, although the word "operation" has been mentioned in it a few times. In part, because of the year the story was written, it would be difficult for anyone at my level of introduction of literature to easily associate the girl with "Abortion". Well, it wasn't until I read comments after the story and a brieft discussion in class that I realized the message that you tried to share with the world 50 years ago.
Yes Ernest, for your information, Abortion still remains a hot topic thesedays in the American society and many parts of the world. It's in political forum, social events, and almost in many levels of our society.
The message is well transmitted; Abortion should remain a decision made by a woman who finds herself in such a situation. No state should have the right to tell a woman what to do in that matter. But my comment doesn't mean that I am a supporter of Abortion, nor do I discourage it. All I'm saying is that such an operation should depend on any woman who falls in such a situation. Of course, her decision should be shared with her husband, fiance, or boyfriend, but the final decision should be the woman's.
As you have shown in "Hills Like White Elephants", deep down, the man wants the girl to have the abortion by telling her all the safe aspects of it but at the same time, he doesn't want to go too strong on her so that she does feel that she's been pressured by him; because he knows it's a woman's final decision or choice.
What really surprises me about the story is the girl's position toward the operation. I thought that she would have wanted to have the abortion; considering the year of the story was written, I thought it would have been the other way around, more controversial; in a sense if the girl had chosen to have the operation.After all it seems all you can really share with us the right reason you didn't turn the story around at that time to make it spicier. Nevertheless, this story has remained a master piece since it's been published.
Also what attracts my attention in "Hills Like White Elephants" is the part of the world where the sotry taken place---Spain. Considering that you felt in love with the Spanish culture to a point where you moved and lived there; I wonder if the the story has anything to do with your personal life. Liquor is the current drink in the story and, historically, you have been known as a heavy drinker, doesn't the story reflect at least a part of your life while you were living in Spain? I would like you to enlighten me someday if you don't mind.
Well Ernest, time is flying.I don't think I would have enough words to express myself in this letter because there will be too much to talk about, considering your tremendous contribution to world literatures. And like I said before, "Hills Like White Elephants" remains a master work of yours, and I am glad to have read it and hope to read it over and over again and continue reading many more of your works. I wish you the best dear friend, and may the body rest in peace and the spirit continue guiding the World of Literature in order to produce more writers at your level.
See you when my time is up in this world.
Take care,
Eddy
Post a Comment