Dr. Kelly L. Richardson

Bancroft 232

Office Phone: 323-4644

E-mail: richardsonk@winthrop.edu
Website: http://faculty.winthrop.edu/richardsonk  

Office Hours: MW 11-12, Thursday 1-3, and by appointment

Course Goals:  
David Shi’s Facing Facts: Realism in American Thought and Culture, 1850-1920 includes this provocative quotation from Walt Whitman: “A true poem is the daily newspaper.”  In this course, we will consider the implications of such a statement by studying the growth of realistic and naturalistic theory and practice. For example, we will explore some of the following questions:
·        What exactly is the goal of this approach to art?
·        Why was it so popular in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century?
·        Why did it replace Romanticism? 
·        How did the literary form intersect with other aesthetic expressions of art, photography, and architecture? 
·        What are the limits of such an approach? 

Short Papers (10% each; 30 % total): These papers are designed to give you an opportunity to focus on a topic from that week’s reading.  Participants should select a text (or texts) and make an argumentative claim about the material.  Research is not required; however, if it is necessary, sources need to follow MLA format.

Leading Classroom Discussion (10%): Each participant will be expected to lead classroom discussion once during the course (in addition to the daily participation).  Participants will have 30-45 minutes to present on the writers/works and to lead us in discussion.  A handout should be prepared and distributed to the class, which includes key information, the clear integration of at least 3-5 secondary sources, and 3 well-developed questions that we can use to prompt discussion. 

Presenting One Oral Report (10%): In order to supplement our discussions, participants will be asked to report on additional topics. 

Long Paper (30%): This 10-12 page paper will give you an opportunity to examine some issue of interest to you.  These papers should be argumentative in nature, making a claim about the material.  You could investigate a central theme or question we have examined, expand on a shorter paper, delve into a work that we are not reading in class but you would like to study, compare our works with British writers, etc.  While the number of sources will vary with the topic, substantial scholarship needs to be included in your argument.  These sources can be used to support your claim, be used to provide additional information, or be used as part of the opposition.  Primary materials may also be included, but need to be in addition to the secondary pieces.  You'll prepare a prospectus and participate in a short conference with me about your topic. You'll also present your final paper to the class.  ***NOTE: YOU MUST ATTEND THE PAPER CONFERENCE (WHICH MEANS YOU ALSO MUST SUBMIT A PROSPECTUS) IN ORDER FOR ME TO ACCEPT (AND THUS GRADE) YOUR PAPER.

**See Guidelines for papers and presentations.. 

Final Exam (20%): This final exam will give you an opportunity to synthesize key primary and secondary texts, ideas, and questions that we have discussed throughout the course.  Class discussions, readings, and presentations will affect the test design.   

Participation: This course will ask for your consistent participation.  We will be covering a number of works, and it is imperative to keep up with the reading (including any outside criticism assigned).  While I often will lecture briefly on background information, our class will be based on class discussion.  I expect you to read the texts actively and to come to class prepared to ask thoughtful questions and make thoughtful comments.

Attendance: You are expected to attend all class meetings, and you are expected to be on time for each class meeting.  Let me know if you cannot be here in advance.  Failure to attend three meetings will result in an F in the course. 

Late Work: No late work will be accepted.  (Depending upon the severity of the situation and the nature of the documentation provided, this late policy may be adjusted.)

Contacting Your Instructor: I check my voice mail and email each weekday.  (I do not check them usually on the weekend.)  You can also leave messages for me in the department mailroom, 248

Bancroft, which is open from 8:30-5:00 each day.

Honor Policy: Students are expected to handle borrowed material appropriately and follow MLA documentation style.  Please consult the English Department’s The Correct Use of Borrowed Information if you have questions.  I’d also be happy to work with you individually.  Plagiarism will result in an F in the course and possible reporting depending on the severity of the offense. 
 

Duplicate Submission of Papers: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Other Policies: Turn off /place on silent or vibrate cell phones, pagers, beepers, etc. before coming to class.   PLEASE.  While you’re here, you’re in class.   Let’s all respect the time.