This course introduces students to various short stories and poems. It develops critical thinking and analytical, reading, and writing skills in preparation for other courses in literature and the Humanities. Through critical reading and the evaluation of literary texts, we aim to identify the effect literature has on our life experiences. Assignment Value Timeframe (approximate) Format In-class activities 9% Throughout Varied; must be in class to receive evaluation for those completed in class. Test 10% Week 6 During class (brief responses required) Assignment #1 16% Week 5 and Week 7 Journals – 2 journals on assigned questions; approximately 1-3 paragraphs. Typed/printed and handed in OR submitted using the Journal facility in Blackboard (your choice) In-class structured reaction 10% Week 9 In-class, with text required Assignment #2 (Research) 20% Week 11 Essay – approximately 2-4 pages; APA documentation Assignment #3 15% Weeks 12, 13, & 14 Oral briefing in pairs 5% plan + 10% oral briefing to class Test; material from entire semester 20% Week 12 Based on class discussions, text readings, and assigned stories and poems.