Course Objectives:   A study of western literary rebels and heroes of epic--rather than mythical--proportions from medieval times to the present.  The characters studied will be placed within their intellectual and historical context in order to ascertain their temporal and universal qualities, and the reasons for any changes through time.  By the end of this course you will have learned about some of the great literary contributions of Spain, Germany, France and Russia, as well as England and the USA.

Second Writing Requirement Option (section 011):  This section is for Juniors and Seniors who need to fulfill UD's second writing requirement. This option requires an extended critique of your expository writing. To insure this, you must meet with me after choosing a topic to discuss your outline and sources (this will constitute 10% of the paper grade). At least 2 weeks prior to your presentation date, we must meet again to discuss your first draft (an additional 30% of your grade). The final copy of the paper (for a final 60% of the grade) is due the class period prior to the presentation. 

Class Focus:    We will focus on identifying the qualities and flaws of our rebels and heroes, the reasons for their creation at their respective times, the changes they may have suffered through time, the reasons for these changes, and finally, the possible reasons for their continued appeal and existence.  We should also be able to identify and distinguish between those characteristics which are timeless and universal, and those that are unique or particular to the time and cultural environs of the rebel or hero.  The roles of the women who appear in these works will also be studied.

Class Format:   Discussion and presentations.  A sign-up sheet will be distributed in class for the presentations.

Attendance and Participation:   Attendance at all classes is expected and highly recommended, especially if you were unable to finish the reading for the day. A good grade presupposes participation in class.  Information from class presentations should be included in the reaction papers.
 

Grade Breakdown:  4 reaction papers  (2-3 pages long)     @10%   Quizzes  Research paper  (10 pages)   Oral presentation based on paper   Class participation                                                                 Total

40% 20% 20% 10% 10% 100%

FORMAT OF PRESENTATIONS
Every student must give a five-minute (more or less) oral presentation (10%) and turn in a typed, double-spaced copy of the presentation (20%) including a bibliography.  A bibliography of reference sources (books, articles and www sites) is included in this syllabus.  You may use these and/or any other sources of relevant information for your presentation and reaction papers.  Your grade will depend on the relevance of the information presented, your familiarity with the subject matter, and the interest you incite in your classmates.  Visual aids are strongly recommended.

Any student choosing an author must present a detailed biography with the goal of placing the author and his work in their historical context.  The presentation must explain
· how the story fits into the author’s life and times,
· what reasons the author may have had for creating such a work,
· why the work transcended its time.

Students choosing a character must present a character analysis which will include:
· description of the character’s qualities and flaws,
· explain what motivates the character and what he intends to achieve,
· how these issues are presented or illustrated in the story (give quotes),
· do things work out as the character intended?  Why or why not?  What do the character and the reader learn from this experience?

POINTS TO FOCUS ON WHILE READING:
  1.  What is the protagonist’s situation at the beginning of the adventure (not necessarily the story)?  Does he have plans for the future? If so, what?
 2.  What changes the protagonist’s situation, plans or ideas?  How does he embark on his "mission"?  Was this an intentional or unintentional occurrence?
 3.  What is the "mission"?  Do his actions have the desired effect?  the opposite effect?  a greater effect than expected?  To what extent is the protagonist aware of the consequences of his actions?
 4.  What is the climax of the story?  What decisions must the protagonist make?  How does he decide, that is, which ideas does he embrace, which does he reject?  Does he have to make some sort of a sacrifice?  What does he learn about life and himself?
 5.  What role do the female characters play in the story?  Do they serve as obstacles, inspiration, facilitators, sex symbols, devil’s advocate, a foil (contrast)?
 6.  What is the message of the story in regards to how we should view life, and what our place is in the world?
 7.  How was this message relevant to the people of its time?  Is it still relevant?  As much?  In the same manner?
 8.  What is your reaction to the message?  What do you feel are the implications of the message to individual freedom and social responsibility?