Fall 2000
Dr Kevin Binfield
Syllabus, Calendar, Assignment Guides, Study Aids

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Course: HUM 211-06, MWF 10:30-11:30
Credit Hours: 3 
Office:  FH 7B7 
Office Hours:  9:00-10:30 MWF, 12:30-4:30 M; 12:30-2:00 W; and by appt. 
Office Phone:  762-4541 
Email:  kevin.binfield@murraystate.edu 
AOL Instant Messenger: ksbinfield (during workday) 

Course Title: 

     The Western Tradition; Continuity

Catalogue Description: 

     An exploration of humanistic themes as reflected in literary and philosophical works prior to the twentieth century.

Prerequisites: 

     English 101, 102

Required Texts and Resources: 

     Davis, Paul, et al.  Western Literature in a World Context.  Vol. 1.  New York: St. Martin's, 1995. (WLWC) 
     Dickinson, Emily.  Selected Poems.  New York: Dover, 1990. 
     Shelley, Mary.  Frankenstein.  Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1992. 
     Voltaire.  Candide.  New York: Dover, 1991. 
     HUM 211 Supplementary Text (Supp) 
     Texts available via internet (requiring that you have internet access) 

Purposes: 

     To examine specific human themes from a variety of perspectives; 
     To improve students' ability to read, analyze, and compare literary and philosophical works and to discuss
     and write about the questions they suggest; 
     To introduce students to significant literary and philosophical works and the historical and cultural
     traditions from which they emerged. 

Course Objectives: 

     Identify some important issues in western thought prior to the twentieth century; 
     Understand and compare the diverse positions expressed in the works read in the course; 
     Communicate that understanding effectively. 

Content Outline: 

     The course readings are divided into three units--the Ancient World, the Middle Ages and Renaissance,
     and the Enlightenment and Romantic Period.  The course as a whole will trace the development of three
     themes--self, other, and community.

Instructional Activities: 

     Class activities include guided and collaborative discussion of readings, some background lectures,
     writing, and participation in some outside activities.  Students can expect to bear some of the
     responsibility for guiding discussions.  Students should also participate in the Hum 211 listserv.

Written Work: 

     There will be two in-term examinations and a final examination.  There will be at least one original 800 word
     paper on an interpretive, analytic, or comparative topic.  Assignment sheets will be distributed in advance
     of the due date. Begin early; late papers, no matter how late, will be penalized in proportion to their
     lateness (at least ten percentage points).  Your papers will be evaluated for adherence to the assignment,
     clarity of expression and organization, grammar, logic of argument, originality, and evidence of careful and
     deep thought.  There will also be frequent pop quizzes over the readings.  No missed quizzes can be made
     up.  Work on review sessions and other projects (to be announced) may replace the lowest quiz grades. 
     Missing the in-term exams will result in the replacement of the grade-weight for each exam by an increased
     grade-weight for the quiz average.  Missing the final examination will result in a grade of "X," provided
     that all other work for the course (including both term exams and papers) has been satisfactorily
     completed; if not, then an "E" will be assigned.

Grading Procedures: 

     Examinations One and Two, 10-20% each 
     Final Examination, 30% 
     Essay Writing, 10-20% 
     Quizzes and other, 10% 
     Participation  +/- effect upon borderline final course grades 

Grade Scale: 

     A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, E=0-59

Attendance Policy and Other Matters: 

     By University and College policies, you are expected to attend every class meeting.  Your course grade
     will be lowered three percentage points for each absence over three.  Every absence counts, even for
     University activities, so do not take a free day thinking that you have some to spare.  If for any reason
     you miss one-fourth or more of the class meetings (that is, 10 classes), you will not receive a passing
     grade for the course.  All of you should try to make frequent contact with me, by email or by personal
     visit.  I'm not the Maytag repair man, but, like him, I like to help people and get lonely when I don't
     get to.  Minor adjustments to this syllabus may be made with notice throughout the course of the
     semester.  By enrolling and remaining enrolled for this course, you agree to let the professor use your oral,
     written, and electronic work for the course be used for evaluation, scholarly research, and development. 
     You must read and sign the attached agreement covering this syllabus and other matters in order to
     receive a passing grade for the course.

Academic Honesty: 

     Academic dishonesty will result in failure of the course and other sanctions.  See the University policy
     posted outside my office.