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FYS: Three Big NovelsENGL 134-01

Wesleyan University Fall 2014

Meeting Days: Tuesdays and ThursdaysTime: 1:10–2:30pmRoom: FISK 115Instructor: Salvatore ScibonaEmail: [email protected]: 285 Court Street, #211Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, by appointment

OverviewIn this class we will read three long novels, from three different eras, primarily for the pleasure and enlightenment of their contents and language; and also to examine the peculiar phenomenon of extended attention to a vast fictional world. The books are long, difficult, rewarding, singular works of art. We will do our best to pay attention both to the grand sweep—the aboutness—of these books, to their themes and plots and conflicts and obsessions; at the same time, through exercises, we will also pay attention to very small matters, the writer’s word choice, punctuation, and all the wonderful minutiae that constitute a writer’s unique way of articulating her unique vision: that is, to her style.

ObjectivesReading and talking carefully about the books will be our main work and are sufficient ends in themselves. However, the long-form reading the course requires will also prepare you for the other heavy-duty reading your college career will demand of you, and will train your consciousness to bend itself around the worldview of some great writers. Meantime, the writing assignments will train you in the indispensable skill of close reading, while bringing you into greater intimacy with literary style, which will by extension illuminate the way you write your own prose.

SeminarMost of our class time will be in seminar. These discussions will consist of an opening question from which our conversation will move, sometimes keeping close to the opening question, sometimes straying from it. The seminars are not lectures; you need not raise your hand

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to ask permission to speak. The discussion is yours as much as anyone’s. I hope these books will inspire you.

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Workshops

From time to time, we will spend a class workshopping a few of your assignments. In our workshops, the writer will listen silently as the other members of the class analyze her work. The writer benefits from the perspective of a diverse readership; the readers benefit from a lively exchange that allows them to clarify their ideas about the piece under discussion and, by extension, about their own work.

The workshop can be nerve-racking, especially to the writer. Bear in mind that we are dealing with drafts rather than finished work, and drafts of incomplete projects at that. Our foremost responsibility to the writer is to be useful. Praise and criticism, in a generous spirit, are equally welcome; however, what writers often can best use is our report of what in their work is unique, funny, pleasing, frightening, or strange.

Course TextsFyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers KaramazovRalph Ellison, Invisible ManDon DeLillo, Underworld

Notebook WorkI will ask you to keep a written notebook throughout the term. Some written work will be assigned for completion in the notebook. The notebook is your private resource—it is primarily there to house your impressions, stray thoughts, emotional responses, and queries as you read. You might use it to jot down words you don’t know and want to look up later. I may occasionally ask students to photocopy notebook assignments to turn in to me. Please bring your notebooks with you to class.

Class Participation and AttendanceThis class is a seminar, that is, first and foremost, an opportunity to talk together in-depth about the books we are reading together. As such, your attendance is required. If you do not come to class, the rest of us will lose out on the benefit of your mind. More than one unexcused absence will imperil your final grade. Absences will be excused in case of grave medical or personal emergencies.

ConferencesPlease feel welcome to request an appointment during my office hours if you want to chew the fat.

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Guidelines for Written WorkMajor assignments should be typed in 12-point typeface, and double-spaced. Please number your pages. I will let you know whether the assignment is to be turned in via email or in hard copy.

GradingYour final grade will be determined according to the following scale:

Major and Minor Writing Assignments: 25%Seminar paper: 25%Seminar: 50%

A RequestPlease do not use computers, cell phones, laptops, Google glasses, or the like during class without previous permission from the instructor.

Disability ResourcesWesleyan University is committed to ensuring that all qualified students with disabilities are afforded an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from its programs and services. To receive accommodations, a student must have a documented disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and provide documentation of the disability. Since accommodations may require early planning and generally are not provided retroactively, please contact Disability Resources as soon as possible. If you believe that you need accommodations for a disability, please contact Dean Patey in Disability Resources, located in North College, Room 021, or call 860-685-2332 for an appointment to discuss your needs and the process for requesting accommodations.

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Sequence of Assignments

This sequence is subject to change.

Date Reading for Class Discussion

Minor Assignment Major Assignment

Tuesday, September 2

Dictation Exercise

Thursday, September 4

The Brothers Karamazov: “From the Author” and Books One and Two


The Brothers Karamazov: Books Three and Four

Transcription Exercise


The Brothers Karamazov: Book Five


The Brothers Karamazov: Books Six and Seven

Memorization Exercise


The Brothers Karamazov: Book Eight

Memorization Exercise


The Brothers Karamazov: Books Nine and Ten

Imitation Exercise


The Brothers Karamazov: Book Eleven

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The Brothers Karamazov: Book Twelve and Epilogue

Thursday, October 2

Imitation Workshop

Tuesday, October 7

Invisible Man: Introduction, Prologue, Chapters 1–6


Thursday, October 9

Invisible Man: Chapters 7–14

Tuesday, October 14

Invisible Man: Chapters 15–22

Imitation Exercise

Thursday, October 16

Invisible Man: Chapters 23–end

Tuesday, October 21

Fall Break: No class meeting


Imitation Workshop

Tuesday, October 28

Underworld: pp. 1–60



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Tuesday, November 4


Dictation Exercise Seminar Paper: Draft

Thursday, November 6


Tuesday, November 11







Imitation Exercise


Seminar Paper Workshop




Thanksgiving holiday: No class meeting

Tuesday, December 2


Thursday, December 4(Final class meeting)

Underworld: pp. 782–end

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Monday, December 8

Seminar Paper: Final

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