Comedy

Course Details

Course Number: 3313 Section Number: 201

Spring 2012

Location: Prothro-Yeager Hall

Classroom Number: 201

Days & Times:

TR 3:30 to 4:50 p.m.

Course Attachments

syllabus English 3313 - Comedy Syllabus-Sp12-20120312-110329.doc

Textbooks

Stages of Drama: Classical to Contemporay Theater ISBN: 031218333X

Claas Handout on Theories of Drama, R. corrigan

MSU Faculty Member

Dr. Tom Hoffman
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Course Objectives

Objectives: This course will examine representative works of satire from the 5th century B.C. to the present day with special emphasis upon the theory, methods, purpose, forms and materials of satire. This study will focus on the themes, techniques and history of satire.

Course Expectations

Requirements: Students will explore the characteristics of satirical literature in the works of selected authors from significant periods of history as we analyze the social, historical and political forces influencing the literature of those periods. We will question and reconsider the validity of the two major forms of satire beginning with Juvenal and Horace. Through the synthesis of old and new knowledge, we will develop and sharpen our critical skills of literary appraisal applicable to the various literary periods.

A non-graded exercise in writing satire in the student's choice of genre is also a requirement of this course, and the length of said exercise is to be three to five pages.

Grading Standards

Grades: Grades will be earned by students taking two major exams and possible reading quizzes (to be determined by classroom discussion responses). Students are expected to select one significant satirical author and write a formal, computer-generated, scholarly documented, MLA-Style research paper of five to ten pages in length. The paper will count as one-third of the student’s grade, and the objective mid-term and final examinations will count as two-thirds.

Final Exam5/8/2012 3:30 to 5:30

Submission Format Policy

All essays are to be typed MLA Style.

Note: 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.

Late Paper Policy

All assignments are expected to be submitted on time unless there are extenuating circumstances, and an office conference is required.

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend each and every class and should not have more than two absences. Excessive absences may result in the student’s grade for the semester being lowered one full letter grade OR the student being dropped from the course with a failing grade of “F.”

Other Policies

Plagiarism is the use of someone else’s thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")–whether you use that material in a quotation, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not. <Instructor’s policy regarding the specific consequences and procedures for addressing cases when unacknowledged influence is suspected. All class policies must support the university's "Academic Dishonesty" policy.>

Cell phone use is not permitted in class.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.