ENGL 347 (Section 001, Schedule #33397)
Virginia Commonwealth University
Spring 2016
TTh 11:00am-12:15pm :: 264 Hibbs
Prof. David Golumbia
Office: 324D Hibbs Hall
Spr 2016 Office Hours: Tues 1:00-3:30pm

Contemporary Literature

This course examines contemporary world literature from about the last thirty years. Our readings will range across genres and include writers from around the world, mostly in English with a few texts in translation. We will explore innovations in aesthetics as well as historical developments that have influenced recent literary production. In particular, our readings will compel us to investigate how ethnicity, nationalism, religion, gender, and economics have impacted the formation of world literature and its bearings on social justice. Authors include: DeLillo, Rankine, Morrison, Natalie Diaz, Elena Ferrante, Valeria Luiselli, Eileen Myles, and others. Evaluation is via course participation and three short papers. There are no exams for this course.

Texts

• Ellah Wakatama Allfrey, ed., Africa39 (anthology of writing from Sub-Saharan Africa, 2014)
• Don DeLillo, Mao II (US, 1992)
• Natalie Diaz, When My Brother Was an Aztec (Fort Mojave Indian Reservation, California, 2012)
• Elena Ferrante, My Brilliant Friend: Neapolitan Novels, Book One (Italy, 2012)
• Yuri Herrera, Signs Preceding the End of the World (Mexico, 2015)
• Valeria Luiselli, Faces in the Crowd (Mexico/US, 2014)
• Toni Morrison, A Mercy (US, 2009)
• Eileen Myles, Chelsea Girls (US, 1994)
• Maggie Nelson, The Argonauts (US, 2015)
• Claudia Rankine, Citizen (US, 2014)
• Goli Taraghi, The Pomegranate Lady and Her Sons: Selected Stories (Iran, 2014)
• Jesmyn Ward, Salvage the Bones (US, 2012)

Assignments and Evaluation

Evaluation will be based on written exercises and course participation as follows:

• Papers (3 papers of 25% each, for 75% total). Students will write 3 papers of approximately 7 pages (1750 words) each on topics related to the class. These are expected to be analytical papers that make a strong argument, supported with properly-cited sources where necessary. These papers will be about the text we read in class each day. Early in the term students will be randomly assigned to three dates on which papers are due. The papers are due at the beginning of class period on each of the assigned days. Papers may be submitted in hardcopy or via email to dgolumbia-at-vcu.edu.
  Link to Paper Assignments Prompts & Guide
  
• Course Participation (25%): the instructor will assign a letter grade to each student reflecting their engaged participation in class, both online and offline, during the term. I take attendance in this class and attendance is included in your participation grade (see attendance policy below).

Course-Specific Policies

• Attendance. This course is taught primarily via discussion. Your attendance and participation are vital to its success. A significant portion of your grade (25%) depends on your class participation. "Class participation" does not necessarily mean that you have said what everyone thinks is the smartest thing in the world, but has much more to do with whether other students know your name by mid-semester because you contribute to discussion regularly. More than 4 unexcused absences will count against your final course grade. 6 unexcused absences results in automatic failure of the course. An "excused" absence is one where you have a verifiable illness, or important commitment of which you notify the instructor beforehand, and does not count against the unexcused absence policy. An "unexcused" absence is when you do not show up for class, without verifiable explanation or approval beforehand.
• No Late Work. No late work is accepted in this class. Work handed in late is automatically marked down one-third grade (e.g., a B becomes a B-) for each day it is late, and after one week becomes a failing grade for the assignment.
• Class Preparation. You are expected to have done the primary reading and any other primary course assignments before the beginning of course each week.
• Honor System. All work in this course is subject to the University's Honor System. You may work in teams for some assignments, but all written work must be solely your own, and any reliance on published work must be properly cited.
• Evaluations. Final grades for the course will not be released until the entire class has submitted online course evaluations.

OFFICIAL VCU POLICY STATEMENTS

1. Class registration required for attendance
2. Honor System: upholding academic integrity
3. Important dates
4. Mandatory responsibility of faculty members to report incidents of sexual misconduct
5. Military short-term training or deployment
6. Student conduct in the classroom
7. Student email policy
8. Student financial responsibility
9. Students representing the university – excused absences
10. Students with disabilities
11. VCU Mobile
12. Withdrawal from classes

Campus emergency information

What to know and do to be prepared for emergencies at VCU:

• Sign up to receive VCU text messaging alerts. Keep your information up-to-date. Within the classroom, the professor will keep his or her phone on to receive any emergency transmissions.
• Know the safe evacuation route from each of your classrooms. Emergency evacuation routes are posted in on-campus classrooms.
• Listen for and follow instructions from VCU or other designated authorities. Within the classroom, follow your professor's instructions.
• Know where to go for additional emergency information.
• Know the emergency phone number for the VCU Police (828-1234).
• Report suspicious activities and objects.
• Keep your permanent address and emergency contact information current in eServices.

Class registration required for attendance

Students may attend only those classes for which they have registered. Faculty may not add students to class rosters or Blackboard. Therefore, if students are attending a class for which they have not registered, they must stop attending.

Honor System: upholding academic integrity

The VCU Honor System policy describes the responsibilities of students, faculty and administration in upholding academic integrity, while at the same time respecting the rights of individuals to the due process offered by administrative hearings and appeals. According to this policy, "Members of the academic community are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity." In addition, "All members of the VCU community are presumed to have an understanding of the VCU Honor System and are required to:

• Agree to be bound by the Honor System policy and its procedures;
• Report suspicion or knowledge of possible violations of the Honor System;
• Support an environment that reflects a commitment to academic integrity;
• Answer truthfully when called upon to do so regarding Honor System cases;
• Maintain confidentiality regarding specific information in Honor System cases."

More information can be found at in the VCU policy library under the Education and Student Life tab.

Important dates

You can view important dates for the semester in the academic calendar.

Mandatory responsibility of faculty members to report incidents of sexual misconduct

It is important for students to know that all faculty members are mandated reporters of any incidents of sexual misconduct/violence (e.g., sexual assault, sexual exploitation and partner or relationship violence). This means that faculty cannot keep information about sexual misconduct/violence confidential if you share that information with them and they must report this information immediately to the university's Title IX Coordinator. In addition, department chairs, deans, and other unit administrators are required to report incidents of sex or gender-based discrimination to the university's Title IX Coordinator.

Confidential reporting sources include staff in Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence at the Wellness Resource Center, University Counseling Services and University Student Health Services. The Policy on Sexual Misconduct/Violence and Sex/Gender Discrimination - Interim, can be found here.

Military short-term training or deployment

If military students receive orders for short-term training or for deployment/mobilization, they should inform and present their orders to Military Student Services and to their professor(s). For further information on policies and procedures contact Military Student Services at 828-5993 or access the corresponding policies.

Student conduct in the classroom

According to the Faculty Guide to Student Conduct in Instructional Settings, "The university is a community of learners. Students, as well as faculty, have a responsibility for creating and maintaining an environment that supports effective instruction. In order for faculty members (including graduate teaching assistants) to provide and students to receive effective instruction in classrooms, laboratories, studios, online courses, and other learning areas, the university expects students to conduct themselves in an orderly and cooperative manner." Among other things, cell phones should be turned off while in the classroom. The Student Code of Conduct also prohibits the possession of or carrying of any weapon. For more information see http://register.dls.virginia.gov/details.aspx?id=3436.

Student email policy

Email is considered an official method for communication at VCU because it delivers information in a convenient, timely, cost-effective, and environmentally aware manner. Students are expected to check their official VCU email on a frequent and consistent basis in order to remain informed of university-related communications. The university recommends checking email daily. Students are responsible for the consequences of not reading, in a timely fashion, university-related communications sent to their official VCU student email account. This policy ensures that all students have access to this important form of communication. It ensures students can be reached through a standardized channel by faculty and other staff of the university as needed. Mail sent to the VCU email address may include notification of university-related actions, including disciplinary action. Please read the policy in its entirety here.

Student financial responsibility

Students assume the responsibility of full payment of tuition and fees generated from their registration and all charges for housing and dining services, and other applicable miscellaneous charges. Students are ultimately responsible for any unpaid balance on their account as a result of the University Financial Aid Office or their third party sponsor canceling or reducing their award(s).

Students representing the university – excused absences

Students who represent the university (athletes and others) do not choose their schedules. Student athletes are required to attend games and/or meets. All student athletes should provide their schedules to their instructors at the beginning of the semester. The Intercollegiate Athletic Council strongly encourages faculty to treat missed classes or exams (because of a scheduling conflict) as excused absences and urges faculty to work with the students to make up the work or exam.

Students with disabilities

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, require that VCU provide "academic adjustments" or "reasonable accommodations" to any student who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. To receive accommodations, students must register with the Disability Support Services Office on the Monroe Park Campus (828-2253) or the Division for Academic Success on the MCV campus (828-9782). Please also visit the Disability Support Services website and/or the Division for Academic Success website for additional information.

Once students have completed the DSS registration process, they should schedule a meeting with their instructor (s) and provide their instructor (s) with an official DSS accommodation letter. Accommodation letters will outline the required classroom accommodations. Additionally, if coursework requires the student to work in a lab environment, the student should advise the instructor or a department chairperson of any concerns that the student may have regarding safety issues related to a disability. Students should follow this procedure for all courses in the academic semester.

VCU Mobile

The VCU Mobile application is a valuable tool to get the latest VCU information on the go. The application contains helpful information including the VCU directory, events, course schedules, campus maps, athletics and general VCU news, emergency information, library resources, Blackboard and more. To download the application on your smart phone or for more information, please visit http://m.vcu.edu.

Withdrawal from classes

Before withdrawing from classes, students should consult their instructor as well as other appropriate university offices. Withdrawing from classes may negatively impact a student’s financial aid award and his or her semester charges. To discuss financial aid and the student bill, visit the Student Services Center at 1015 Floyd Avenue (Harris Hall) and/or contact your financial aid counselor regarding the impact on your financial aid.

Week-by-Week Syllabus

Week One. Introduction

• Tues Jan 19. Introduction (no reading)
• Thurs Jan 21. Harryette Mullen, "Coals to Newcastle, Panama Hats from Ecuador," "Coo/Slur," "Daisy Pearl," "Denigration," "Dim Lady," "Dream Cycle," "Variation on a Theme Park," "We Are Not Responsible" (all from her book Sleeping with the Dictionary, excerpts on PDF in Blackboard)

Week Two. DeLillo, Mao II

• Tues Jan 26. through page 153
• Thurs Jan 28. page 154-end.

Week Three. Diaz, When My Brother Was an Aztec

• Tues Feb 2.
• Thurs Feb 4. No class. Instructor Away.

Week Four. Luiselli, Faces in the Crowd

• Tues Feb 9. through page 94
• Thurs Feb 11. page 94-end

Week Five. Ward, Salvage the Bones

• Tues Feb 16. through page 176
• Thurs Feb 18. page 177-end

Week Six. Classes cancelled.

• Tues Feb 23. No class. Instructor Away.
• Thurs Feb 25. No class. Instructor Away.

Week Seven. Ferrante, My Brilliant Friend

• Tues Mar 1. through page 216
• Thurs Mar 3. page 216-end

Spring Break. Classes cancelled.

• Tues Mar 8. No class.
• Thurs Mar 10. No class.

Week Eight. Morrison, A Mercy

• Tues Mar 15. through page 118
• Thurs Mar 17. page 119-end

Week Nine. Selections from Africa39

• Tues Mar 22. Adichie, “The Shivering”; Arac de Nyeko, “The Banana Eater”; Barrett, “Why Radio DJs are Superstars in Lagos”; Boturu, “Alú”; Brew-Hammond, “Mama’s Future”; Dro, “The Professor”
• Thurs Mar 24. Gachagua, “No Kissing the Dolls Unless Jimi Hendrix Is Playing”; Gohil, “Day and Night”; Hassim, “The Pink Oysters”; Kioko, “Sometime Before Maulidi”; Musita, “Cinema Demons”; Ondjaki, “I’m Going to Make Changes to the Kitchen”

Week Ten. Taraghi, The Pomegranate Lady and Her Sons: Selected Stories

• Tues Mar 29. through page 193
• Thurs Mar 31. page 194-end

Week Eleven. Herrera, Signs Preceding the End of the World

• Tues Apr 5.
• Thurs Apr 7. No class. Instructor away.

Week Twelve. Rankine, Citizen

• Tues Apr 12. through page 113
• Thurs Apr 14. page 114-end

Week Thirteen. Nelson, The Argonauts

• Tues Apr 19. through page 102
• Thurs Apr 21. page 103-end

Week Fourteen. Myles, Chelsea Girls

• Tues Apr 26. through page 180
• Thurs Apr 28. page 181-end

Week Fifteen. Selections from Africa39

• Tues May 3. Oduor, “Rag Doll”; Olisakwe, “This Is How I Remember It”; Selasi, “Ghana Must Go”; Serpell, “The Sack”; Wanner, “Migrant Labor”; Watson, “Hiding in Plain Sight”

Last updated March 9, 2016.