CURRENT Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions | Course List

This is a select and incomplete set of course descriptions for the English and Linguistics courses that will be offered in SUMMER 2009. Others will be added as the Department receives them.

For a complete course offerings for Summer 2009 English and Linguistics courses (without full descriptions), please consult the UIC's online Schedule of Classes. Note that some of the information below updates and corrects information (particularly concerning course topics, times and room locations) in the printed version of the Timetable.

100 LEVEL
ENGL 101:  Understanding Literature
CRN: 17301/17300
Instructor: Shearer, J.
Day/Time: MWF; 2-3:40 PM

ENGL 101:  Understanding Literature
CRN: 14689/14690
Instructor: Heltzel, C.
Day/Time: TR; 10:45AM-1:15PM

Responses to World War II:  In this course we will look at literature that responds to both the European and Pacific fronts of World War II.  We will be asking what literature is by reading several genres, including poetry, fiction, drama, and graphic novels.  The course will also examine the value of re-thinking this particular historical moment through literature.
 Some of the authors we may read include Kurt Vonnegut, Charles Reznikoff, Anna Rabinowitz, Albert Camus, Jonathan Safran Foer, Art Spiegelman, and Philip Roth.

ENGL 102:  Introduction to Film
CRN: 17309
Instructor: Messenger, C
Day/Time: MTRF; 9AM-12:05PM

This course is designed to introduce students to the narrative strategies of film.  We will analyze mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, and sound in order to examine the ways these elements are combined to produce meaning in films.  Films to be screened include mainstream Hollywood productions both old and new, as well as foreign films, silent films, documentaries, and independent cinema.  An emphasis will be placed on writing and analytical skills.

ENGL 105: English and American Literature
CRN: 17428/14043
Instructor: Pate, J.
Day/Time: MWF; 10-11:40AM

In this course, we will explore American and English literature through the theme of the outsider. Starting with Mary Shelley’s nineteenth-century novel Frankenstein and going up to Tom McCarthy’s recent Remainder, we will examine how narratives involving the outsider have helped shaped the form and language of the novel. We will also examine these novels in terms of the cultural period in which they were written, and deal with issue of genre. By focusing on the theme of the outsider, we will discuss how these novels deal with questions of power, gender, and even our definition of “the human” and human experience.  This class is both reading and writing intensive. The purpose of this class is to help you develop your skills as a reader and writer, and you will be asked to interpret, discuss, and make arguments about the texts studied in class.

ENGL 105: English and American Literature
CRN: 18175/18176
Instructor: Franks, P.
Day/Time: TR; 10:45AM-1:15PM

ENGL 107: Introduction to Shakespeare
CRN: 18177/18178
Instructor: Zabic, S.
Day/Time: MTRF; 9-11:55AM

This course offers a survey of Shakespeare’s sonnets and plays. Whether you have read some Shakespeare in high school or on your own, or if you are a complete novice, this course is for you. We will study Shakespeare and his favorite themes--power, love, sex, family dysfunction, passage of time--and even attempt to parody The Bard. Writing exercises (including graded paper assignments) and in-class discussions will further enhance your close-reading and analytical skills. In order to study performances of Shakespeare’s texts, we will hear and see famous actors and directors bring Shakespeare’s words to life on stage and film. It all culminates with a field trip to The Chicago Shakespeare Theater to take in Twelfth Night.

ENGL 108: British Literature and British Culture
CRN: 18179
Instructor: Costello, D.
Day/Time: MTRF; 9-11:55AM

This course is designed to give students an introduction to some of the most important and influential literary texts written by authors native to or influenced by the British Isles or territories from approximately 1800 to the start of World War II. Specifically, we will examine the role of the imagination and the fantastic, and how these reflect the complex, often contradictory spirit of the times. Some authors we may read include Wordsworth, Coleridge, Mary Shelley, the Brontes, George Eliot, Conrad, Joyce and Woolf.

ENGL 109: American Literature and American Culture
CRN: 17427/16018
Instructor: Cravens, C.
Day/Time: TR; 1:30-4PM
The traditional novel of manners is concerned specifically with the ways in which social conventions, customs, and institutions affect and shape character. Using this as a starting point, we will discuss the evolution of this literary form in America, beginning with the most notable of its producers, Henry James and Edith Wharton, paying careful attention to the dominant themes in their work, and the ways in which later writers, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, build upon them or possibly dismantle them. Our primary texts will be Washington Square, The Age of Innocence, and The Great Gatsby, but we will also read a plethora of short stories, watch several films and documentaries, and discuss the important arguments that have shaped the critical reception of the novel of manners in America since the 1940s.

Required texts: Henry James, Washington Square (edition TBD); Edith Wharton, The Age of Innocence (edition TBD); F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (edition TBD); Barbara Solomon (editor) The Haves and Have-Nots.; Additional readings will be posted on Blackboard as PDF files.

ENGL 113: Introduction to Multiethnic Literatures in the United States
CRN: 14070
Instructor: Sauri, E.
Day/Time: MWF; 12-1:40PM

What is "multiethnic literature"? That African-American, Asian-American, Latino, and Native-American literatures are all understood as forming part of this category is obvious enough, though we might complicate this picture somewhat simply by asking why. To be sure, the historical experience of each of these groups is marked by any number of differences that render necessary an extended engagement with each of these literatures. At the same time, however, we might say that those works frequently associated with "multiethnic literatures" do share a common commitment to some form of identity – whether racial, ethnic, or cultural – as a means toward formulating either more inclusive notions of American national identity or a more pluralist notions of culture itself. For this reason, this course will be largely concerned with the manner in which "multiethnic literatures" engage with the concept of "equality" – a concept, moreover, whose evolution has entailed any number of solutions to and, as we will see, misrecognitions of the problem of inequality within the United States and throughout the twentieth century. To this end, students will be expected to read a number of novels and short stories, as well as a good deal of criticism. In addition, students will be expected to write a response essay (1-2 pages) each week and two longer essays (five pages each) for this class, and will be given a final exam at the end of the course. Attendance is mandatory and by no means negotiable.

A tentative list of required texts includes: Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man (1912), James Weldon Johnson; Black No More (1933), George S. Schuyler; Invisible Man (1952), Ralph Elison; Beloved (1987); Borderlands/La Frontera (1987), Gloria Anzaldúa; Native Speaker (1995); Drown (1997) or The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (2008), Junot Díaz. We will also watch two movies: The Jerk (1979), Steve Martin (screenplay); and Lone Star (1996), John Sayles (screenplay).

ENGL 114: Introduction to Colonial and Postcolonial Literature
CRN: 18180
Instructor: Mohanraj, M.
Day/Time: MTRF 9-11:55AM
In this course we will introduce the literature of the colonial period, the writers of resistance and revolution, and the stories of what came after, in the wake of new nations which emerged, shaken and often fragmented, from the rubble of what were once European colonies. In such regions as India, Africa, the Caribbean, and Ireland, we will examine how national, cultural and individual identities have been radically altered by the experience of colonization.  We will examine how authors have related this postcolonial condition; or, as some have put it, how "the empire writes back." As a product of such colonization myself (born in Sri Lanka to Tamil ancestors who became Catholic as a result of Portuguese colonizing missionaries, and who became an English professor in the wake of British colonizers and their imposition of English on my nation), and as a fiction writer whose own work focuses on issues of nationalism, immigration, emigration, gender, sexuality, and race, I'm particularly pleased to be offering this course.


200 LEVEL

ENGL 202: Media and Professional Writing
CRN: 18182
Instructor: Andrews, L.
Day/Time: TR; 10:45AM-1:15PM

Chicago, a thriving cultural and political metropolis, provides the dynamic backdrop for English 202 where students will hone their analytical skills in writing for public audiences. Through readings, class discussions, interviewing, and writing, they will gain a perspective on writing as a profession.

The goals of the course are:
1) to understand and respond to the needs of a public audience; 2) to develop confidence as a public writer; 3) to be aware of employment opportunities for writers; 4) to be an aggressive and ethical professional in pursuing goals; 5) to create a writing portfolio for internship and employment interviews.

ENGL 202 is a prerequisite for ENGL 493, the Internship in English

ENGL 212: Introduction to the Writing of Fiction
CRN: 14130
Instructor: Berner, J.
Day/Time: TR; 10:45AM-1:15PM

Introduction to Fiction Writing: This course is intended for students who want to learn about and experiment with the craft of writing fiction. No prior experience with creative writing is necessary, though closet-writers are certainly welcome. In the first part of the semester, we will explore elements of fiction including characterization, setting, plot, genre, and point of view. We will discuss how these elements operate in short stories by contemporary authors, and we will also practice them through creative writing exercises. The second part of the semester will run as a workshop, with students developing original stories.

ENGL 222: Tutoring in the Writing Center
CRN: 14134
Instructor: Saravia, L.
Day/Time: MW; 11-11:50AM

ENGL 234: History of Television
CRN: 18021
Instructor: Melican, D.
Day/Time: TR; 10:45AM-1:15PM

ENGL 240: Introduction to Literary Study and Critical Methods
CRN: 14699/14698
Instructor: Boese, S.
Day/Time: TR; 10:45AM-1:15PM

ENGL 240: Introduction to Literary Study and Critical Methods
CRN: 18184/18183
Instructor: Grimes, C.
Day/Time: MTRF; 1-3:55PM

ENGL 240: Introduction to Literary Study and Critical Methods
CRN: 18247/18248
Instructor: Aleksa, V.
Day/Time: MTR 9-11:30AM
Note: Must be concurrently registered with ENGL 243 CRN 18249/18250.  Departmental Approval Required.  Contact Julie Hau jmhau@uic.edu

ENGL 241:  English Literature I: Beginnings to 1660
CRN: 17305/17426/17306
Instructor: Bestul, T. & Spicer, K.
Day/Time: MTRF; 1-4:05PM

This course is part of a required sequence for English majors.  We will study representative works from the Old English period to the end of the seventeenth century.  Authors covered include Chaucer, Spenser, Shakespeare, Donne, and Milton.  We will pay particular attention to the historical and cultural contexts of the readings.  This course will be taught as lectures for the first half of the period, with small discussion sections for the second half.  Midterm and final exam; two papers.  Text:  Norton Anthology of English Literature,  8th ed., vols. A and B; Shakespeare, Macbeth (Penguin).

ENGL 242: English Literature II: 1160-1900
CRN: 14703/14702
Instructor: Winters, A.
Day/Time: TR; 1:30PM-4PM

This course reviews English Literature from the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 to 1900. We move from the decadent period of Charles II to the late Victorian period, taking in a period of enormous religious, intellectual and scientific change, and a wide range of literary genres. The reading load is heavy, as in all survey courses, and it is twice as heavy in the summer, when each class meeting reviews an entire week of reading. As this is a required course for English majors, we expect you to make your arrangements so as to have enough time for a heavy study load. In return, the course offers you a solid outline of English literary history to be your base in more advanced course work.

Method: Lecture and discussion.
Grade: based on papers, exams, quizzes, discussion.

ENGL 243: American Literature: Beginnings to 1900
CRN: 18186/18185
Instructor: King, M.
Day/Time: MTRF; 10:45AM-1:15PM

This course will survey of American literature, from its origins to 1900.

The assigned readings will include, among others, texts by Jonathan Edwards, Benjamin Franklin, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Herman Melville, Walt Whitman, and Emily Dickinson.  The class will be structured around brief lectures and frequent discussion.  Class participation constitutes a significant portion of your grade.  Additionally, you will be responsible for two or three short papers (two pages in length), a midterm, a long paper (six to eight pages in length), and a final exam.  As this is a four week course, you should expect an extremely heavy reading load for each class.

ENGL 243: American Literature: Beginnings to 1900
CRN: 14142/14138
Instructor: Poore, J.
Day/Time: TR; 10:45AM-1:15PM

In this survey course, we will read several of the most important and influential American novels, short stories, poems and essays, from the colonial era to the turn of the (19th/20th) century. A significant portion of each class will be devoted to open discussion of the texts; lectures will examine the texts in historical, cultural and theoretical context. Be aware that, because this is a summer class, the reading load will be more intensive (roughly double what you would expect to read per week for a class in a regular semester). Assessment will be based on a combination of papers, exams, presentations, quizzes and class participation.

ENGL 243: American Literature: Beginnings to 1900
CRN: 18249/18250
Instructor: Schaafsma, D.
Day/Time: MTR 9-11:30AM
Note: Must be concurrently registered with ENGL 240 CRN 18247/18248.  Departmental Approval Required.  Contact Julie Hau jmhau@uic.edu

300 Level

ENGL 399
CRN:  Arranged
Instructor: Arranged
Day/Time: Arranged

Note:  Contact Julie Hau at jmhau@uic.edu to discuss independent study and begin the permission gathering process.

400 Level

ENGL 486: The Teaching of Writing in Middle and Secondary Schools
CRN: 18332/18333
Instructor: Schaafsma, D.
Day/Time: MTFR; 9AM-12PM

ENGL 491: Advanced Writing of Fiction
CRN: 14706
Instructor: Wildman, E.
Day/Time: TR; 1:30-4PM
This is an advanced course in the writing of fiction. Emphasis will be on student work supplemented by readings from an anthology. As far as possible, class will be conducted workshop style. The focus will be on the short story, but self-contained pieces in other genres can be accommodated.


500 Level

None.

Independent Studies

During his or her academic career, a student may enroll in a variety of independent studies. A student must obtain approval from the professor with whom he or she expects to work. It is the student’s responsibility to find a professor willing to direct the student’s independent study. Students then must complete an Independent Study/Research form ("the Purple Form") which needs to be signed by the professor who will supervise the work and presented to the Director of Graduate Studies for approval. A brief description of the project or research should be attached as well. Professors have the right to decline to take independent study students in a given semester. It is also the student's responsibility to meet regularly with the professor and to fulfill the special demands of the independent study. The work should be completed in the semester in which it is undertaken.

ENGL 591
Prospectus Research
 1-12 credits (variable). For doctoral students only. Supervised research and development of dissertation prospectus and colloquium committee. All doctoral students are expected to enroll for Prospectus Research when they have passed their Preliminary Examination.

ENGL 592
Preliminary Exam Research
1-12 credits (variable). For doctoral students only. Supervised research and reading that facilitates the student's preparation for the preliminary examinations. Course is graded S/U only. Credit 1 to 12 hours, may be repeated for maximum of 12 hours of credit.

ENGL 596
Independent Study
1-4 credits (variable). Individualized research and study, with the supervision of a faculty member, in topics not covered by regular course offerings.

ENGL 597
Master's Project Research
0-4 credits (variable). For Master's degree students only. Supervised research and reading that facilitates the student's preparation of project research. Course is graded S/U only. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 hours. No more than 4 hours of ENGL 597 may be applied toward the degree.

ENGL 599
Thesis Research
1-16 credits (variable). All doctoral students are expected to enroll for Thesis Research when they have passed their Preliminary Examination (they must also enroll in ENGL 591). They must earn up to 32 hours for the dissertation.