Principles of Literary Study

01:359:201
Monday/Thursday, 10:20-11:40am
Hardenbergh Hall, room A-6

Dr. Naomi Extra

Email: [email protected]
Office: Murray Hall, room 019
Office Hours: Thursdays 12-1pm, by appointment
Zoom: https://rutgers.zoom.us/my/ne100?pwd=dm5jNnlWNWJWdWFSY3dPamxONnRnZz09

Course Description:

Principles of Literary Study is designed to offer an introductory foundation to reading and

writing about literature. This course is constructed around the theme of aliveness. We will
consider the ways in which the theme of aliveness functions in literature and the ways in
which literature and poetry lives in the world. Key to our discussions will be a careful
deconstruction of the various ways that literature makes things seen, felt, and understood.

Through a variety of sources—graphic novel/comics, essays, poetry, podcasts and fiction—we

will explore a set of literary tools, methods, and techniques. Each section contains an element
of guided exploration and discovery. This may mean experimenting with writing in the genre
of focus or exploring other texts that speak to you beyond the syllabus. Through these
explorations, we will think together on how literature speaks to our everyday existence.

By no means does this course capture the breadth of literature or literary study. Instead, the
readings and texts are designed to address a set of larger questions including but not limited
to: What does it mean for a text to be alive? What strategies do writers use to bring a sense of
aliveness to a work? How does literature function in our everyday lives?

This is an in person course. Participation/class discussion is a critical component of the

course.

* For this course, you are required to purchase two texts, Fun Home (2006) by Alison Bechdel
and Passing (1929) by Nella Larsen. All readings and other course materials will be posted on
Canvas.
An important note: Students must stay diligent with reading course announcements and checking
the course Modules for weekly assignments and updates. You are only required to complete
assignments that are posted in the weekly Modules on Canvas.

Learning Objectives:

● To critically interpret and analyze a range of literary texts from various historical
periods.
● To develop the skills of textual analysis based on close reading and understanding of
the formal, aesthetic, and rhetorical properties of a literary work.
● To communicate ideas cogently, articulately, and concisely in written, oral, visual, and
digital presentations.

Assignments Percentage

Writing Exercises 25%

Participation 30%

Final Project 25%

Quizzes 20%

Quizzes: Four times during the semester you will complete quizzes via Canvas. These are open
book assessments intended to guide thinking and build knowledge.

Participation: You are expected to complete the reading each week and be ready to contribute
to discussions and other class exercises in a thoughtful and consistent manner. Verbal
contributions in whole class discussion and group work counts towards your participation
grade. In class writing counts as well. This includes but is not limited to: in class writing
exercises, prompts, and questionnaires. Your work in all of these settings will count toward
your participation grade. Written participation will be graded based on the following: 1)
completion 2) depth of thought/analysis 3) accuracy/argument (if applicable).

Writing Exercises: Three times during the semester you will submit writing exercises via
Canvas. You will submit one original poem, comic, and letter (see Canvas for deadlines). You
are not expected to have experience or expertise in these genres. However, you are encouraged
to bring a spirit of exploration, reflection, curiosity, and play to these exercises. These are
opportunities to deepen your understanding of some of the literary genres and techniques that
we will be studying through application. You will have the opportunity to share some of your
work-in-progress in small groups in class and receive peer feedback. Writing exercises will be
graded based on the following: 1) completion 2) thoughtfulness and effort 3) analysis (if
applicable). Specific information for each exercise will be provided via Canvas.

Final Project: At the end of the course, students are required to complete and submit a
portfolio that includes 1) all required writing exercises (both originals and revisions) 2) a short
one to two paragraph reflection on your work over the course of the semester and 3) a mini
podcast discussion of ONE text we have read over the course of the semester . The mini
podcast is a recorded verbal assessment that requires students to take a deep dive into literary
form, themes, and techniques covered over the course of the semester. You may submit this
portion individually (4-5 minutes in length) or as a pair (8-10 minutes in length). All
components of the final project will be submitted via Canvas. Further information and
guidelines will be offered via Canvas and discussed in class.

*I reserve the right to adjust readings and schedules for the benefit of the class and with full advance
notice.

Late Work: All work must be submitted on time. Any requests for accommodations must be
submitted in writing. Work submitted late will be graded at the professor’s discretion, if at all.

E-mail Policy:
I will do my best to answer emails within a short time frame (24 hours). If you do not hear from
me after several weekdays, please send a follow up email. Generally, I do not respond to emails
over the weekend. If you are emailing to request an appointment time that is outside of my
office hours, please email me at least 48 hours in advance of your requested meeting time. If
you have been absent from class and would like to know what you missed, please email
another student in the class.

Grading Scale:
A=90–100; B+=85–89; B=80–84; C+=75–79; C=70–74; D=65–69; F=<65

Academic Integrity:
Rutgers University takes academic dishonesty very seriously. By enrolling in this course, you
assume responsibility for familiarizing yourself with the Academic Integrity Policy and the
possible penalties (including suspension and expulsion) for violating the policy. As per the
policy, all suspected violations will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct. Academic
dishonesty includes (but is not limited to):
• Cheating
• Plagiarism
• Aiding others in committing a violation or allowing others to use your work
• Failure to cite sources correctly
• Fabrication
• Using another person’s ideas or words without attribution, including re-using a previous
assignment
• Unauthorized collaboration
• Sabotaging another student’s work
If you are ever in doubt, consult your instructor.

The entire Academic Integrity Policy can be found here:

https://nbacademicintegrity.rutgers.edu/academic-integrity-policy

*A note on AI: Use of AI such as ChatGPT is only permitted to help you brainstorm ideas and
see examples. All material you submit must be your own. If you use AI at any point in your
thinking process, you must cite the tool and be able to explain any work that you submit.

Accommodation and Learning Support: The Learning Centers are a resource to help you
reach your academic goals. They are committed to enriching student learning by providing
free academic support services and instructional resources for Rutgers–New Brunswick
students. They offer a range of supports including but not limited to academic coaching,
tutoring, and group study. Visit here for more information:
https://learningcenters.rutgers.edu/student-services

• Lateness: Classes will begin promptly at start time. Punctuality is critical for success in the
course. If you are late, please enter the classroom space quietly and respectfully.

• Absences: If you are absent, contact another student in the class to find out what you missed.
You can also refer to Canvas to see which readings and assignments we went over. You are
responsible for all missed material. If you are absent due to illness, please let me know. If you
are feeling ill, you are advised to stay home.

The Division of Student Affairs can provide assistance for absences related to religious
observance, emergency or unavoidable conflict (illness, personal or family emergency, etc.)
Students should refer to the University’s policies which may be found here :
https://studentsupport.rutgers.edu/services/absence-and-verification-notices
If you are absent due to prolonged health and/or financial issues that are impacting your
academics and well-being over an extended period of time, contact the Dean of Students at
[email protected].
• Disabilities: Rutgers University is committed to the creation of an inclusive and safe learning
environment for all students, and welcomes students with disabilities into all the University's
educational programs. The Office of Disability Services (ODS) is responsible for the
determination of appropriate accommodations for students who encounter barriers due to
disability. Once a student has completed the ODS process and reasonable accommodations are
determined to be necessary and appropriate, a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) can be
requested and will be sent to the student and instructor. This should be done as early in the
semester as possible as accommodations are not retroactive, and a discussion should occur
about how the accommodations will be implemented. More information can be found at
www.ods.rutgers.edu. You can contact ODS at (848)445-6800 or via email at
[email protected].

• Temporary Conditions/Injuries: The Office of the Dean of Students, Advocacy, Outreach,

Support, can assist students who are experiencing a temporary condition or injury (broken or
sprained limbs, concussions, or recovery from surgery). If you are experiencing a temporary
condition, your first step should be to contact each faculty member or teaching assistant to
inform them that your condition may be affecting your attendance, engagement and/or
academic performance. Further information/steps can be found here:
https://studentsupport.rutgers.edu/services/temporary-conditions.

• Pregnancy: The Title IX Office is available to assist students with any concerns or potential
accommodations related to pregnancy. Students may contact the office at 848-932-8200 or
[email protected]. You may also visit this website:
https://nbtitleix.rutgers.edu/pregnancy-related-conditions

• Gender or Sex-Based Discrimination or Harassment: The Title IX Office can assist students
experiencing any form of gender or sex-based discrimination or harassment, including sexual
assault, sexual harassment, relationship violence, or stalking. Students can report an incident
to the office by visiting this website: https://nbtitleix.rutgers.edu. To speak with a free and
confidential advocate about your options or concerns, you can call 848-932-1181 at any time.

• Stress, Worry, or Concerns about Well-Being: Your health and well-being matter, and
Rutgers has put in place a number of resources that are intended to help students through the
challenges that might emerge during these times. Information on many of these resources
appears below. Please let me know immediately if you are experiencing circumstances that are
negatively impacting your academic performance as soon as possible. I also strongly encourage
you to contact your academic advisor.
• Student Success Essentials: https://success.rutgers.edu
• Student Support Services: https://www.rutgers.edu/academics/student-support
• The Learning Centers: https://rlc.rutgers.edu/
• Rutgers Libraries: https://www.libraries.rutgers.edu/
• Bias Incident Reporting: https://studentaffairs.rutgers.edu/bias-incident-reporting
• Dean of Students – Student Support Office: https://success.rutgers.edu/resource/dean-
students-student-support-office
• Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services: https://veterans.rutgers.edu
• Student Health Services: http://health.rutgers.edu/
• Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS):
http://health.rutgers.edu/medical-counseling-services/counseling/
• Emergencies: Call 911 or contact Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) at
(973)353-5111.
• UWill: free immediate access to teletherapy; you can choose a therapist based on your
preferences including issue, gender, language, ethnicity. http://health.rutgers.edu/uwill/
• Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance: www.vpva.rutgers.edu/
• Office of Disability Services: https://ods.rutgers.edu/
• Basic Needs Assistance (food, housing, and other essentials): https://
ruoffcampus.rutgers.edu/basic-needs
• Rutgers Student Food Pantry: https://ruoffcampus.rutgers.edu/food-pantry

Learning/Technology Resources:
• Rutgers Writing Center: https://writingctr.rutgers.edu
• Rutgers Office of Information Technology (OIT): https://it.rutgers.edu/new-brunswick/
 Reading Schedule

WEEK 1:
[9/5] - Welcome, introductions, and course expectations
- Mandatory Welcome Questionnaire due on 9/8 by midnight

POETRY:
sound, rhyme, and repetition

WEEK 2:
[9/9] - “Sound” (excerpted) from A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver
- “Poetry as Nourishment: How to Read Like a Poet” from A Poet’s Craft by
Annie Finch
- “On Beginnings” by Mary Ruefle from the book Madness, Rack, and Honey
- “Feeling Fucked Up” by Etheridge Knight
- “You Go to My Head” (1938) by Haven Gillespie

[9/12] - The Weary Blues (1925) by Langston Hughes pages 1-27

- Listen: “Mama’s Got the Blues” by Bessie Smith (1923)
- Listen: “Weary Blues” by Louis Armstrong (1927)
- Listen: “The Weary Blues” by Langston Hughes (1925)
- “Writing from a Lived Life,” and “Look at a Thing,” from Finger Exercises for
Poets (you are not required to do the writing exercise)*

WEEK 3:
[9/16] - Blues Legacies and Black Feminism by Angela Davis pages 2-7
- “Empty Bed Blues” (1928) by Bessie Smith
- “Backwater Blues” (1927) by Bessie Smith
- Listen: “Prove It On Me Blues” (1928) by Ma Rainey

[9/19] - The Villanelle: pages 5-7,

- “The Waking” (1953) by Theodore Roethke
- “On Living” (1948) by Nazim Hikmet
- Listen: Daily Poem Podcast, Nazim Hikmet “On Living”
- “One Art” (1976) by Elizabeth Bishop
- “Simple Song Blues Villanelle,” “Zombie Blues Villanelle,” and “All the Time
Blues Villanelle” by Tim Seibles
- Quiz 1 DUE by midnight on 9/20 (see Canvas for assignmentdetails)*
WEEK 4:
[9/23] - “The Magnificent Frigate Bird” by Ada Limon,
- “Gratitude” by Cornelius Eady,
- “Aerial View” by Jericho Brown,
- “When in Doubt” by Sandra Cisneros
- Poetry Rx: Then Letting Go

[9/26] - Listen: Poetry Unbound Podcast, Sandra Cisneros, “When In Doubt”

- Do writing exercise from “Writing from a Lived Life,” and “Look at a Thing,”
from Finger Exercises for Poets
- Free Exploration:
1) Explore the sites underbelly, Poetry Foundation, Poets.org, Poetry Unbound
Podcast, and The Poet Salon Podcast 2) Share the poem that you would like to
“prescribe” to one of your classmates based on the anonymous poetry request
that you received in the previous class. Bring five copies of each poem to give to
your classmates. See Canvas for guidelines on this assignment.
- Select one of the writing exercises for the week and bring 5 copies of the poem
you wrote with you to class. (see Canvas for assignment details)*
- Writing Exercise 1 DUE on 9/29 by midnight (see Canvas for assignment
details)*

FICTION:
metaphor, motif, point of view

WEEK 5:
[9/30] - Read: Passing (1929) by Nella Larsen, Part One Encounter

[10/3] - Read: Passing (1929) by Nella Larsen, Part Two Re-Encounter

WEEK 6:
[10/7] - Read: Passing (1929) by Nella Larsen, Part 3 Finale

[10/10] - Listen: Podcast Episode on Passing

- Quiz 2 DUE by midnight on 10/13 (see Canvas for assignment
details)*
 ESSAYS & CRITICISM:
argument and angle

WEEK 7:
[10/14] - Excerpt from On Michael Jackson (2006) by Margo Crawford: “Freaks” and
“Home”

[10/17] - Excerpt from On Michael Jackson (2006) by Margo Crawford: “Star Child” and
“Alone of All His Race, Alone of All Her Sex”

WEEK 8:
[10/21] - Excerpts from Book of Delights (2019) by Ross Gay

[10/24] - Excerpts from Running (2023) by Lindsey A. Freeman : “Running Is a Contact

Sport,” “Running after Olympians,” Running Is Your Life,” and “Let’s Let Our
Running be Real”
- Quiz 3 DUE by midnight on 10/27

WEEK 9:
[10/28] - “My Dad and Kurt Kobain” (2022) from Stay True by Hua Hsu

[10/31] - “The I in Internet” from Trick Mirror (2019) by Jia Tolentino

COMICS & ODD FORMS:

sequence, image, narrative

WEEK 10:
[11/4] - Excerpt from Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud: Read pages 1-51
- All writing exercises will be done in class from 11/4-11/25
ONE of these exercises will be collected and will count as Writing
Exercise #2. Bring a pencil and paper to all of these classes.

[11/7] - Excerpt from Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud: Read pages 94-137
WEEK 11:
[11/11] - Fun Home (2006) by Alison Bechdel, chapters 1-3

[11/14] - Fun Home (2006) by Alison Bechdel, chapter 4

WEEK 12:
[11/18] - Fun Home (2006) by Alison Bechdel, chapters 5-6

[11/21] - Fun Home (2006) by Alison Bechdel, chapter 7

- Quiz 4 DUE by midnight on 11/24

WEEK 13:
[11/25] - “Poetry Comics: You Must Look Her in Both Her Eyes” (2019) by Gabrielle Bates
- ”Imogen and the Beginning of Color” by Gabrielle Bates
- “This Afternoon We Are All Arachnes” by Gabrielle Bates
- “Now I Feel I am On My Way” by Gabrielle Bates

[11/28] - *NO CLASS/THANKSGIVING BREAK*

- Writing Exercise #3 DUE on 12/1 by midnight

WEEK 14:
[12/2] - “Fall Evening” (2018) by Gary Snider
- “Travelogue” (2018) by Gary Snider
- “I Exist!” (2020) by Breena Nunez
- “Cabramatta” (2019) by Matt Huynh

[12/5] - “Noah/Ham: Fathers of the Year” by Douglas Kearney

- “No Title (With the Light)” (2024) by Raymond Pettibon

WEEK 15:
[12/9] - TBD Based on Student Interest

[12/16] - *FINAL PROJECT DUE* (tentative date)