Course Description
A survey of works written in English by women on both sides of the Atlantic from 1400 through 1890.  The focus will be on studying women's voices through the centuries by examining society's changing attitudes towards women, as well as the cultural and political issues that women explored in their writing.

The course will take a chronological approach and include writings by women from the Middle Ages and Renaissance through the 19th century. Emphasis will be on close textual analysis and expository essays.

As we study connections between women writing throughout the centuries we will read variety of forms including poetry, drama, fiction, letters, diaries, and speeches. We will also explore "non-traditional" forms of female expressions such as the commonplace book, community cookbooks, and household advice books. 

This course will ask many questions, and look for relationships between women writing across the centuries ­ How did women express themselves in writing?  What did they write about?  In what other ways did women find a "voice?" 

Course Objectives

• To examine the early forms of women's writing in English
• To develop skills in close reading, and oral and written analysis
• To practice research techniques suitable for upper-level study
• To gain confidence in literary analysis and discussion

• Gilbert, Sandra M. and Susan Gubar, eds. The Norton Anthology of Literature by Women: The Traditions in English. Second Edition.   New York: Norton, 1996.
• Shelley, Mary.  Frankenstein.  Norton Critical Edition.  J. Paul Hunter, ed.  New York: Norton, 1996.
• Dees, Richard.  Writing the Modern Research Paper.   Allyn & Bacon.
• College Dictionary and Thesaurus. If purchasing new volumes, please look for college editions which will be more thorough than small, abridged versions.
• OnLine Readings not included in our anthology will be available via the internet though the Course Calendar on the Class Web Site.
• Email Access will be required of all students. We will use email for communication, discussion, and assignments.
• Library Card for the Pasadena Public Library and/or Los Angeles Public Library. We will use the online library database for our research paper.

Course Requirements

• Read assigned text BEFORE class. The course calendar lists the date readings are due.
• Attend class. Keep absences to a minimum; it is difficult to make up missed classes.
• Contribute to class discussion.
• Keep up with assignments. Turn in all daily/weekly work on time.
• Check your email regularly.
• Prepare for quizzes and exams.
• TALK TO ME if you have questions or concerns.  I can’t help you if I don’t know what is unclear/overwhelming/completely mystifying.

Respect your fellow students.  Listen to others; raise your hand to be called on before speaking.  Do not monopolize discussion time with "I agree with" type comments.  Add to the conversation; say something new.

The Participation Grade includes everything we do on a daily basis, from pop quizzes to short writings to discussion.  If you are absent from class, you will be unable to earn a participation mark for the day.  If you are late, you will be unable to make up anything you may have missed. Tardiness is disruptive and will affect the daily Participation Grade.

Please come to class prepared.  All work is due at the beginning of the period.  Assemble and staple papers BEFORE class.  If you do not own a stapler, find one on campus you can use before class.

Use the drinking fountain and restroom before class.  Do not bring food or beverages into the classroom; you may bring water.

Late Assignments will be accepted only with prior consent and will incur a late penalty. Talk to me about any difficulties with deadlines; I am very reasonable about extensions for school activities.  In the event of family emergency or illness that unavoidably impacts assignments, please bring a note from a parent.  Email is also useful for last minute communication.