RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

COURSE PROPOSAL
SPECIAL TOPICS IN LITERATURE-ENGL 299

I. BASIC COURSE INFORMATION

A. Course Number and Title: ENGL-299, Special Topics in Literature

B. Date of Revision: February 2005
C. Sponsoring Department: English
D. Semester Credit Hours: 3
E. Weekly Contact Hours : 3 Lecture: 3
Lab : 0
F. Prerequisites: English I
G. Laboratory Fees: None

II. CATALOG DESCRIPTION

Prerequisite: English I. The course provides an opportunity for specialized

literary study of different topics from semester to semester. Special Topics in
Literature may be a certain literary theme, a time period, a genre, a single author
or group of authors, specific regional or national literature, or other topics
defined by the current instructor. The course is a literature elective. Students
should refer to the English Department’s Elective Course Description each
semester to determine that semester’s special topic.

III. STATEMENT OF COURSE NEED

A Special Topics in Literature course allows students access to a focused literary

study experience. The course provides the opportunity for a range of focused
study over a period of years since the special topic itself will not be repeated
regularly. The course will vary in any number of ways according to the direction
of the instructor and the instructor’s choice of text(s). Special Topics courses are
commonly present in English departments and will be recognized as literature
electives upon transfer.

IV. PLACE OF COURSE IN COLLEGE CURRICULUM

• Free elective
• The course meets a requirement in the following program: English
• English Elective Category will be determined by course content

Course Transferability: Special Topics in Literature is transferable as an

English elective or a free elective.
V. OUTLINE OF COURSE CONTENT

A. Introduction to the topic

B. Study and discussion of topic as directed by specific instructor

C. Ways to read and interpret text according to context of specific topic

D. Ways to write about topic

VI. EDUCATIONAL GOALS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

A. GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS

Students will
1. employ correct literary terminology in discussions and in written
work (G.E. 1, G.E. 2, G.E. 4);
2. interpret texts for discussion and written work (G.E. 1, G.E. 2);
3. defend interpretations of texts using appropriate rhetorical
approaches (G. E. 1, G.E. 2)
4. use textual evidence to support claims (G.E. 1, G.E. 2, G.E. 3);
5. distinguish among and between the ideas of diverse writers (G.E. 1,
G.E. 2, G.E. 4, G.E. 6);
6. contrast various approaches to the topic in question (G.E. 1, G.E. 2,
G.E. 4, G.E. 6);
7. explain individual interpretations of texts in discussion and writing
(G.E. 2, G.E. 2);
8. analyze intricate components of texts for essay writing (G.E. 1, G.E.
2);
9. employ various approaches to the topic by applying various
paradigms of literary theory (G.E. 1);
10. report on analyses of topic in discussion and in written work (G.E.
1, G.E. 2);
11. identify the ethical implications of various texts in relation to the
topic (G.E. 1, G.E. 2, G.E. 5, G.E. 6).

B. LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will be able to

1. explain the components of the topic;
2. apply theoretical strategies to the analysis of texts;
3. synthesize primary and secondary texts in discussion and written
work;
4. apply rhetorical and theoretical strategies to written work;
5. challenge traditional world views by applying diverse theoretical
paradigms;
6. appraise cultural values through an examination of texts;
 7. locate critical texts through responsible research and retrieval of
information;
8. analyze texts as a basis for original thinking and writing.

VII. MODES OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

Formats, modes, and methods for teaching and learning may be:
• lecture/discussion
• small group work
• student oral presentations
• simulation/role playing
• student collaboration
• independent study
• examination of films

VIII. PAPERS, EXAMINATIONS, AND OTHER ASSESSMENT

INSTRUMENTS

Assessment methods may be:

• research papers
• in-class essays and take-home papers
• journals
• other, as specified by instructor

IX. GRADE DETERMINANTS

In order to evaluate achievement of the goals and outcomes listed above,

possible grade determinants may be:

Formal take-home papers

In-class essays
In-class film responses
Discussion questions
Exams and quizzes
Research projects and/or collaborative project
Class participation and preparation

X. TEXTS AND MATERIALS

• texts
• primary sources
• secondary sources
• student writing
• film and video
• audio sources
• web sources
XI. RESOURCES

Resources depend on the needs of the specific instructor. Some

instructors may need access to library research facilities, to audio-visual
equipment, to the Internet or other computer-based resources, or other
resources as defined by the instructor.