An examination of the works and career of a major author (or authors) in historical and cultural context.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyze and Interpret: Apply close reading techniques and contextual analysis to the poetry of Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson.
- Connect Literature and Context: Explain how Whitman’s and Dickinson’s works relate to and reflect broader historical, cultural, and aesthetic movements of their time.
- Utilize Digital Humanities: Engage with digital archives and tools, such as The Whitman Archive and The Emily Dickinson Archive, to support original literary research and analysis.
- Understand Textual and Reception History: Demonstrate knowledge of textual editing processes, material culture, and the influence of reception history on the interpretation of these authors’ works.
- Communicate Effectively: Present well-supported ideas clearly and persuasively through both written assignments and oral presentations.
Required Course Materials
- Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass (authoritative edition or online archive)
- Emily Dickinson, The Poems of Emily Dickinson (Franklin edition preferred or online archive)
- Selected scholarly essays (provided via Canvas)
- Access to The Whitman Archive and The Emily Dickinson Archive (free online)
Supplementary Readings (provided via Canvas):
- Critical essays, cultural texts, or multimedia (film clips, images, recordings) will be assigned to supplement the anthology and support major assignments.
Grading Policy (Points-Based, 100 Total)
- Close Reading Exercises (4 x 5 pts) – 20 pts
- Digital Archive Annotations – 10 pts
- Comparative Essay (5–6 pages) – 20 pts
- Collaborative Timeline Project (presentation component) – 20 pts
- Final Critical Paper (7–8 pages) – 20 pts
- Participation and Attendance – 10 pts
Attendance Policy
Attendance is essential. You may miss up to three classes without penalty. Each absence beyond that will result in a 1-point deduction from your final grade. If you experience illness or emergency, communicate promptly to make arrangements. I reserve the right to determine what constitutes any extenuating circumstance.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Humanities area.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
- How do I interpret the human experience through creative, linguistic and philosophical works?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:
- Students will effectively analyze and interpret the meaning, cultural significance and ethical implications of literary/philosophical texts in English or other languages, or of works in the visual/performing arts.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
- Ethical Reasoning
- Information Literacy
- Intercultural Competence