Dr. Yoder
English 4370.01 John Milton
Fall 2010 TTh 10:50am-12:05pm Stabler Hall 401
Office: Stabler Hall 501V Office Hrs.: TTh 9:00-10:00am; W 4:00-5:00pm; also by appt.
Office Phone: 569-8321 email: rpyoder@ualr.edu webpage: www.ualr.edu/rpyoder
Texts:
Milton, John. The Riverside Milton. Edited by Roy Flannagan. 1998.
Other Resources:
Milton Reading Room featuring writings by Milton and bibliography of selected Milton criticism
Digital Facsimiles of LOTS of Milton editions and related books.
Goals and Objectives:
- Students will read most of the English poetry and selected prose of John Milton.
- Students will increase their skills in close reading and literary interpretation, with particular attention to Milton's poetics and theological system.
- Students will explore Milton's response to the social and religious issues of his day in his poetry and prose.
- Students will write formally about literature as a way of recognizing that at some point the interpretive process must stop (however briefly), so that one's understanding can be assessed by others.
- Students will write informally about literature as a way of learning that writing itself helps in the reading process.
- Students will participate in class discussions in order to share their insights and questions, and to compare their readings with other people.
- Students will work to reach their own conclusions about Milton's poetry.
Course Assessment:
This course will include an ongoing assessment of my teaching in the form of weekly journals. These journals consist of a 250 word (minimum requirement) written response to the class readings or discussion. These journals allow me to assess how well students are understanding what I think I am teaching them, and I make adjustments to my class presentations and assignments accordingly. Taken as a whole, the journals count for 20% of the student's final grade, thus insuring that the students take this assessment seriously. The journals also serve other classroom purposes outlined on the "House Rules" page.
Secondary Education Assessement:
See "For Secondary Education Majors" page.Reading Schedule
House Rules
For Secondary Education Minors
Course Listserve
Paper Assignments
Tips for Writers
Doc Yoder's Home