FYS183 Syllabus

Epistolary Explorations: the history, psychology and art of letter writing

“To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart.”

— Phyllis Theroux

“Life would split apart without letters.”

— Virginia Woolf

Canvas
Class Meetings:  TR 12:30 – 1:45 (Trexler Library Curriculum Lab)

Contacts

Tina Hertel, Instructor
Director-Trexler Library
tinahertel@muhlenberg.edu
484-664-3550 (work)–see Canvas for additional contact
Office: Trexler Library, B-Level
Drop-in Sessions:  Mon 6-7pm; Thurs 10-11am or by appointment


Keanna Peña, Writing Assistant
kpena@muhlenberg.edu –see Canvas for additional contact

Course Overview

Epistolary Explorations: the History, Psychology, and Art of Letter Writing 

When was the last time you sat down and wrote – not typed but “pen and paper” wrote – a letter to someone? Received a letter? This course will examine the importance of letter writing in our culture. We will explore the extent to which, as some cultural critics claim, letter writing is dying and what implications that might have for our culture. But we will also consider alternative possibilities -that, rather than dying, letter writing is assuming new and vital forms. We will look at letter writing as a cultural practice, examining famous letters in a historical context, learning about who writes letters and why, and analyzing the impact of digital technology on letter writing. And yes, there will be some actual letter writing! We will also be writing analyses that engage what scholars in various disciplines wish to teach us about the subject.

Course Learning Goals

  • Understand the historical, psychological, and artistic aspects of letter writing that shape cultures and experiences.
  • Appreciate the practice and nature of letter writing in various forms. 
  • Utilize both written and oral communication as means of learning and discovery.
  • Develop critical reading skills. 
  • Develop analytical writing skills.
  • Develop critical reasoning and thinking skills through rhetorical analysis. 
  • Effectively locate, analyze, evaluate, and share information using emerging and established technologies.
  • Employ writing as a method to generate new ideas and understanding.

This course meets the FY and W for Muhlenberg’s curriculum general academic requirements.

Expectations and Responsibilities

As a Muhlenberg student taking this First Year Seminar, I have the following expectations: 

  • You should attend all sections.  While I am aware that obligations or illnesses may cause some sections to be missed, this course is designed as a seminar so much of the learning takes place during our class discussions and activities. 
  • You should be prepared for each class by carefully reading all assignments.  Prepared students will be able to ask informed questions and contribute to our discussions.
  • You should utilize your blog on a regular basis. 
  • You should attend assigned film viewings, meetings with Keanna, and relevant campus events unless there is a formal (e.g. class, athletics, or job-related work hours) conflict.  Conflicts should be communicated to me prior to the event so that alternatives can be worked out in advance.   

Fourth Hour of Instruction

In accordance with the July 1, 2011 Credit Hours provision of the Higher Education Opportunity Act, expectations are that a full semester course comprises four instructional hours per week. This class is scheduled to meet for 3 hours per week. Additional instructional activities for our will consist of regular meetings with the Writing Assistant or Course Instructor, meetings with Writing Center staff, film viewings, and attendance at relevant campus events or local events. These activities will add an additional 14-16 hours of instruction to meet this requirement.

Texts and Resources

Specific readings/assignments for each class will be posted on the course site in Canvas and on our website. Additionally, this course will make use of Internet sources.

Academic Integrity

We take academic integrity very seriously. Your growth as a learner and as a citizen in today’s society depend on you developing your own thoughts and knowledge. You should be familiar with, and at all times adhere to Muhlenberg’s Academic Integrity Code (http://www.muhlenberg.edu/main/aboutus/dean-academic/integrity/.) On all work submitted for a grade, you must write and sign the following pledge: “I pledge that I have complied with the Academic Integrity Code in this work.”  In the case of electronic submissions, you should include this statement along with your initials.  Failure to comply with this code can result in failure of the assignment and/or the course, as well as the formal filing of an AIC violation.

Campus Resources

Resources for Disability or Special Needs

Students with disabilities requesting classroom or course accommodations must complete a multi-faceted determination process through the Office of Disability Services prior to the development and implementation of accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services. Each Accommodation Plan is individually and collaboratively developed between the student and the Office of Disability Services. If you have not already done so, please contact the Office of Disability Services to have a dialogue regarding your academic needs and the recommended accommodations, auxiliary aides, and services.

Students experiencing Financial Hardship

If you are experiencing financial hardship, have difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day or do not have a safe and stable place to live, and believe this may affect your performance in this course, I would urge you to contact our CARE Team through the Dean of Students Office for support. Their website is https://www.muhlenberg.edu/offices/deanst/careteam/. You may also discuss your concerns with me if you are comfortable doing so and I can help direct you to appropriate resources.

Academic Calendar and Important Dates

The full Academic Calendar is available, the following are some key dates to keep in mind:

  • August 29 – Classes start 
  • September 2 – Last day add/drop 
  • October 5 – No classes, YomKippur
  • October 8-10 – Fall Break  
  • October 21 – Mid-semester grades 
  • November  4 – Last day to withdraw (W)
  • November 17 – Registration for First Years
  • November 18 – Open Registration
  • November 23-27 – Thanksgiving Break
  • December 9 – Classes end
  • December 16 – Finals end
  • Religious Holidays / Observations

Course Requirements and Grading

Information on each assignment will be posted on the course site, as will course grades. 

Class Attendance & Participation (200 points)

A vital component of the course is attendance and class participation. The course will be discussion based and it is important to hear multiple perspectives on a topic. It is extremely important to attend class and participate in class discussions. Some discussions may elicit strong feelings and attitudes. It is extremely important to keep an open mind and to appreciate diversity in opinions. It is essential that we respect each other in these discussions. Discussions and participation will also take place using Hypothes.is. 

Tech Set-up  (50 points)

Create a Hypothes.is account. Create your own domain/website.

Journaling/Blogging (150 points)

In keeping with the epistolary theme of the class, you will journal each week about the readings and activities for that week. 

Letter Assignments (100 points / 25 points each)

Throughout the semester you will be writing four personal letters. Each assignment will be a different type of letter to a different audience.    

Letter Writing Essays (100 points / 50 points each)

There will be two assignments throughout the semester to write essays on various aspects of letter writing, perhaps on certain letters or contexts of letters.   

Letter Presentations (150 points, 75 points each)

You will be able to research two different letters, as well as background research on the writer, recipient, and/or context of each letter. One letter will be from Trexler Library Special Collections and the other will be from the website, Letters of Note. 

Creative Writing/Epistolary Fiction (100 points)

A creative writing assignment where students will write a short story that either has a basis from a letter in class or is written in the epistolary form.   

Job Search / Cover Letter (50 points)

This will be a two-part assignment. The first part will be researching a career field and the second part will be applying for a job in that career field by writing a cover letter. 

Scholarly Essay/Research Paper on Letter Writing (100 points)

This assignment will allow you to further explore your own personal direction that this course may have inspired in you.   

Grading

The final course grade will be determined as follows:

  • 930-1000 A
  • 900-929 A-
  • 870-899 B+
  • 830-869 B
  • 800-829 B-
  • 760-799 C+
  • 730-759 C
  • 700-729 C-
  • 650-699 D
  • Below 650 F
  • **Late assignments will be penalized 5 points per day late (including weekends).

Topic Outline

Week 1: Course Intro / Tech Set-up
Week 2: WWII Communication / Muhlenberg Special Collections
Week 3: WWII Japanese Internment Letters
Week 4: WWII Last Letters from the Holocaust
Week 5: WWII Love Letters
Week 6: WWII Epistolary Fiction
Week 7: Short Stories
Week 8: Forged Letters
Week 9: Famous Letters
Week 10: Presentations
Week 11: Multimedia Letters / Letters in other formats
Week 12: Open Letters / Cover Letters
Week 13: Pen Pals
Week 14: Illustrated Letters
Week 15: Wrap up and Closing Thoughts

   

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