Direct comments and questions to Professor Suzanne Keen.

A reading of selected poetry by Thomas Hardy will be combined with a close study of five of his major novels: Far From the Madding Crowd (1874); The Return of the Native (1878); The Mayor of Casterbridge (1886); The Woodlanders (1887); and Tess of the D’Urbervilles (1891). Each class meeting after the first one will involve the discussion of both poetry and fiction.

Writing options: Either 3 (three) 2000 word (6-7 page) papers (option A), or (option B) one 4500-5000 word (15-20 page) paper. Total: 45% of the grade.

Participation, including reading quizzes and in-class presentations: 25%.

Exams: Two hourlies and a final, 10% each. The first hourly will be a close reading of a poem.  The second hourly will be based on a passage from a novel.  The final examination will be an objective test, the failure of which will lead to a grade of E.

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