From: Norbert Elliot, Professor, Department of Humanities

Welcome Letter for Literature 331

Europe; Asia; Africa and the Middle East

If you are reading this memo, then you are trying to find our more about the Literature 331. Indeed, perhaps you have already taken the first part of this two-semester sequence, Literature 330. You already know that the upper division courses in literature are part of the NJIT General University Requirements, and you may be interested in selecting a distance-learning version as a way to fulfill your HSS graduation requirements.

Literature 331 offers students an opportunity to enhance their understanding of contemporary global interactions by exploring a diverse array of culturally expressive artifacts---novels, short stories, and poems--grouped geographically by region. Course readings represent the following regions: Europe, Asia, and Africa and the Middle East.

So, how do you know if this particular DL course is for you? Answer each of the following questions by stating if you strongly agree, agree, don't know, disagree, or strongly disagree with each of the following five statements:

1. I am very familiar with using the computer as a tool of learning. That is, I am fluent with the Microsoft Word and Microsoft Power Point. I am at ease exploring the world wide web. I am able to use the NJIT library for searching and retrieval of electronic sources of information, as well as for interlibrary loan of traditional print sources. And I am able to download and upload documents to a server such as Web-CT.

2. I think that reading numerous short stories and poems, as well as two novels, is not a heavy reading load in a semester course.

3. I enjoy writing about literature in essays and discussing literature in groups.

4. I am committed to distance learning as a mode of education. That is, I am prepared to visit the course website daily and post my observations in discussion groups. If technical problems arise, I will not let these stand in the way of obtaining material and submitting work.

5. I think of myself as a competent writer. That is, I am able to write persuasively and to document sources of information using MLA format.

If you were able to answer that you strongly agree or agree with each of these five statements, then this course would suit you well. If, however, you were not able to affirm your devotion to a literature course offered in a distance-learning format, then this is not the course for you.

If you elect to take this course, then I would love to have you enroll. So that I can better prepare the course with you in mind, please complete the following agreement and e-mail it to me as soon as your registration is confirmed. As soon as I receive the form, I will write back to you.

Thank you for considering this course.

Course Agreement Form for Literature 331

Date: (Insert Date of Completion)
To: Norbert Elliot, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Humanities (elliot@adm.njit.edu)
From: (Insert Your Name Here)
Subject: Agreement for Lit 331

I am registered for Lit 331.

I have read the NJIT Academic Honor Code and agree to follow its contents. http://www.njit.edu/Student/handbook/98/polinfo/honorcode.html

I have taken the prerequisites for Literature 331.

I have read the syllabus and understand the amount and quality of reading, research, and writing required in the seminar.

I agree to have the required books and CDs in my possession within 24 hours of the first day of class. (I also understand that it is preferable to have these materials in hand before the course begins.)

I understand that I will have to submit all assignments in MLA format.

I understand that I must be an active participant in this course.

I understand the I must submit all assignments on their due date.

Please complete the following questions:
Name (please print):
Email address:
Major:
Expected Date of Graduation:
Freshman Composition (3 credits)
Basic Social Science (6 credits)
Cultural History (6 credits)
Preferred Phone Number:
Reason for taking this particular literature course in a DL format: