ENGL 1102: Reading
and Composition I/Fall Semester 08
Lecturer: Brandy L. James
Class Time and Location:
SEC 11; T, R: 2:00-3:15 (TLC 1110)
Office: Pafford 336
Office Phone: 678-839-4881
Email: bjames@westga.edu
URL: http://www.westga.edu/~bjames
Office Hours: T,R: 11-12; W: 10-12; also available by appointment and email
Course Description and Learning Outcomes
Required Texts:
After the Lost War (poetry); In Country (novel); My Dog Skip
(Film); "Between the World and Me" (online poem--Richard Wright); A Writer's
Resource (handbook)
Other Material:
Flash drive or some other portable electronic storage for computer use (all students
are responsible for producing and retaining copies of their work);
material for portfolio (see portfolio section); paper and pen/pencil as
necessary to take notes in class
Course Policies/Statements (General):
Assessment of In Class Writing:
Assessment of Out of Class Writing:
Plagiarism and Excessive Collaboration Policy: (if a student violates this policy, he/she may receive and "F" for the assignment or an "F" for the course at my discretion)
Plagiarism & Academic Honesty: The Department of English and Philosophy defines plagiarism as taking personal credit for the words and ideas of others as they are presented in electronic, print, and verbal sources. The Department expects that students will accurately credit sources in all assignments. An equally dishonest practice is fabricating sources or facts; it is another form of misrepresenting the truth. Plagiarism is grounds for failing the course. (See also, Excessive Collaboration)
The University Policies for handling Academic Dishonesty are found in the following documents: The Faculty Handbook, sections 207 and 208.0401 (http://www.westga.edu/~vpaa/handrev/); Student Uncatalogue: "Rights and Responsibilities"; Appendix J. (http://www.westga.edu/handbook/)
Excessive Collaboration: By the end of the term in both ENGL 1101 and 1102, students should demonstrate the ability to produce independent writing (writing without collaborative assistance of peers, writing tutors, or professionals in the field) that shows an acceptable level of competence. Although classroom activities and out-of-class assignments may highlight collaborative learning and collaborative research, excessive collaboration (collaboration that results in the loss of a student's voice/style and original claims to course related work) is considered another form of academic dishonesty and therefore will not be permitted.
Disability Pledge: I pledge to do my best to work with the University to provide all students with equal access to my classes and materials, regardless of special needs, temporary or permanent disability, special needs related to pregnancy, etc. If you have any special learning needs, particularly (but not limited to) needs defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and require specific accommodations, please do not hesitate to make these known to me, either yourself or through Disability Services in 272 Parker Hall at 678-839-6428. Students with documented special needs may expect accommodation in relation to classroom accessibility, modification of testing, special test administration, etc. This is not only my personal commitment: it is your right, and it is the law. For more information, contact Disability Services.
Attendance Requirements: Students will be administratively withdrawn from class based on the following attendance policy. For classes that meet three times a week, a student is allowed four absences. Upon the fifth absence, the student will be withdrawn. For classes that meet twice a week, a student is allowed three absences. Upon the fourth absence, the student will be withdrawn. Be aware that no distinction exists between excused and unexcused absences. If the withdrawal occurs prior to the withdrawal date (Oct. 8), the student will receive a grade of W. If the withdrawal occurs after the withdrawal date, the student will receive a grade of WF.
Disruptive Behavior: Students will be dismissed from any class meeting at which they exhibit behavior that disrupts the learning environment of others. Such behavior includes—but is not limited to—arriving late for class, allowing cell phones to ring, speaking disrespectfully to the instructor and/or to other students, checking email or surfing the web, and using personal audio or video devices. Each dismissal of this kind will count as an absence and will be applied toward the attendance requirements policy above.
Role of the Writing Center: The role of the Writing Center is to offer consultation in which tutors question, respond to, offer choices, and encourage revision in student essays. Tutors do not evaluate or prescribe solutions to problematic areas to student essays, and tutors are specifically trained to avoid appropriating the student's work. For more information, visit the Writing Center online at http://www.westga.edu/~writing.
The Regents' Examination: The Regents’ Examination is a two-part test of minimum-level reading and writing proficiency. Students are required to take this examination during their first semester of coursework at UWG. Students who wish to seek preparation for the exam beyond that provided by this course may visit the Writing Center or the Excel Center. Please see the links below for more specific information about the exam and sample topics if you have not yet met this requirement.
Library Instruction Sessions: Students enrolled in 1/2000 level courses, inexperienced researchers, and students needing refresher classes in basic research are strongly encouraged to sign-up for the basic library instruction sessions and online research sessions. Please see the links below for further information and scheduling:
Online Research:
http://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/
Basic Library Instruction:
http://www.westga.edu/~library/nav/stuinstruct.shtml
Department Paperless Policy: As of Fall 2006, the English Department implemented a "paperless" policy in its classrooms. Therefore, all materials (handouts, assignment sheets, notes, etc.) will be made available online if possible. Students may print these necessary course documents, including the syllabus, on their home computers or in the computer labs for individual use.
Course Policies: (Specific):
Paper Format: All out-of-class essays should be submitted according to MLA format. Please see A Writer's Resource for additional information.
Revision Policy: Students have many opportunities for revision before the final draft of each paper is due. We will workshop each paper during class, and students should also work on revisions outside of class and make use of the assistance available to them from the Writing Center and from my scheduled office hours. Once a student receives a final grade for his/her essay, no revisions will be allowed.
Penalties for Late Work: Students are responsible for finding out material due date(s) with regard to missed work; if a student is absent on the day out-of-class work is due or if a student is present but does not turn in the work on the assigned due date, five points will be deducted from the overall grade of the assignment for each day (not class period) the work is late. If a student finds it necessary to miss class on a day work is due, the material should be emailed to me the day work is due in order to avoid any penalty. **Note: Once an assignment is more than two weeks late, that assignment will not be accepted ** The only exception to this late policy is with regard to the final portfolio. The portfolio is due during the final exam time and will not be accepted after this time. For example, if your final exam is scheduled from 2-4 pm, the portfolio will not be accepted after 4 pm.
Office Consultations: An office consultation, whether they are conducted during scheduled office hours or during a scheduled appointment, is a time for you to meet with me to discuss very specific issues, i.e., a specific essay, a specific in-class or out-of-class assignment, a specific grade, a specific concern as it relates to your writing, etc. When you schedule an office consultation, you should come in prepared. Please do not come in, for example, with an essay and say you just want to "go over it." In order for me to be able to give you the help you need, you need to be specific. For example, if you have an essay you are concerned about, write down EXACTLY what concerns you, i.e., thesis statement, paragraph development, comma splices, proper MLA format, etc. This will give us some guidelines during our consultation and help to generate discussion. Be aware that an email asking questions about an essay CANNOT replace an actual meeting with me during office hours. It is very difficult to respond to your questions and your needs by only responding to an email, especially if your questions are general. I welcome any email correspondence you wish to have with me; however, this type of correspondence is best used only when you have a very SPECIFIC question that doesn't require discussion.**Please Note: The official email communication method will be through campus e-mail (MyUWG)
Course Evaluation/Grading Procedures: Over the
course of the semester, each student will be responsible for completing at least
5,000 words of formal writing. This requirement will take the form of
three out-of-class essays and one in-class essay. Please see the above
links for grading criteria for both out-of-class and in-class essays. ***A Note
About Averages***Because you are aware at the beginning of the semester the
percentage each assignment counts and you will also have the grade for each
assignment when the assignment is returned, it is your responsibility to keep
track of your average during the course of the semester.
**Also Note: No extra credit will be assigned or accepted in this course. In
addition, work completed for another course will not be accepted in this course.
Essays: (out-of-class): 70% (Essay 1=20%;
Essay 2=25%; Essay 3=25%)
Classwork/Homework: 5% [This grade will include a combination of in-class
and out-of-class assignments and in-class quizzes]
Essay: (in-class) 15%; Final Portfolio: 5%; Oral
Presentation: 10%
**NOTE: A grade of “C” or better is required to exit the course. Unless
this grade requirement is met, this course will not be credited toward
graduation. In addition, in order to pass this class with a grade of “C” or
better, the student must turn in all out-of-class assignments and have at least
a “C” average (70%) on those assignments.
***NOTE: The following chart will be used when calculating your numerical grade at the end of the semester with regard to letter grades received on out-of-class essays:
A+=98 A=95 A-=92
B+=88 B=85 B-=82
C+=78 C=75 C-=72
D+=68 D=65 D-=62
F=No Credit
***NOTE: At times, I will “split” grades to indicate work that falls between two standard grading categories. For example, a student might receive a B+/A-, which translates mathematically to a 90.
***NOTE: The following chart will be used when calculating your numerical grade at the end of the semester with regard to the number grades (0-4) received on the in-class essay:
0=55
1=65
2=75
3=85
4=95
2. Essays and Portfolios: A student’s overall grade for each formal essay will be based on an approximate three-week writing trajectory that includes three key assignments valued as follows:
Week One: Sign Identification and Set of Related Driving Theoretical Questions: 5%
Week Two: Five Analytical Responses in 8-point Font (at least one full page): 20%
Week Three: Final Presentation and Completed Paper in Proper MLA Format: 75%
We will repeatedly model these three assignments in class. We will hash out ideas for papers, discuss framing interpretation strategies, and engage various stylistic exercises to help you sharpen your writing skills. If you are concerned about your writing abilities, then seek help as soon as possible. I am available during office hours and via email. In addition, West Georgia offers an excellent Writing Center staffed by seasoned educators. I expect you to take responsibility for your writing and be proactive about improving. The earlier you seek help, the better chance you will have of exiting this course successfully.
Requirements for the Final Portfolio
Syllabus:
While this syllabus is carefully planned, changes may be made throughout the semester to accommodate the needs and interests of the class. While you should have all readings/assignments prepared as described, you should also be prepared to note any changes as necessary.
August
T 19 Introductions, Explanations, Expectations
R 21 Interpretive Writing Fundamentals; Flag Image/Adam and Eve Image; Semiotic Method (article); Literary Critical Terms and Semiotics; Sign
T 26 Interpretive Writing Fundamentals; Hip/Hop Essay; McDonald's Essay; Racial Stereotypes (3 Documents): DTQs; MARs; Essay
R 28 Interpretive Writing Fundamentals; Essay #1 Assigned; Three Week Trajectory; Neiman Marcus Essay; Avery Essay; Print Ad Analysis Essay ; In-Class Diagnostic Essay/Semiotics Review
September
T 2 Workshop/Sign & DTQs Due; Guide to Writing/ MLA at Purdue; Semiotic Iceberg; Three-Ied Monster; DTQ Checklist
R 4 Workshop/Analytical Responses Due; Analytical Response Evaluation
T 9 Workshop; Re-submit (electronically) MAR1 by 10 am on 9/10
R 11 Class Cancelled (Out of town at professional conference)
T 16 Discussion of Literary Semiotics/Analysis; Essay #1 Due; Robert Scholes' "Decoding Papa: 'A Very Short Story' As Work and Text"; Exercise in Interpretation (How to Read Poetry; "Theme for English B"); Sample Essay
R 18 Who Is Sydney Lanier?; After the Lost War ("Child on the Marsh"; "After the Wilderness: May 3, 1863"; "Burial Detail"); Richard Wright/The Mississippi's Writer's Page ("Between the World and Me")
T 23 After the Lost War ("Soldier on the Marsh"; "Raven Days"; "Husband on the Marsh"; "Father on the Marsh")
R 25 After the Lost War ("Yellow Steeple"; "Christian on the Marsh"; "Cult of the Lost Cause")
T 30 Paragraph Construction Workshop; DTAs (TS); Conciseness: Methods of Eliminating Wordiness; Essay #2 Assigned
October
R 2 Workshop/Sign & DTQs Due
T 7 Workshop/Analytical Responses (Due Date Amended--electronically submit MAR 2 by Monday, October 13th @ 10 am using file name MAR 2--example: brandyjamesMAR2--submit as Microsoft Word document); Quotation Integration; Analytical Response Evaluation (in class on 10/14 during Workshop Session); Citing Poetry
R 9 Fall Break (No Class)
T 14 Workshop (Evaluation)/In Country
R 16 In Country; Essay #2 Due
T 21 In Country
R 23 In Country; Essay #3 Assigned
T 28 Workshop/Sign & DTQs Due
R 30 FYW Shard Text Lecture Series (No Class)
November
T 4 Workshop/Analytical Responses Due; Analytical Response Evaluation
R 6 Workshop
T 11 Discussion of Film Analysis; Oral Presentation Assigned; My Dog Skip
R 13 My Dog Skip; Essay #3 Due (NOTE: Due to recent my.westga.edu email problems, essays should be submitted in hard copy form at the beginning of class)
T 18 My Dog Skip (Oral Presentation Preparation)
R 20 Oral Presentations
T 25 Oral Presentations
R 27 Thanksgiving Break (No Class)
December
T 2 Class Discussion/Preparation for In-Class Essay; Individual Writing Assignment (50 pts) from Oral Presentations Due
R 4 In-Class Essay
Final Exam: Tuesday, December 9, 2-4 pm (Portfolios Due)
Grades will be posted to BanWeb following the final exam period. No grades will be distributed via phone or email.
Other Important Dates:
August 21: Drop/Add Ends
August 25-29: Regents' Diagnostic Essay (see policy above)
September 1: Labor Day/No Class
September 23-25: Richard Wright Centennial
23: @ 7 pm; Dr. Robert Felgar, Wright Scholar, to speak in Campus Center 108.1 and 108.2
24: @ 5:30 pm; Discussion of Wright's "The Ethics of Living Jim Crow" w/ Dr. Stacy Boyd in Bonner Lecture Hall A
25: @ 6 pm; Film Viewing and Discussion of Native Son w/ Dr. Alison Umminger in Campus Center 108.2
October 8: Last Day to Withdraw with a "W"
October 22-November 4: Regents' Testing (see policy above)
