ENGL 1102: Reading and
Composition II/Spring Semester 2010
Lecturer: Brandy James Robinson
Teaching Fellow: Rod McRae
Class Time and Location: SEC 31; T, R:
9:30-10:45 (Pafford 307)
Office: Pafford 336
Office Phone: 678-839-4881
Email: brobinso@westga.edu
URL: http://www.westga.edu/~brobinso
Office Hours (Robinson): T,R: 2-3; W: 10-12; also available by appointment and email
Office Hours (McRae): M,W: 11:00-12:30 (Office Location: Pafford 304, Cubicle J;
www.westga.edu/~rmcrae
Course Description and Learning Outcomes
Required Texts:
Native Guard (poetry collection); To Kill A Mockingbird (novel);
Ghosts of Mississippi (film); A Writer's Resource
(handbook/customized third edition with access to ConnectComp)
First Year Writing Portal URL: http://mhlearningsolutions.com/westga/comp/login/index
ConnectComp URL: http://mhconnectcomposition.com/ (**Note: Students will be required to register for ConnectComp [if they have not already done so] and complete a Diagnostic Exam during the first week of class. Other assignments will be required per the instructor's discretion throughout the course of the semester.**)
Click here to purchase access to ConnectComp if you do not have the edition of A Writer's Resource listed above.
Click here to download instructions to set up your First Year Writing Portal and ConnectComp accounts. Note the Class Code is ENGL 1102-31.
Other Material:
Flash drive or some other portable electronic storage for independent computer
use (all students are responsible for producing and retaining copies of their
work); 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 (March 1), the student will receive a grade of W. If the withdrawal occurs after the withdrawal date, the student will receive a grade of WF. **Note: Tardies will also be counted as part of the attendance requirements. A student is considered tardy if he/she is 15 minutes or more late. Two tardies will equal one absence.**
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, most 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.
Severe Weather Guidelines for Department of English and Philosophy:
The University of West Georgia is committed to the personal safety of its students, faculty, and staff in the event of severe weather. University policy regarding severe weather and emergency closings is posted at http://www.westga.edu/police/index_2277.php and official announcements about class and/or examination cancellations will be made only by the President and/or the Department of Public Relations. Although it is not possible to develop policy to address every weather-related emergency, these guidelines are intended to provide some general direction about such situations.
For immediate severe weather situations, especially when classes are in session, faculty, staff and students are advised to follow the emergency procedures identified below:
1. Direct occupants to remain in the building and to seek shelter immediately on the lowest level of the building in interior rooms (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls.
2. Instruct occupants to not leave the building.
3. Evacuate all offices, rooms or hallways with windows and glass or with exterior walls.
4. Provide assistance to persons with disabilities.
5. Accompany occupants to the nearest designated shelter area in the building.
6. Comply with departmental severe weather policies/procedures.
7. Wait for an “all clear” signal” before resuming activity.
8. Occupants will: a) proceed to the nearest designated shelter area in the building by the closest route; b) move quickly but in an orderly manner so that all will arrive safely; c) will not attempt to vacate the premises, drive or seek shelter in cars; d) take a seat in the shelter area; e) remain cooperative with those in charge; and f) wait for an “all clear” signal before resuming activity.
In the event that classes are cancelled or disrupted for less than one calendar week, each professor, at his or her discretion, will make adjustments as needed to cover material missed during those cancelled sessions. This may or may not involve the use of rescheduled or online classes. If the closures exceed a single calendar week, students should contact the Chair of the Department of English and Philosophy at 678-839-6512 or the professor of the class for updated information regarding changes to the schedule in the Department. It is the intention of the Department of English and Philosophy to handle every concern seriously and as effectively as possible.
Course Policies: (Specific):
Paper Format: All out-of-class essays should be submitted according to MLA format. Please see A Writer's Resource and the UWC website for additional information.
Revision Policy: Students are allowed (but not required) to submit a revision portfolio on the day of the scheduled final exam. The final exam is scheduled from 8-10 am on Thursday, May 6th. The portfolio is due in my office no later than 10 am. Requirements for this portfolio TBA. No portfolios will be accepted after this day and time. No Exceptions.
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.
Office Consultations: An office consultation, whether it 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. If an office consultation is scheduled to discuss a final grade on one of the out-of-class essays, you must wait 24 hours from the time I return the essay to you to meet with me. This will give you the opportunity to review my comments. 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%)
Essay: (in-class): 15%
Classwork/Homework: 5% [a combination of in-class
and out-of-class assignments and in-class quizzes]
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=50
***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: 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: Classwork/Homework Grade
Week Two: Five Analytical Responses in 8-point Font (at least one full page): Classwork/Homework Grade
Week Three: Final Presentation and Completed Paper in Proper MLA Format: Essay 1 (20%); Essay 2 (25%); Essay 3 (25%)
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. Please Note: The Final Presentation and Completed Paper in Proper MLA Format will NOT be accepted if you have not submitted the Sign/DTQ and Analytical Response Assignment for each essay.
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.
January
R 7 Introductions, Explanations, Expectations
T 12 The Role of Good Reading (Handout); In-Class Exercise
R 14 How to Read Poetry Exercise (Trethewey poems); Trethewey Link; Blue Flower Arts Link; Louisiana Native Guards; NY Times Interview with Trethewey; Native Guard: "Theories of Time and Space"[note video of Trethewey reading this poem] (1)
T 19 Native Guard: "The Southern Crescent" (5); "Genus Narcissus" (7)"Graveyard Blues" (8); ConnectComp Diagnostic Due
R 21 Native Guard: "Photograph: Ice Storm, 1971" (10); "What is Evidence" (11); "After Your Death" (13); "Pastoral" (35)
T 26 Class Cancelled
R 28 Native Guard: "Miscegenation" (36); "Southern History" (38); "Blond" (39); "Incident" (41); "South" (45) (small group work)
February
T 2 Class Presentations on Trethewey poems (using group work from the 28th); Example of Poetry Analysis (DTQs, MARs, Final Presentation [found in English Portal]); Sign (Tips/Techniques for Analyzing); Semiotic Iceberg; Essay #1 Assigned
R 4 Incorporating Quotations Effectively; Introductions/Conclusions; MLA Format; 3-Ied Monster; In-Class Paragraph Construction Workshop (on MAR for Essay #1); Sign/DTQs #1 Due
T 9 TKM (Chapters 1-14); MAR #1 Due
R 11 TKM (Chapters 15-31)
T 16 TKM (film clips/discussion); Essay #1 Due
R 18 TKM (film clips/discussion); Essay #2 Assigned
T 23 Sign/DTQs #2 (due at the end of class)
R 25 Workshop
March
T 2 Workshop (one fully developed MAR due)
R 4 Working with/Incorporating Sources (online handout); [bring secondary source material with you to class for workshop]; MAR #2 Due
T 9 Medgar Evers Biography; Preparation for Viewing Ghosts of the Mississippi; Scene Analysis Example (using title sequence from TKM); Oral Presentation Assigned; Film Analysis
R 11 Shared Text Lecture Series (Natasha Trethewey Campus Visit); No Class (Students Are Encouraged to Attend)
T 16 Oral Presentation Preparation; Essay #2 Due
R 18 Oral Presentation Preparation
March 22-27 Spring Break (No Classes)
T 30 Oral Presentations
April
R 1 Oral Presentations
T 6 Oral Presentations
R 8 Essay #3 Assigned; Sign/DTQs Due
T 13 MAR #3 Workshop
R 15 MAR #3 Due; Individual Conferences (as needed) on Final Presentation
T 20 Essay #3 Due
R 22 Preparation for In-Class Essay (Essay Exams handout); Class Evaluation
T 27 In-Class Essay
Final Exam: Thursday, May 6th, 8-10 am (Optional Revision Portfolios Due in my office no later than 10 am--no exceptions)
Grades will be posted to BanWeb following the final exam period. No grades will be distributed via phone or email.
Other Important Dates:
January 12 Drop/Add Ends
January 18 MLK Day (No Classes)
March 1 Last Day to Withdraw with a grade of "W"
March 10-23 Regents’ Testing (all first-semester students MUST register for and take the exam during this period)