COURSE CALENDAR

The calendar below is a general overview of our readings and assignments for the semester. While I have done my best to plan for the semester, changes may be made at my discretion. These changes will be posted and noted in class well before their due date. Please pay attention to e-mails and class announcements regarding the schedule. Additional readings, class notes, and assignment sheets are all available within CourseDen.

Date	Readings for Discussion: Readings should be completed on date listed (Subject to revision depending on pace and needs of the course)	Assignments Due
Jan. 10	Overview of syllabus, Introduction to Course. Buy your books as soon as possible; your first reading assignment from the textbook is due Thursday.
Jan. 12	What is text-based writing? Review text-based writing reading in Coursepack (CourseDen). Review class participation and discussion expectations. Read WAL: Introduction and pages 1-5 and 82-83, paying special attention to information about questioning and annotating a text. Click here to listen to Yusef Komunyakaa read the poem “Blackberries.” Read the poem in your Coursepack. Read the poem again, making notes as you read. Write down five questions you have about the poem based on your reading. Bring a written or typed copy of your questions and your books. Discussion of reading and writing about poetry.
Jan. 17	Read WAL: 9-15 and 57-81 (expect a reading quiz!)
Jan. 19	Read “Domestic Work, 1937” by Natasha Trethewey in your Coursepack (or click here to read the online version). Write down five questions you have about the poem, focusing on the speaker, the listener, imagery, structure, and theme. Bring your questions to class today. Plagiarism discussion (complete online tutorial by today). Read WAL: 16-22. Review writing process and literary analysis. Assign essay 1.
Jan. 24	Finish discussion of short stories and poems. Discussion of thesis and introducing and using quotations. Read WAL: 22-23 and 33-42.
Jan. 26	Read “Doris is Coming” (Packer, pages 234-265). Choose a quotation from the story that is key to the overall theme. Type this quotation with an introductory phrase and correct documentation. Then explain what the quotation means in your own words and explain how the quotation provides insight into a larger idea of the text. Writing workshop: Introduction and Thesis Statements, Organization and development of paragraphs and conclusions. In-class writing assignment for Essay 1. Be prepared to write in class today.
Jan. 31	Read WAL: 54-56. Discuss in-class essay exams in preparation for Tuesday.
Feb. 2	In-class essay exam.
Feb. 7	Bring complete rough draft of essay 1 to class today. WAL: 23-33. Peer review workshop. Begin reading The Help.
Feb. 9	Discuss and sign up for Cultural Context class presentations. Discuss online research and sources. Discuss literary research (Chapter 7 in WAL).	Essay 1 due today
Feb. 14	Introduction to The Help. Read pages 525-530 in The Help and “Grady’s Gift.” Work on Cultural Context class presentations in class.
Feb. 16	Presentations workshop.
Feb. 21	Class presentations. Continue reading The Help.
Feb. 23	Class presentations. Continue reading The Help.
Feb. 28	Discuss pages 1-143 in The Help. Bring quotations as directed. Assign Essay 2.
March 1	Discuss pages 144-242 in The Help.
March 6	Discuss pages 243-346 in The Help. Bring introduction to Essay 2 with thesis and essay plan to class today for workshop. Review textual support, research, and documentation requirements.
March 8	Discuss pages 347-402 in The Help.
March 13	Discuss pages 403-471 in The Help.
March 15	Discuss pages 472-524 in The Help. Finish the discussion of the novel and essay 2 requirements.
March 19-23	Spring Break
March 27	Peer review workshop for essay 2.
March 29	TBD. Assign Essay 3.	Essay 2 due.
April 3	Discuss short story “The Ant of the Self” (Packer, 82-116). Research article summary assignment.
April 5	Discuss “Our Lady of Peace” (Packer, 54-81)
April 10	Discuss “Geese” (Packer, 210-234)
April 12	Writing Workshop for Essay 2. Bring draft as directed.
April 17	Peer review workshop: Bring draft of essay 3.
April 19	Course Evaluations, review final essay requirements
See Schedule Below	Final Exam Period: See the finals schedule for your specific section.	Essay 3 due.

IMPORTANT DATES:

January 9-13: Drop/Add and late registration

Friday, March 2: Last day to withdraw with a grade of “W”

Holidays (No Classes):

MLK Holiday: January 16

Spring Break: March 19-23

Final Exams Schedule for Tuesday/Thursday Classes:

9:30-10:45 classes..................Thursday, Apr 26, 8:00-10:30 am
11:00-12:15 classes................Tuesday, Apr 24, 11:00-1:30 pm
12:30-1:45 classes..................Thursday, Apr 26, 11:00-1:30 pm
2:00-3:15 classes....................Tuesday, Apr 24, 2:00-4:30 pm