ENGLISH 1102: Composition II – Spring 2012

Instructor: Carrie Brown McWhorter

Office: TLC 1114-D

Office Phone: 678-839-4850

Office Hours: Monday, 9 am -10 am, 1:00 pm – 3 pm, and after 3:00 pm by appointment

Tuesday and Thursday, 3:30-4:00 pm, by appointment

Online office hours via Blackboard IM and e-mail: Wednesday 9 am - 12 pm

Writing Center hours: Monday, 10 am – 1 pm

I am available online via e-mail and CourseDen/Blackboard IM at various hours Monday through Friday. If you would like to meet with me in my office or via Wimba, I encourage you to schedule an appointment. Please call or e-mail to set a time and date. Please use CourseDen e-mail or your “myuwg” account to contact me. MyUWG and CourseDen serve as the only legitimate modes of university correspondence.

E-mail: cmcwhort@westga.edu

URL: www.westga.edu/~cmcwhort

**Please see CourseDen for the most up-to-date readings schedule and for all assignments.

Course Description and Learning Outcomes
The course serves as a continuation of English 1101 and as an introduction to more sophisticated study of argument and textual analysis, focusing on the composition of increasingly complex analytical essays about written and visual texts. Students must demonstrate advanced competency in critical analysis and interpretation of texts.

Please refer to the following course description: http://www.westga.edu/%7Eengdept/FirstYearWriting/ENGL1101and1102/English1102CourseDescription.htm

General Learning Outcomes

· To develop reading, understanding, and interpreting of a broad range of written and visual texts from a variety of genres, including but not limited to nonfiction, fiction, poetry, drama, and film.

· To extend the skills of analytical writing, critical thinking, and argumentative interpretation of meaning established in English 1101.

· To enhance the understanding of literary principles and the use of basic terms important to critical writing and reading.

· To construct essays using textual evidence from both primary and secondary sources.

Specific Learning Outcomes
Critical Reading and Analysis

Develop an understanding of genre and the role of genre in textual analysis.
Understand connections between primary and secondary sources and how those connections affect and generate intertextuality.

Writing Process and Rhetorical Objectives

Demonstrate the ability to connect primary and secondary sources in a logical, persuasive, and correct way.
Expand the length and complexity in the writing and thinking process

Minimal Competency Requirements
Essay Level

Continuation of the learning objectives of ENGL 1101, that is, creation of clear theses, effective introductions and conclusions, and logical, persuasive patterns of essay organization.
Additional requirements include the ability to develop a logical argument advancing a particular explication or interpretation of a literary text, focusing on the ways in which the incorporation of secondary materials enhances argument.

Paragraph Level

Continuation of the paragraph development skills required in ENGL 1101.
Additionally, be able to manage quotations from primary and secondary texts as a means for developing paragraphs, neither letting the quotations dominate the paragraphs inappropriately nor under-explaining the quotations once used.

Sentence Level

Continuation of ENGL 1101, consistent evidence of sentence variety and control of syntax to achieve clarity.
Consistent use of apt and varied diction.
Additionally, be able to use quotations in sentences while maintaining grammatical correctness and competent punctuation.
Demonstrate a command of mechanics, grammar, and usage conventions of Standard Edited English as required in ENGL 1101.

COURSE MATERIALS, ASSIGNMENTS & GRADING

A list of daily readings, required coursework, and assignment due dates for your specific section can be accessed from my webpage and in CourseDen. While I have carefully planned our schedule, I may find it necessary to make changes to due dates or readings during the semester. I will notify you well in advance of any changes; however, it is your responsibility to maintain an updated printed copy of the readings schedule or to make changes in your personal calendar as necessary. Please note:

· Individual out-of-class essay topics with clear instruction as to required texts, length, etc. will be provided as a link from the calendar/reading list two weeks prior to each essay’s due date.

· You are responsible for obtaining not only your own syllabus but your own copy of each essay assignment.

· Topics for the in-class essays will not be given out ahead of time.

· You must complete each class’s required readings and assignments prior to the date listed on the reading schedule.

· I expect each of you to contribute to class discussions, engage with the texts under scrutiny, and generate ideas for further exploration. I will use various class discussion techniques, and you will receive a grade based on your contributions to our discussions.

Required Texts & Materials

Shared texts for all English 1102 sections:

· Maimon, Elaine P., Janice H. Peritz, and Kethleen Blake Yancey. A Writer’s Resource. McGraw Hill. Current edition. (Abbreviated as WR in course calendar)

· Z.Z. Packer. Drinking Coffee Elsewhere. Included in package Questions, Discussions Writing Package, UWG Custom. Available only at UWG bookstore. (Note: 1102 students may choose to purchase the Packer text as a separate book)

Course specific texts and requirements

· Gardner, Janet E. Writing about Literature: A Portable Guide. Bedford St. Martins. ISBN: 978-0-312-53752-4. (Abbreviated as WAL in course calendar)

· Stockett, Kathryn. The Help. Berkley Trade. ISBN: 0425232204. (paperback edition will be used in class—note that pages are different in hardback edition)

· ENGL 1102 McWhorter Coursepack (available at UWG bookstore)

· Other readings will be available online and/or in CourseDen

· Paper for class notes and quizzes

Assignments and Expectations

· A minimum of 5000 words of graded writing

· 3 out-of-class essay assignments, one of which will make use of revising opportunities

· At least two essays must incorporate secondary research

· A minimum of 1 in-class essay that must last 60 minutes and count for 15% of the overall course grade.

· Class presentation with visual element

Grading

Your grade for this semester will be calculated as follows:

· Essay #1: 15%

· Essay #2: 20%

· Essay #3: 25%

· In-class essay exam: 15%

· Class Presentation: 5%

· Class participation (Quizzes, online

discussions, class discussions

and assignments, attendance, etc.): 20%

NOTE: While it may be possible to pass this course without completing all assignments, it is very difficult. However, you MUST complete an in-class essay exam in order to pass this course. NOTE: You must earn a letter grade of C or better in order to go on to 2000-level English courses. Take special note of the following totals and utilize them to keep abreast of your own scores throughout the semester. I do not maintain individual averages.

Final Grade Scale:

A = 90-100 %

B = 80-89.4 %

C = 70-79.4 %

D = 60-69.4 %

F = Any grade below 69.4 %

POLICIES

Attendance Requirements
Students may 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 may be withdrawn. For classes that meet twice a week, a student is allowed three absences. Upon the fourth absence, the student may be withdrawn. Be aware that no distinction exists between excused and unexcused absences.

If the withdrawal occurs prior to Friday, March 2, the student will receive a grade of W. If the withdrawal occurs after March 2, the student will receive a grade of WF. (FYW Department Policy)

In certain cases, a withdrawal may have implications beyond simply failing the course; therefore, violation of the attendance policy may result in failure of the course without an administrative withdrawal.

Severe Weather Policy

Official announcements about campus closings and class cancellation will come only from the UWG president's office. However, if severe weather impacts travel, your safety is my concern. During severe weather, I will send announcements via CourseDen e-mail about class. If you are off-campus, please check e-mail before driving to campus during such situations and pay attention to local schools closings. If an on-campus class is cancelled because of severe weather, we will do the work for that day online. Please pay attention to e-mail instructions in these situations.

College of Arts & Sciences Policy on Severe Weather

Disruptive Behavior Policy and Use of Electronic Devices During Class

Please keep all electronic devices out of sight and silenced during class time. Attendance points will not be granted to students who demonstrate disrespect for our class time by using electronics during class, especially during discussions. I maintain the right to count you absent for use of electronic devices during class without asking you to leave. (See policy below.)

Students may 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 visual devices. Each dismissal of this kind will count as an absence and will be applied toward the attendance policy above. (Department Policy)

Communication Policy

The official communication method for this class will be through campus e-mail (MyUWG) or via CourseDen e-mail. You will be responsible for checking your MyUWG email, since I will be using that address to correspond with you. You should also look under “My Courses” on your MyUWG for relevant files, announcements and so on.

Participation and Assignments

In-class writing assignments, draft workshops, and homework assignments will all be used to determine your class participation grade. Online assignments are required and will count as attendance as determined by the professor. Lack of attention to these assignments will be counted as absences, subject to the attendance policy above.

Individual out-of-class essay topics with clear instruction as to required texts, length, etc. will be provided as a link from the course calendar two weeks or so prior to each essay’s due date. We will go over these requirements together in class; recall that you are responsible for obtaining your own printed copy of each assignment. That is, due to the English Department’s paperless policy, all materials (handouts, assignment sheets, notes, etc.) will be made available to you online in the CourseDen assignments tool. Topics for the in-class essays will not be given out ahead of time.

You must complete the required readings and assignments prior to attending class on the date they are listed on the course calendar. I expect each of you to come to class ready to contribute to class discussions, engage with the texts under scrutiny, and generate ideas for further exploration—class participation is a requirement! Further, I expect all students to take themselves seriously as writers, readers, and thinkers, as members of the class community. As with all sections of English 1101 and 1102, this course is reading/viewing/thinking and writing-intensive.

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. Students may print these necessary course documents, including the syllabus, on their home computers.

Late Work and Makeup Work

Ideally, all work for this course will be submitted on time and correctly, but unfortunately, this is not always possible. Makeup reading quizzes will not be given, and if you know ahead of time you will be absent, you MUST contact me and make arrangements for your work. I will accept essays up to five days late. A penalty of five points will be assessed for each day the essay is late. In case of emergency or long-term situations, I will work with the individual student to make a plan for makeup work and completion of the course. Please pay careful attention to the course calendar and submission requirements for each essay.

Plagiarism & Excessive Collaboration Policy and Penalties

Plagiarism & Academic Dishonesty

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 Uncatalog: "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.

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 in 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.

Penalties for Plagiarism or Excessive Collaboration

Any concerns about plagiarism or excessive collaboration will be addressed by the instructor to the individual student. Each case of plagiarism will be handled on an individual basis with Mrs. McWhorter. The minimum penalty for an infraction is a required rewrite of an assignment; the maximum penalty is a grade of F for the course. Please be aware that this course utilizes plagiarism detection software and other methods for ensuring that each student is doing his or her own work.

Writing Center Statement

TLC 1201 678-839-6513

Writing@westga.edu www.westga.edu/writing

The University Writing Center works with students and other members of the UWG community to improve writing skills.

What We Do:

· Discuss ideas, read drafts, and work through revisions of essays; we do not proofread

· MLA, APA, Chicago/Turabian, and other citation formats

Policies:

· Please make appointments in advance. We accept walk-ins, but we cannot guarantee that a tutor will be available.

· If you cannot keep your appointment, you must call or email us 24 hours in advance to cancel. If you do not notify us 24 hours in advance, you will be counted as a No Show.

· Please arrive at your appointment on time. If you are 10 minutes late or more, you will be counted as a No Show and will not be able to have your appointment.

· If you have 3 No Shows in one semester, you will not be able to have any more appointments for that semester.

Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 10:00am-7:00pm

Thursday 10:00am-3:00pm

Friday 10:00am-12:00pm

Extra Credit and Previous Work (Recycled Papers) Policy

· Any opportunities for extra credit in this course will be offered to the entire class. No extra credit for individual students will be given. NO EXCEPTIONS!

· Some of you may have taken this course before with another professor. As a result, you may have papers from other courses that are similar to those assigned in this class. However, it is not okay to “recycle” a paper without discussing the assignment and your draft ahead of time. If I suspect that a paper has been submitted to another class, even by you, I will discuss this with you. The penalty for this breach of academic etiquette is at my discretion and can result in an automatic “F” on the assignment.

Revision Policy

For each essay in this course, we will work on the steps of the drafting process—brainstorming, drafting, revising, and editing—in order to help you write the best draft you can write. In addition, you will have opportunities to consult with me during office hours, the Writing Center tutors, and your classmates through peer review groups. Here are some additional sources that might help with revisions:

http://www.ivcc.edu/rambo/eng1001/revising.htm

http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~wricntr/documents/Revising.html

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~writing/materials/student/ac_paper/revise.shtml

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.

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, please contact Disability Services at the State University of West Georgia.

Evaluation

In-Class Writing Assessment

All in-class writing assignments will be graded according to the criteria of the Department of English. The rubric may be located either in the front of your copy of A Writer’s Resource or online at: http://www.westga.edu/~engdept/FirstYearWriting/ENGL1101and1102/InClassWritingAssessment.htm

Out-Of-Class Writing Assessment

Guidelines by which I will assess your out-of-class writing are those formally adopted by the English Department and may be found both in the front of A Writer’s Resource and on the First Year Writing Program’s web page: http://www.westga.edu/~engdept/FirstYearWriting/ENGL1101and1102/OutOfClassWritingAssessment.htm

Grading Summary: Unless otherwise noted on your papers, the following letter to numeric scale will be used when grading your work:

Letter	Percentage
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% or less

Student must have a C or higher in ENGL 1102 to progress to 2000 level ENGL courses.

Format for All Papers

All papers and documentation should be in MLA format.

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

**Please go to CourseDen for the most up-to-date course calendar.

Revised 1/9/2012

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	Class Cancelled for Honors Day. If you want additional help with your rough draft, make an appointment in the Writing Center. No peer review.
March 29	Online class assignment: Research article summary. Read handout “Crafting the Critical Analysis” on the homepage. Choose one of the articles from your coursepack (also on CourseDen—Research articles folder) and follow the instructions for your summary. Bring a PRINTED COPY of your summary to class on Tuesday, April 3. You will hand this in! Essays due no later than tomorrow! Essay 3 Assignment sheet is now posted to CourseDen. Please read and let me know if you have any questions.	Essay 2 due by tomorrow, Friday, March 30, 2012, to CourseDen by 11:59 p.m.

April 3	Discuss short story “The Ant of the Self” (Packer, 82-116). Research article summary assignment due (see entry for March 29, handout, and assignment sheet in Courseden).
April 5	Discuss “Our Lady of Peace” (Packer, 54-81)

April 10	Discuss “Geese” (Packer, 210-234). You should copy and paste your proposal into the assignments tool submission box. I will deduct a letter grade (-10 points) if I have to open an attachment!
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. Essay 3 is due by Sunday, April 22, 11:59 p.m. to CourseDen.

See Schedule Below	Final Exam Period: See the finals schedule for your specific section. The final exam for this class is optional. If you choose to take the exam, I will use the higher of the two in-class essays when I average your final grade.	Essay 3 due by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, April 22.