Syllabus

English 1102

Composition II,

Spring 2012

 

 

Jane McClain

Office:  TLC 1113C

Phone:  678-839-4886

Office Hours:   M/W 3:30-5pm,

T 11am-1:30pm, TH 3pm-4:30

and by appointment

E-Mail:    jmcclain@westga.edu

 

 

 

Daily Schedule of Readings and Assignments:  M/W Classes      T/Th Class

 

Course Overview

 Required texts:

*Note:  Always bring A Writer's Resource  to class along with the text we are studying at the time.  Failing to do so may inhibit your ability to complete in-class assignments resulting in a reduced grade or a zero for the day's assignment.

Other requirements: 

·         Reliable internet and printing access

·         Access to CourseDen and West Georgia MYUWG e-mail account which is the official means of communication in this class.  Any communication with the professor must be via MyUWG; this policy is a university-wide requirement.  

·         Jump drive or other university compatible means of electronically storing your assignments. (You are responsible for keeping electronic copies of all your work.)

·         Stapler (All multiple page assignments MUST be stapled in the upper left corner prior to submitting.   I reserve the right to refuse unsecured, loose pages.)

·         Pen or pencil, paper, and other standard supplies that you need as a student (Do not come to class without them.)  Even though the class meets in a technology enhanced classroom, you are expected to take handwritten notes during class discussion and activities. 

 

Text-based Writing:  English 1102 focuses on text-based writing: expository writing that takes as its subject another writer's text (verbal, visual, or oral) with the intention of analyzing and explicating that text for the purpose of illuminating how the text makes meaning.  The aim of text-based writing is to enable students to recognize the text as a construction made up of choices that are subject to debate, interpretation, and further analysis.  Successful text-based analysis will implement smoothly, grammatically blended quotes and paraphrases (all documented according to MLA requirements) in order to analyze components including, but not limited to, theme, character, style and method.

Course Description

 

Catalogue Description:
A course which serves both as a continuation of ENGL 1101 and an introduction to the study of literature focusing on skills required for reading, interpreting, and writing analytical essays about literature in at least three genres (i.e. fiction, drama, poetry). In writing, students must demonstrate competency in both explication of literary texts and research-based interpretation.
General Learning Outcomes:

  • To extend the skills of expository writing and critical thinking established in English 1101.

  • To read, understand, and interpret fiction, drama, and poetry and write analytically about them.

  • To understand literary principles and use 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
  1. Be able to analyze literary texts sufficient to produce explications and interpretations of literary works as well as parts and devices within those texts.
  2. Develop an understanding of genre and the influence of genre on understanding literature.
  3. Achieve a working understanding of the most fundamental terms and ideas of literature, such as types of narration and point of view, plot, character, image, symbol, and figurative language.
Writing Process and Rhetorical Objectives
  1. Writing processes are the same as those in ENGL 1101 except the papers are longer and require the use of secondary materials to a greater extent.
  2. Rhetorical concerns are a continuation of ENGL 1101 with the new rhetorical situation of writing about literature for academic audiences.
Minimal Competency Requirements
    Essay Level
    1. Continuation of the learning objectives of ENGL 1101, that is, creation of clear theses, effective introductions and conclusions, and logical patterns of essay organization.
    2. Additional requirements include the ability to develop a logical argument advancing a particular explication or interpretation of a literary text, an argument which is distinct from plot summary and from sociological writing about literature
    Paragraph Level
    1. Continuation of the paragraph development skills required in ENGL 1101.
    2. Additionally be able to manage quotations from literary 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
    1. Continuation of ENGL 1101, consistent evidence of sentence variety and control of syntax to achieve clarity.
    2. Consistent use of apt and varied diction.
    3. Additionally be able to use quotations in sentences while maintaining grammatical correctness and competent punctuation.
    4. Demonstrate a command of mechanics, grammar, and usage conventions of Standard Edited English as required in ENGL 1101.
Documentation Style
Use the MLA style for documenting sources.

Technological Objective
Demonstrate the ability to use word processing and to find and evaluate electronic resources.
Assessment and Assignments:
5000 words of graded writing 
No fewer than 3 out of class essay assignments that make use of revising opportunities
At least one essay must be research based.
A minimum of 1 in-class essay that must last 60 minutes and count for 15% of the overall course grade.
The in-class essay may be given during the final exam period.
Texts:
Required texts for all sections: The shared text (a new text to be determined each year) and A Writer's Resource
Other text options: Appropriate individual texts that cover the required genres and allow for a diversity of authors and styles
 

 

     Grading:  You must complete all major assignments in order to pass this course, and you must earn a letter grade of C or better to pass.  If you decide not to turn in an essay or to fulfill the other requirements of this course, you will fail this course with an F.   Furthermore, no extra credit will be offered.  In order to better understand what is expected in your essays, review UWG’s adopted standards for grading linked below and included in the front of A Writer's Resource.

Your grade will be determined as follows:

75% of grade:

3 essays written outside of class

  • essay #1 = 20% 

  • essay #2 = 25%  

  • essay #3 = 30%  

 

10% of grade:

Daily/participation grade:  Directed response writings, in-class exercises and assignments, quizzes, and brief presentations.   

15% of grade:

Timed In-Class Essays (Midterm/Final) 

 

 

Numerical grade equivalents: A+ = 98; A = 95; A- = 91; B+ = 88; B = 85; B- = 81; C+ = 78; C = 75; C- = 71; D+ = 68; D = 65; D- = 61; F = 60 and below; no work turned in = 0.

All final grades will be posted on Banweb at the conclusion of the course.

Assignments and procedures

Class Participation assignments:  You must be present to participate, so this grade is inextricably related to your attendance and prompt arrival for class.  Participation grades include quizzes on assignments, text-based responses (hard copy submission and electronic responses to discussion topics in Courseden), group work, brief class presentations on assigned texts, out-of-class essay drafts as part of writing workshops, and any other graded daily work assigned.  If you arrive late for class and miss a quiz, you will receive a zero because you are not there to participate in the quiz.  See the makeup work policy.  All assignments completed outside of class are due at the beginning of class, so tardiness may result in a zero for the assignment.  These out-of-class assignments will generally function as springboards for class discussions.  Therefore, failing to complete them hinders participation in class discussions.  Additionally, students will lose points for not participating in class and/or engaging in unacceptable behavior.  Some participation infractions include: sleeping in class, failing to bring materials to class (including texts, pen or pencil, paper, etc.), using the classroom computer during class lectures, using personal electronic devices during class without permission, failing to participate in group assignments, etc.  Interrupting the class to point out that I am deducting participation points would further disrupt the learning process, so I may not tell you that I am deducting points.  Know that when you violate these principles of classroom etiquette that you are likely losing participation points.  If you have concerns or questions about the lose of points as a result of violating classroom etiquette, please see me during posted office hours.  Beyond grading implications, see the disruptive behavior policy below for further consequences regarding a lack of participation.

Participation in all steps of the reading and writing process is necessary for your success in the class both in your understanding of the material and in your participation grade.

 

Students should maintain an accurate record of grades as the semester progresses.  It is your responsibility to keep up with your grades.  Your final grade should not be a surprise.

EXTRA CREDIT:  No extra credit will be assigned for this course.  Your composition grades will comprise the bulk of your grade because the goal of this class is to acquire good writing skills.

 

MAKE-UP WORK:  No make-up work. 

 

RECYCLED PAPERS:  (i.e. turning in papers written for other professors or classes) Not acceptable for a writing intensive course such as English Composition 1101.

 

Essay Rubrics and Policies

In-Class Essays:

        English Department grading scale for in-class essays. 

 

Out-of-Class Essays:

        Department grading scale for out-of-class essays

          

Writing Workshops:

           As part of the writing process, participation in the workshops is essential to becoming a better writer.  See #3 under "Specific Learning Outcomes" and "Writing Process and Rhetorical Objectives" for more information on the importance of revision.

  

 

Administrative Withdrawal―Departmental Policy

Attendance Requirements:  Careful preparation and active participation are crucial to your success in this course. I expect you to be present and on time for all class meetings. Reading and homework assignments should be completed in advance of each class. You should be prepared to participate actively in class by answering questions, volunteering to share your opinions, OR simply asking questions.  In short, you must be both physically and mentally present.

If you find it unavoidable to miss class, be aware of the following guidelines: 1) Three absences are allowed for classes that meet twice weekly.  No distinctions exist between excused and unexcused absences, so you should use your allotted absences wisely. Unplanned or unexpected occurrences are likely, so be prepared to use absences for these events only; 2) Two tardies=one absence.  Class roll will be taken at the beginning of every class. If you arrive a few minutes late, it is your responsibility to let me know immediately after class or you will be counted absent. You should maintain a record of your absences and tardies; 3) Entering class more than a few minutes late and leaving class before it is over will count as an unexcused absence.  Reasons related to outside employment or work in other classes are not legitimate excuses for habitually leaving class early or arriving late; 4) Excessive absences or equivalent tardies (4 or more) will result in your administrative withdrawal from this course.  If you are administratively withdrawn on or before  March 2nd, you will receive a W for the course.  After March 2nd, you will receive a WF.

Note:  Administrative withdrawal from the class may affect your financial aid status.  You may be asked to pay back financial aid funds as a result of excessive absences.  It is YOUR responsibility to manage your time wisely and prevent this from happening.
 

Disruptive Behavior: 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--repeatedly arriving late for class, allowing cell phones to ring, sleeping, not participating in class activities, 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. 

 

          Attendance directly affects your success in this or any other class.  Improving your critical thinking and writing skills requires a commitment to the class and a concentrated effort.  Therefore, advance preparation and active participation are crucial to your success in this class.  I expect your timely presence at all class meetings.  Do not ask if we are doing anything important on a specific date.  If any class meeting were not important I would not come either.  My time is valuable and I assume that your time is also.  Readings and other assignments should be completed prior to each class.  Come to class prepared to participate actively in discussions.  If you are absent, you are still responsible for all the work that you missed, meaning that there is no distinction between excused and unexcused absences and your grade will reflect the decision to miss class.  Essays, presentations and responses are still due at the class session on the day assigned regardless of your personal situation. E-mail is not a viable option for submitting assignments because too many students claim to send assignments which never reach me as a result of software incompatibility or problems with email delivery systems.  Assignments are due at the beginning of class and are late if not turned in at the beginning of class.  It is always better to come to class without an assignment than to come at the end of class, or after class, with it.  I will not accept work that you missed class to complete.

LATE WORK:  Essays:  One letter grade (ten points) will be deducted from out-of-class essays for each day (not class meeting) that the paper is late.  Essays more than one week late will not be accepted.  Because of grading constraints, late submissions of the last essay of the semester may be submitted no later than two days after the due date and only with prior notification.  In-class essays may not be made up because of the difficulty of reproducing the writing situation.  Missed participation and daily assignments cannot be turned in late; however, in a limited number of cases daily assignments may be submitted early for credit depending on the type of assignment.  There are no provisions for make-up work after a daily assignment due date or missed assignment.

Computer/printer problems are no excuse for not turning papers in on time.  Do not wait until the last moment to write and print your paper.  Complete assignments ahead of time so that if you have difficulties you will have time to get assistance.  We all have printer problems from time to time; as adults we learn to work around life’s difficulties.  The college has several computer labs at your disposal.  I recommend that you e-mail your papers to yourself.  That way, you can access them in any student use lab for correction and printing (for a printing fee).  Lab locations and hours are posted at http://uwglabs.westga.edu/default.asp under the tab labeled Information.  The Excel Center lab is for Freshmen use, so you may find it more accommodating.

 

Technology:  For classes meeting in the TLC building--Because you are part of a class that meets in a technology enhanced classroom, a computer supplemented class, be aware of your responsibilities.  The classroom computers are there for classroom work only, not for your personal use.  You are not to check email or surf the web prior to or during class.  Unless I tell you to log onto the computer, you should not be using it.  Likewise, the printers are not there for your personal use either.  All homework assignments are to be printed prior to coming to class.  Be warned, misuse of classroom equipment is one of my pet peeves.  When you enter the classroom, find something else to do other than playing with the computer.  PLEASE!!

        Students should become familiar with finding primary sources, as linked to the syllabus, and secondary sources online. The university library offers basic online instruction in library skills provided by clicking on the following link:  http://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/   Other aspects of computer technology necessary for this class include a general fluency in negotiating word documents for essay writing.  The UWG Technology Guide offers information on computer technology and a list of campus computer labs at:  http://uwglabs.westga.edu/default.asp  or  www.westga.edu/~techlife.  The Excel Center also offers the services of a Geek Squad to assist you.

Paperless Department Policy:  As of Fall 2006, our English Department implemented a “paperless” policy in its classrooms.  In other words, instructors will no longer be handing out worksheets or Xerox copies of materials for students.  However, this does not stop you, the student, from printing out the materials you will need for class and bringing them with you as you attend lectures.  In advance, I will post online or in course reserves all the handouts that you will need so that you can print them out as you see fit or as I tell you to depending upon the upcoming requirements of a class discussion.  Moreover, handouts will not likely be needed due to the technology we have access to in our classrooms.  I strongly suggest that you print out a copy of your syllabus, however, and have it on your person during every class as a reference.  Refer to the online edition of the class's daily schedule often for updates and important things to remember regarding the course content.  You will not be allowed to print these documents in the classroom.  If you have any questions regarding this policy, please do not hesitate to consult with me.

Writing Center:  I encourage all students to visit The Writing Center , which assists students in the development of their writing skills. Individual instruction is available in 30 minute increments.  Make an appointment and focus on improving your writing. The instructors will not proofread or edit your work, but they will assist you in your endeavor to become a better writer by identifying problem areas in your writing.  Familiarize yourself with the Writing Center.  It is a free but valuable resource for you to use. Its reason for being, its mission, is to work with you and help you become a better writer regardless of your level of ability or proficiency. The Writing Center is located in the Parkman Room, TLC 1201 or visit the Writing Center online to view its  policies and guidelines.  Hours of operation for the Writing Center:  Beginning on 17th January.  M: 10-7, T: 10-7, W: 10-7, Th: 10-3, Fri: 10-1. 

Special Needs Students:  Compliance with Americans With Disabilities Act:  If you have a disability that will require accommodation, you must inform me at the beginning of the semester. In order to receive accommodation, your disability must be documented and registered through the Disabled Student Services Office.  Contact Disabled Student Services located in Row Hall at 678-839-6428 for further information or assistance.

Plagiarism Policy:  The Department of English defines plagiarism as the submitting of words or ideas formulated by others as they are presented in electronic, print, and verbal sources and claiming them as your own. Students are expected to accurately credit sources in all assignments, written or oral. An equally dishonest practice is fabricating sources or facts. Plagiarism is automatic grounds for failing a course, and the student will be referred to the Academic Discipline Council.  See http://www.westga.edu/~engdept/Plagiarism/pladef.html for further information or the full university policy for handling academic dishonesty in the Student Uncatalogue:  "Rights and Responsibilities,"  Appendix J, which may be found at http://www.westga.edu/handbook.  Furthermore, students with tutors should exercise vigilance in maintaining authorship.  Do not allow the tutor to write the paper for you.  This, too, is plagiarism when handed in as your own work.  Excessive Collaboration--Students collaborate excessively when the end result of all the idea swapping, sharing, brainstorming, and conferring has been to obliterate one student's voice and replace it with that of another.  Student writers collaborate excessively when they abandon, wittingly or unwittingly, their own words and adopt, claiming them as their own, the ideas or exact phrasing of their collaborator.

Inclement Weather Policy:  The university's policy concerning school closings due to weather may be viewed at: http://www.westga.edu/~handbook/index.php?page=additionalstudentservices

Information on cancelled or rescheduled class or examination sessions may also be obtained by calling University Police Weather Hotline, 678-839-6200 (day and night); the Department of University Communications and Marketing, 678-839-6464 (daytime only); or visiting the University website: www.westga.edu.

Help With CourseDen     Student Privacy Law

 

Important dates

January 14  Drop/add ends

January 16 Martin Luther King Holiday; No Classes

February 22 Z Z Packer visit (8pm lower level Z6 Building)

March 2  Last Day to Withdraw with a W

March 17-24  Spring Break; No Classes

March 27 (Tuesday)  Honors Convocation--no classes from 1-4pm