SPRING 2006
ENGLISH 1102-SECTION 91 
Instructor: Jennifer West

Office: Either faculty office at the Newnan Campus

Office Phone:  (770) 254-7280 

Office Hours: Before and after class or by appointment

Email: jwest@westga.edu

URL: http://www.westga.edu/~jwest

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

English 1102 is 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.

REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS:

Michael Meyer’s Thinking and Writing About Literature, 2nd edition 
Kate Chopin’s The Awakening
Margaret Edson's W;t
Writing Handbook from English 1101

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

By the end of this course, students should have learned 
·   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.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

GRADING: All assignments must be completed in order to pass this course.  NOTE: You must earn a letter grade of C or better in order to pass ENGL 1102.

     In-class writing, exercises, and quizzes    15%

     Essay #1              10%  

     In-Class Essay    15%

     Midterm              15%

     Essay #2              15%

     Essay #3              15%

     Final Exam          15%

ATTENDANCE:

Keep in mind that fifteen percent of your grade comes from your class participation, quizzes, and in-class assignments.  Although I consider class attendance mandatory, I will not penalize you for your first three absences.  However, each class you miss after the third absence will result in a deduction of five points from your final grade.  Don’t abuse this policy.   In other words, save your absences for unexpected emergencies.  Also, please be in class on time.  Three tardies equal one absence from class.  There is no need to explain your absences from or your tardies to class. 

PARTICIPATION:

Because this course is discussion oriented, you should come to class prepared to discuss the assigned readings.  I expect you to read all assignments before we meet, and I expect you to participate regularly in class discussions.

CLASSROOM COURTESY:

All electronic devices should be turned off during class. Students should also maintain respect for both the instructor and fellow peers, which includes abstaining from disruptive behavior, particularly talking out of turn (i.e. side conversations and comments not intended as a part of class discussion). Sleeping in class will result in an automatic O for that day’s participation grade, regardless of performance on quiz, response, etc. I reserve the right to administratively withdraw students whose behavior is consistently disruptive.

LATE WORK:

All rough drafts and final drafts are due at the beginning of class on the date assigned.  If you are absent on the day a final draft is due, make the necessary arrangements to deliver the paper on time.  All papers turned in after the deadline will be penalized ten points for each class day they are late.  Please note that problems with your computer and/or printer will not excuse a late paper.  Also, quizzes will be given at the beginning of class.  No make-up quizzes will be offered.  I will not accept any late in or out of class assignments. 

THE WRITING CENTER:

I encourage you to visit The Writing Center at various points in the writing process.  Regardless of writing skill level, one may always benefit from an intelligent discussion with knowledgeable peers.  The Writing Center is located in TLC 1-201.  To make an appointment, call (678) 839-6513.

THE REGENTS’ EXAMINATION:

The Regents’ Examination is a two-part test of minimum-level reading and writing proficiency.  Students must take this examination after passing English 1102 or after 30 hours of coursework.  In the hour-long written portion of the Regents’ Exam, students are required to write an essay based on personal experience and a general understanding of current events.  Check out the following links for additional information.

General Info:  www.gsu.edu/rtp

Sample Topics:  www.gsu.edu/~wwwrtp/topics.htm

PLAGIARISM AND 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.  The University policies for handling Academic Dishonesty are found in your student handbook.  Please note that any instance of plagiarism will not be tolerated.  Plagiarism will result in an F for the course and possibly expulsion.

SPECIAL NEEDS:

If you have a registered disability that will require accommodation, please see me at the beginning of the semester.  If you have a disability that you have not yet registered through the Disabled Student Services Office, please contact Dr. Ann Phillips in 137 Parker Hall at (770) 836-6428.

FORMAT FOR ALL PAPERS:

All drafts and final copies MUST be typed in New Times Roman, 12 point font using MLA format.  Your writer’s handbook from English 1101 explains MLA format in detail, and we will also briefly review MLA format in class.