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Composition, Literature and Critical Thinking- English 110 Honors

Instructor: Kathleen de Azevedo Feinblum

English 110 AA (CRN 38601) - MWF 8:10-9:00 Rm. 8224
English 110AH (CRN 30316) - MWF 9:10-10:00                                                                       

PURPOSE:
Students ask me what the difference is between English 110 and English 165. The answer is that in many ways, they are the same. Whereas English 165  uses society to understand the individual, English 110 uses the individual to examine society. Literature is the story of people struggling with themselves and the world around them. What elevates literature is that the struggle is focused and universal, and the language has its own emotional esthetic. As well as examining the “art” of literature, we will also be examining the sociological, political, and philosophical  issues surrounding the text.

ELIGIBILITY:
Writing Prerequisite: English 100/105 with grade of C or better. This course meets the transfer requirements for the UC and  CSU systems (Fulfills IGETC requirements A2, A3, C2)

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

Write coherent, well organized, and analytical essays appropriate to the second semester transfer level based on the study of various literary genres (Fiction, Poetry, Drama). Essays should employ advanced critical thinking strategies as well as conventions of scholarly discourse.

Analyze, interpret, evaluate, and distinguish between various literary genres and their elements, and utilize literary critical theories and research to illuminate various literary works.

Demonstrate critical awareness of their own competencies as they continue to perceive themselves as accomplished writers, thinkers and literary scholars engaged in academic discourse in cross-disciplinary contexts.

REQUIRED MATERIALS FOR THIS CLASS (honors):
Living Literature: An introduction to Fiction, Poetry and Drama  ed: John C. Brereton (copy is also on reserve)
Miss Lonelyhearts and Day of the Locust (novel) by William Shakespeare
Rules for Writers by Diane Hacker (Handbook from a previous class ok)
Folder with 2 pockets on each side to hand in papers and accompanying materials
Online handbook downloaded from the “handouts” page of my website.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CLASS (THINGS YOU WILL BE GRADED ON):

MAJOR PAPERS - Total worth: 66 %
There are five papers. Intro paper (2-3 pages) written within the first 2 weeks of class is worth 5%, Fiction paper (4-5 pages) is worth 12 %; Drama paper or Lonelyhearts/Locust  (4-5 pages)  is worth 14 %; Poetry paper (4-5 pages) is worth 16 %; Shakespeare (6-7 pages) is worth 19 %; All papers will get an assignment sheet with the requirements. Extra copies will be posted on the “handouts” page of my website.

General major paper policy:
Format: All first drafts and final papers must be typed and double spaced. Use 12 pitch Times New Roman font and 1 inch margins on all sides. Start the title 3" from the top, double space once, then start the essay. Number your pages. Include all drafts and  prework in your folder when you hand it in. If you go to a tutor, have him/her sign the draft.              

First and final drafts cannot be emailed.     

All final papers must be accompanied by an editing log (see handbook for copies)

Policy on Late Final Papers: The first late paper will get no penalty up to a week. The second late will be docked a grade. The third late paper will be docked 2 grades. After a week us up, and the paper is not handed in, it is counted as a missing paper which can be written but must follow the policy below.

Missing Papers: Papers handed in after the one week late paper deadline is counted as a missing paper. These papers are due the end of the semester but must adhere to the following conditions: 1) you must be otherwise passing the course, 2) missing paper must go through a “draft” process where the first draft must be conferenced, 3) paper will get a one grade deduction and 4) the paper may not be evaluated until the end of the course when I see the student is about to complete the course. In the event of an extreme emergency, please consult privately with instructor.  Students must do all graded papers to pass the course.

First 4 papers (which includes intro) which receive a C+ or lower may be rewritten. No rewrites on final paper nor on exams or homework. The rewrite grade will be a grade which reflects the value of the paper. Rewrites are due the last day of class or on finals day, depending on schedule. You must turn in the graded draft,  my comments sheet and conference sheet for the rewrite to get credit. Conference sheet is in the online handbook. Rewriting doesn’t automatically guarantee a better grade. The paper has to “advance” significantly.

MIDTERM 8%, FINAL EXAM 10 %
There will be a midterm, and a final exam. All exams are in class essays. No make-up on final exam.

SHORT ASSIGNMENTS 10 %
Outlines/prework of essays.     
           
Quizzes

First drafts ready for peer group on the day assigned. They must be typed and at least 3 full pages long.  If your first draft is not ready on the due date, you cannot get homework credit but you are still encouraged to see me in my office for a conference. If your paper follows the first draft/peer group guidelines AND you want my feedback, turn in the paper after the peer group with a filled-out self-evaluation sheet (in your handbook). You may also conference with me. I’d STRONGLY advise that you not replace peer group with conferences only as peer group work trains you to see your own mistakes without a teacher present.  Peer grouped first drafts get 2 homework points.

Reaction Papers to readings and reading exercises which must be handed in prior to class discussion.  I will mark them with T+, T, T-.   To get credit, the reaction paper must: 1) Be readable and typed.  Readable responses demonstrate clear grammar such as complete sentences, etc.  2) Show that you have done the reading. 3) Address the whole prompt. All prompts are in your schedule.

All homework must be in hard copy and handed in during class. Do not email homework. If there are quizzes, also they must be done in class. There are no make ups. Everyone will get a chance to make up one prompt.

Homework is graded cumulatively. You must turn in 70% of the above to get a passing short assignment grade. 

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION - 5%: 
The participation grade is awarded at the discretion of the instructor at the end of the semester. Participation credit will be given for quality of non-graded work (homework, drafts, etc.);  quality of participation in class discussion;  preparation (which means keeping up with the reading);  professional conduct (arriving on time, appropriate classroom behavior) .  I also expect people to bring the materials, including the book/story/essay to class.

Attendance policy:
Absences: Students can miss 3 classes with no penalty. Subsequent absences I may dock 2 points  from the final grade. (Grade has a 10 point spread). Walking out of class without explanation before or after the fact may be counted as an absence. Absences DO affect your participation grade, quality of work, and ability to pass.

Tardies: Those who are habitually late (at least one tardy per week) will get counted as absent if the habit persists by mid-semester. Make sure you mark yourself tardy in my gradebook.
 
If you are going to be absent, I’d prefer that you let me know. If there is something big going on in your life that prevents you from coming to class, or if the work seems overwhelming, discuss it with me. It is possible to get back on track and work things out if you come to see me on time.

FOR HONORS STUDENTS:
The honors level has the same amount of material as the non-honors courses. Honor students however are expected to participate actively in high quality discussions and produce good quality work in keeping with the honors policy and standards. In addition, honors students are expected to do presentations. Details will be given later in the semester.

GRADE BREAKDOWN:
Major papers                           66%
Midterm                                     8%
Final Exam                               10%
Short Assignments                    10%                            
Participation grade                      6%                
 
LEARNING CENTER
The Learning Center (Building 5) provides support for writing, reading, math, and other subjects for a small fee and enrollment in LSKL 853. Learning Center main page is: http://www.smccd.edu/accounts/skytlc/index.htm/.  The Writing Resource Center’s page is:
http://www.smccd.edu/accounts/skytlc/wrl%5Cindex.htm
           
CHEATING POLICY:
Anyone who is caught intentionally plagiarizing a paper will receive an F for the paper. In serious cases, he/she may receive an F for the course. Chronic cheating can result in expulsion from Skyline College.

Plagiarism is any text which is 1) copied from someone else, be it the Internet, another student, books, magazines, 2) written or extensively edited by someone else, 3) a rewrite of an existing text using the same ideas and arrangement. To prevent “cheating” suspicion, Do the following:
1) Keep all materials, drafts, pre-writes, etc. until the end of the course.
2) Do consistent work in class so I know your writing.
3) Follow the directions on the assignment sheet. All assignments will ask for your opinions and analysis and are designed to make cheating almost impossible.
4) Communicate with me if you have any problems so you don’t panic.
5) Do not use sources unless instructed. When using source, cite correctly. When you use an article, xerox the article, mark where you have paraphrased and put it into your folder.
6) Remember: Your writing voice is most precious. Use it!

Class Conduct Policy:
Cell phones and electronic devices  must be turned off during class.  No disruptive or disrespectful behavior during lecture or when another student is presenting. You are also responsible for adhering to the Code of Student Conduct outlined in the Skyline College Catalog and the Skyline Student Handbook, available online. Continued willful disobedience will result in disciplinary action.

OTHER THINGS:

I may not pass you to the next level if: Your collective score is not at least 70%; Your collective score on your papers is not at least 70% and if your final project and final do not reflect the skills gathered in the semester; You miss one unit or one month of class (over 10 absences).

I may change schedule as appropriate. Keep track of all classroom announcements. Consult my website announcements page  for any breaking news. As consideration to you, if I change major paper due dates, I will give a week’s notice.

No extra credit will be given.

In coordination with the DSPS office, reasonable accommodation will be provided for eligible students with disabilities. If you do not yet have an accommodation letter, please contact the DSPS office at (650) 738-4280.                                                                                
                                                                                   
If you need to drop yourself from the class, please do it yourself.

This syllabus is like a contract. You are responsible for knowing the material. The rules are explicit in order to be fair to all.