Description
The second half of the required first-year English sequence. This course continues in the instruction of writing begun in the fall semester, but the focus shifts from "the argument" to composing and revising essays about literature. The literary emphasis of this section of Composition and Reading II will be on the American short story. To that end, we will examine a wide variety of short stories; however, significant time will be spent on Katherine Anne Porter's Miranda stories.
The main objective of this course is to make you better (i.e. more critical and analytic) readers, writers, speakers, and thinkers. By examining, discussing, and writing about literature, you will learn to communicate more effectively. By the end of the semester, you should be confident in your ability to develop an interpretation of a work of literature and then present and defend it in a coherent manner.
A basic knowledge of grammar is a prerequisite for this course.
Texts
Your writing.
Your participation in this class signifies your willingness to become a member of a community of writers—a group of writers committed to helping each other become better writers. To this end, you agree to the anonymous use of your writing in this class and future sections of 1102.Great American Short Stories
Ed. Paul Negri
The Best American Short Stories of the Century
Ed. John UpdikeThe college handbook.
Hacker, Diana. A Writer's Reference. 4th ed. Boston, Bedford: 2000.
A folder with pockets.
At least two disks (floppy or zip).
A 3-ring binder or folder in which to hold all class-related writing, handouts, etc. until the end of the semester.
Essays
Essays should be word-processed in either Palantino or Times Roman type, double-spaced, with print on one side of the paper. (A standard typed page has twenty-seven lines of 12-point type and a one-inch margin all around). Papers (accompanied by all related pre-writing, drafts, and copies of critical works you cite) should be paper-clipped and handed in on the due date in a folder. Although they will be typed, I do want you to make last-minute changes and corrections in pen as you re-read your essay before handing it in. In addition to the hard copy, students must submit an electronic copy of all essays via the electronic dropbox in Blackboard.
Two of the papers will have a mandatory draft conference; however, many of you will wish to go to the Writing Center or see me for a conference or two (to discuss ideas before writing the draft, to work on organization or support, to gain assistance in editing your final draft . . . ) during the course of each essay. You must bring two copies of your draft to each conference; missing a scheduled conference is equivalent to missing a class.
Three of your essays will be subject to peer review during class time. You are responsible for bringing copies of your draft for your group to comment upon; showing up without a draft is equivalent to missing a class.
Submitting papers that have been plagiarized will result in a failing grade for the course; likewise, a failure to hand in any of the seven papers will result in a failing grade for the course.
Final papers will be accepted until 2 p.m. on the day they are due.
Participation
Consistent attendance is essential to success in this course. Students who miss more than 6 classes—for whatever reason—will be asked to withdraw from the class; students who miss a seventh class after the withdrawal date will receive a failing grade for the course. For those who are simultaneously enrolled in ENG 1001, the Writing Workshop, attendance is mandatory in both classes. Missing a class period of the workshop will count as an absence from 1102.
Since much of the class will be discussion-based, it is essential that you participate—this includes careful reading, perceptive comments, and attentive listening.
Finally, a note about classroom etiquette: Cell phones and noisy and stinky food are forbidden.
Presentations
During the course of the semester, pairs of students will lead analyses of one of the stories assigned for each day. A week prior to their presentation, presenters must announce to me their choice of stories. An outline of the presentation is due the class period before the presentation.
Presenters are encouraged to discuss their presentation plan with me during my office hours.
Tutors
Tutors are available on a walk-in basis in the Writing Center whenever the Center is open and can be scheduled through Ms. Lisa Breslin at extension 4240.
You are also welcome to drop by my office or schedule an appointment to discuss your essays and your individual writing foibles.
Evaluation
3 In-class essays
20% 2 Out-of-class essays
25% 2 Research papers
25% Presentation
10% Midterm
10% Final Exam
10% A description of college-level writing standards.
Academic Honesty
Adherence to the letter and spirit of the honor code is required.
McDaniel College Honor Code: The McDaniel College Honor Code encourages academic integrity among individuals and fosters accountability within the community as a whole. What does this mean? It means: a) the work you submit must be your own, and, b) if others are damaging the values of the community, you have a responsibility to speak up about it. Please copy and sign the pledge on every formal assignment. It is not necessary to write it on drafts or discussion board posts.
About Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the unacknowledged use of another's words or ideas. In short, it's the theft of someone else's intellectual property and a serious violation of college policy and academic ethics. The easy availability of materials on the Internet makes it tempting to use other people's work (or incorporate it into your own) without asking permission or citing sources. However, you are responsible to give credit where credit is due. If you submit a plagiarized paper, you will likely receive an F for the course. If you submit a paper or part of a paper that you have downloaded from the Internet, you will fail the course.
ADA/504
McDaniel College, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973/Section 504, will provide reasonable accommodations for eligible students with disabilities. If you require special assistance, please see me privately and/or you may seek assistance directly from the office of Student Academic Support Services in Room 213 in Winslow Hall (410-857-2504 or e-mail at asc@mcdaniel.edu.).
Office: Hill Hall 214, x 2426
Office hours: MF 12:30-2:00 and by appointment
(I am usually in my office on TTH from 10-2 and am happy to meet before my 10:20 class on MWF)
e-mail: mbendels@mcdaniel.edu
* * You must retain all writing associated with this class until the semester ends * *
