Attendance and Participation-- 400 points.
Learning is not a spectator sport. In order to earn credit for attendance on any given day, you will need to move beyond being a seat warmer. We all need your active participation during our 45 minutes of interaction every day. So, please note that when you do not "show up" for class, it will reflect on your grade. So, please note even though the attendance roster may reflect "perfect attendance," you will not automatically be awarded the full 100 points.
Regarding missing class: In order for an absence to be “excused,” you must notify me of any medical appointments or conditions and provide a Dr.’s note. If there is another type of life instance that needs your personal attention and causes you to miss class, please discuss with me as soon as possible. For unexpected emergency situations, please communicate with me regarding alternative arrangements for completing course requirements.
In-Class Writes -- 100 points. (5 @ 20 points each)
This assignment will take different forms. Sometimes the "in-class write" may be a quiz, other times it may be a short summary of the reading. Another time it may be a response to a question about the reading. For example, In the text, A Small Place, "What does the author mean by the following statement: "In a small place, people cultivate small events"? (the answer is in the following sentences in the same paragraph). If you are keeping up with the reading of our assigned texts, this will not be a problem. The "in-class writes" will not be scheduled, and will appear at any point during the semester. They may NOT be made-up if you miss them. They will most likely happen at the beginning of the class, so it will be important to get to class on time.
Close Reading
We will be utilizing the “Close Reading Interpretive Tool” (CRIT) which has six steps we will review in class several times. They include: paraphrase---rewriting in your own words, observation---noting language (word choice) and form, context---the time period and/or events impacting the narrative (cultural location, history, social norms), Analysis---- time for you to revisit and reconsider some of your claims and insights. What did you find most interesting? Maybe there were moments of transformation for a particular characters that interested you. Maybe you noted the way the landscape (either geographical or emotional) set the tone for the narrative. For example, consider how these song lyrics from Hotel California (by The Eagles) foreshadow mysterious contact with someone or something—
On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair. Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air. Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light. My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim. I had to stop for the night."
Consider your reading and think about tone, imagery, inference, point of view, metaphors, narrative style, etc. The key to a successful short analysis is a good, strong, clear, specific and compelling THESIS statement. Please refer to our Handouts and Bookmarks for help with developing the "Chapter or Section Essays" that are required The final two steps of CRIT are “argue and reflect”----in other words, what is your interpretation, and do you provide evidence to support your claim or perspective. Thinking about it again through the lens of the previous three steps. Are your conclusions reasonable? How might another perspective impact my interpretation?
CRIT METHOD Chapter or Section Essays ( 2 are required @ 150 points each )
NO LATE PAPERS ACCEPTED
DUE DATES: Tuesday, October 6th and Tuesday, November 17th
For each essay, you will choose one chapter or a section of text (at least 5 pages) and using the CRIT Method, and following the steps outlined on this handout, you will write a critical reflection of that chapter or section. Your close reading and our class discussions will help you identify what you want to write about. A detailed descriptor and template will be available for you two weeks before the due date. Shorter papers often times are more difficult to write. There is no room for vague references or wordy sentences that do specifically reference your ideas. Although multiple drafts are not required for this essay, the recommendation would be for you to write at least two drafts.
AVOID turning in a “first draft” of your paper. They are typically easy to spot. They are usually extremely under-developed and often receive grades of "C- or D." If you opt to turn in a first draft, the chance of your paper receiving a passing grade is small.
Required General Format:
Length: 3-5 full pages (double-spaced)
Times New Roman Font 11 pt.
No Cover Page
MLA Format--identifying information in top left hand corner of the page:
Jane Student
English 200
Dr. Wynn
October 6, 2020
As always, it is recommended that you visit the Writing Center or the Tutoring Center (Virtually or in-person if available, for feedback on your essay before handing it in for evaluation. Also, as a reminder, even if you are absent on the due date, no late papers will be accepted.
Plan ahead and get something together by the due date. If you have a documented disability, then you already have an agreement regarding negotiating this course.
LATE PAPERS WILL BE PENALIZED 20 POINTS.
This assignment builds on the work of our discussions and in-class work. Now it is time for you to revisit and reconsider some of your claims and insights. What discoveries did you find most interesting? Maybe there were moments of transformation involving a particular character that interested you. Maybe their perspective changed due to an experience. Maybe you noted the way the landscape (either geographical or emotional) set the tone for a particular narrative.
Consider your reading and think about tone, imagery, inference, point of view, metaphors, narrative style, etc. Choose a point of exploration and remember that you are ANALYZING. The key to a successful paper is a good, strong, clear, specific and compelling THESIS statement. Please refer to our Handouts and Bookmarks for help with developing your paper. AND again, as always make good use of the Writing Center and all of our Heritage resources.
The FINAL Exam-- 200 Points
The ending assignment for this course will be a test on “features of literary meaning” (from the course
descriptor). You will be asked to define 20 literary devices that will be listed on the test. This is Part I of the test.
For part two of the test, you will be assigned 10 of those terms and will provide examples from our readings this
semester that best illustrate those terms.
The date for this final exam will be assigned to us, but will take place “Finals Week” which is December 7th-11th
General Reminders:
Well before an assignment DUE date, review all of our resources related to that specific assignment. If you have
remaining questions, please see contact me to discuss and clarify. Making sure you have a clear understanding of this
assignment is critical to your success. Prioritize this course. Make sure you plan ahead and that you remain ahead of
your plan.
Prioritize this course. Make sure you plan ahead and that you remain ahead of your plan.
If you find your anxiety is building, then consider this research about turning anxiety into excitement. It claims that three little words can turn your stressful world into calm blue skies….
Another experience that may help calm you is this beautiful music: Mumford and Sons with Baba Maal in South Africa
Or another cultural experience featuring The Lord's Prayer in Swahili
If there is anything in any assignment that does not seem quite clear, I am happy to discuss and/or explain any unclear sections, review requirements, or generally help articulate the assignment in various ways that may make more sense to you.
On our “My Heritage” class site, there are numerous Handouts and Bookmarks that will support your process on every assignment. This course demands your time, energy and commitment if you are planning on receiving the best possible grade. Every choice and effort you make matters. Please respect your time and mine.