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COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Class attendance.

2. Research:

(A) 7-minute individual presentation with printed bibliography, (B) 20-minute group presentation with individual printed bibliographies, or (C) 3 -5 pp. research paper (Use MLA format with parenthetical documentation and a Works Cited page and at least four sources. A short handout for MLA style is available from instructor).

3. Ten reader responses

(comments written after reading each work: free_writing, free association, gut reaction, or unabashed opinion about the material read as well as some critical analysis). For ten weeks of class, turn in reader responses on Thursdays unless otherwise specified. You will meet this requirement if you (1) reach the required length of approximately 300 words, (2) demonstrate involvement with the material and some critical analysis with direct reference to the text (this differentiates a reader response from a personal diary), and (3) include comments on all the reading assigned for the week. Don't worry about consistency or organization. Responses will be kept on file in the professor's office, so make certain you have copies of your own. You are responsible for office hour visits or appointments to discuss these responses and to receive constructive feedback (they will not be graded __ see "Basis for Grades" below). Responses are required on Sept. 5, Sept. 19, and Oct. 1.

4. Two 4_page critical papers (organized material from your reader responses).

Using strong textual evidence and thoughtful analysis, present a critical opinion of one of the novels or a group of poems or tales from the syllabus for each critical paper. Now you should worry a lot about being consistent and organized.

Must be typed or wp printed and in proper MLA format, using quotations from the text. No outside research. This is just you and the work, with help from class discussions and the introductory sections of the texts. Grades will be based on extent of critical and original thinking, close reference to the text(s), clarity of expression (organization around a thesis and correctness of grammar, usage, spelling, etc.), and use of proper format.

5. In-Class Exam with a Take-Home Essay (Exam #1) and Final Examination (Exam #2, take_home).

BASIS FOR GRADES:

Research -- 100 pts.

Reader Responses (based on the number of responses that meet above-stated requirements; no credit for those that do not) 

10 Responses = 100 pts.; 9 Responses = 90 pts.; 8 Responses = 80 pts.; etc.

Critical Papers (2) --  100 pts. each

Exam #1 --  100 pts.

Final Exam --  100 pts.

Total Possible: 600 pts.

HELP – You are encouraged to discuss material and/or seek one_to_one drafting and rewriting assistance from the instructor during office hours or by appointment and from the tutors in the writing center (301).

FORMAT – All papers must be in MLA format and wp/computer printed (no title pages, stapled in upper left, proper heading in upper left, 1" margins, etc.).

LATE WORK – For each weekday an assignment is late, your grade for that assignment will fall by 5%, approximately one_half letter.

REVISION – Your first critical paper may be re_submitted after revisions for additional points within a week of its return to you.

ABSENCE – Absence and tardiness are strongly discouraged. For each unexcused absence above two (one week of class), 20 points will be deducted from your final grade. Absences beyond three will be excused only if documentation from a dean or medical doctor is provided.

PIRACY – Plagiarism will not be tolerated. If you submit any work which is not the product of your own study and efforts, you will receive a grade of F for that work and probably for the course. Extreme violations will be reported to the appropriate university authorities. (Remember: If you

can find it on the internet, so can your professor.)