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English 242: Survey of American Literature II Spring 2012

Instructor: Dr. Justin R. Wert E-mail: jwert@pvcc.edu Office Phone: 961-6559 Office Location: 214 Dickinson Office Hours: MW (11:15-1:15); TTH (12:45-2:45); F (11-1)
Required Materials: 1) The Norton Anthology of American Literature. 7th Edition. Vols. C, D, and E. ISBN#: 978-0393929942 2) Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston ISBN#: 978-0061120060 3) God Bless You Mr. Rosewater, Kurt Vonnegut ISBN#: 978-0385333474 4) A novel of your choicetitles TBA. 5) 2 flat folders with pockets (NOT 3-ring binders or spiral notebooks or composition books) with loose-leaf paper This course has EXTENSIVE READING AND WRITING REQUIREMENTS, including the following items: We will read 5 book-length works (novels and non-fiction), 28 essays and stories, and more than 50 poems. We will write a 7-8 page term paper and 31 reading responses. Course Description: English 242 provides an introduction to literature written in or about America from the American Civil War to the present. We will focus on the literature in two primary waysas windows upon human experience and as works of art: The first way introduces the literary works as a form of perception and reflection: each work provides a window upon human experience. In other words, the work reflects the authors perceptions of American history/culture, psychology, social mores, philosophy, and other elements of the American experience. The second way will develop your ability to understand the literary works as art and to evaluate the works artistic significance, through study/discussion of critical perspectives of the works and an authors writing style and his/her writing and publishing experiences. The Four Components of the Course: 1) Tests (40%) 2) Responses to Readings/In-Class Writing (20%) 3) Final Exam (20%) 4) Term Paper (20%) 1) Tests (40% of final grade): We will have 2 Tests (20% each). Each test will be TBA. However, the 2 tests will be given at the end of the first 2 reading lists. So when we finish a reading list expect a test at the next class.

2) Responses to Readings/In-Class Writing (20% of final grade) You will respond in writing to numerous essays, letters, poems, stories, and novels. Most of these reading assignments will require written responses of approximately one page in length. Collect these responses in a flat-pocket folder. The responses are due in class at the TEST/EXAM the class after we finish each reading list: 3 reading lists/3 groups of responses. Guidelines for an effective response: 1) a paragraph-long summary of the work (an essay, letter, poem, story, or novel chapter/section) What was it about? 2) a page-1 page personal opinion of the work What are your thoughts about the work? I will read through these assignments and make some comments on them, but I will not put a letter grade on these. They will be satisfactory (fullcredit), partially satisfactory (1/2 credit) or unsatisfactory (no credit), considering the quality and quantity of each response. Note: if you complete all assignments satisfactorily (31 out of 31 assignments), you will earn 20% of your final semester grade. On the other hand, not completing enough of the assignments will adversely affect your grade. 3) Final Exam (20% of final grade) There will be a Final Exam counting 20% of your final grade. This exam will cover the material on Reading List #3. The Final Exam is: Friday, May 4, 11:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m. 4) Term Paper (20% of final grade) A 7-8 page term paper will be due sometime before the final exam. Topics, expectations, and due date of paper T.B.A. Attendance: You are allowed a total of five (5) absences over the course of the semester: this includes both excused and unexcused absences. DO NOT USE UP YOUR ABSENCES EARLY IN THE SEMESTER, or you will find yourself in a bad situation toward the end of the semester. Each class I will pass around a roll sheet that you must sign in order to be counted as present that day. Six (6) absences or more: 10 points off of your final semester grade for each absence. If you have a serious illness and miss too many classes, it would be wise to withdraw from the class. Class Conduct: No computer or cell-phone use in class! When in class have the courtesy to turn these items off. Last day for withdrawal: Thurs. Feb. 2nd (for refund); Mon. Mar. 26th (to avoid grade penalty)

Tardiness: Do not be chronically late to class. In other words, don't make being late a habit. Those who are late must remember to sign the roll sheet, or you will be counted absent. After ten minutes, you will be counted absent. Note: I will give all tests and in-class writing assignments at the beginning of class. Late Papers: All written assignments (the Term Paper and Reading Responses) must be turned in on the day they are due. Late papers will be penalized 10 pts. for each day late. Any graded essay that is turned in after class, sometime later the same day it is due, will count as day late or 5 points off. Paper Submission: The Term Paper and all out-of-class Reading Responses must be typed in 12point type size and double-spaced. In-class Reading Responses will be hand written. You must use 1 margins on both the right and left sides. The Term Paper and Reading Responses must be in a pocket folder (see Required Materials) when handed in. For the term paper, you must turn in copies of your sources, a peer review sheet and a rough draft with your final draft. DO NOT SEND PAPERS BY E-MAIL! I will not accept e-mail submissions of papers. Missed Assignments and Materials: You are responsible for all missed assignments and materials. I would advise that you find a classmate with whom you can exchange materials in the event either of you miss class. Please contact me, however, if you are unable to get materials from another student, or if you know in advance that you will miss a class. Students with Disabilities: If you are a student with a disability who needs classroom accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are required to meet with the Disability Support Services Counselor, Susan Hannifan to request accommodations. Her office is located in Rm. 132, The Counseling Center. Phone: 9615281, Email: shannifan@pvcc.edu. To receive academic accommodations for this class, please obtain the proper forms and meet with me at the beginning of the semester. Conferences: I have regular office hours during which I am available for conferences concerning your writing/academic progress. If you cannot meet me during my office hours, we can set up an appointment. Unauthorized Borrowing (Plagiarism): Using others' words or ideas in your papers without proper acknowledgmentor any other form of academic dishonestywill not be tolerated. Plagiarism is a serious offense. Papers that plagiarize another persons work will receive an F (0). PVCC Academic Dishonesty Policy: Piedmont Virginia Community College sets high standards for academic integrity, and takes academic dishonesty very seriously. The following misconduct is considered an honor offense and is subject to disciplinary action: cheating, plagiarism, knowingly furnishing false information to the college or instructors, and the forgery, alteration or use of college documents or instruments of

identification with the intent to defraud. Students are advised that a written summary of this violation and the resulting penalty will be placed in the students official college record. After one year of no further occurrences, the student may request that the Dean of Student Services remove the statement from the official record. Grades: Grades are earned, not given. Your Final Semester Grade will be based upon your work in four aspects of the class: 40% for Tests; 20% for Responses; 20% for Final Exam and 20% for the Term Paper. Grading scale: A=90-100; B=80-89; C=70-79; D=60-69; F=59 and below. The Writing Center & Smarthinking.com Tutoring: The PVCC Writing Center offers supplemental instruction and tutoring in writing to all PVCC students in any discipline. Staffed by PVCC English instructors and trained tutors, the WC works with students at any stage in the writing processgetting started; getting unstuck; or developing, organizing, or revising a draft. The WC is open Monday through Thursday from 9 to 6, Friday from 9 to 1, and Saturdays by appointment. You can walk in or make an appointment by going to our website: http://www.pvcc.edu/.

Smarthinking.com: Students may also submit an essay to our online tutoring partner, Smarthinking.com for feedback within 24 hours. To submit an essay, go to www.smarthinking.com. For the username, enter VCCS email [userid@email.vccs.edu] and the password pvcc1972. Then, click on the Submit an Essay button. For further information, contact Jenny Koster, the Writing Center Coordinator, at jkoster@pvcc.edu or 434.961.5478.