Hunter's English 225
Syllabus

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Required Materials

  • Frankenstein - Mary Shelley.  2nd Edition Complete, Authoritative Text with Biographical, Historical, and Cultural Contexts, Critical History, and Essays from Contemporary Critical Perspectives.  Ed. Johanna M. Smith.  Bedford / St. Martin's
  • Sosland Journal
  • Three ring binder notebook and LOTS of loose leaf notebook paper

 

Course Description 

This course focuses on the study and practice of expository writing and analytical and critical reading. The writing focus is on kinds of organization, diction, and style and are more sophisticated than those practiced in Freshman English I. Satisfactory completion of English 110 and sophomore standing are prerequisites for English 225.  NOTE: English 225 or its equivalent is a prerequisite for all 300 and 400 level English courses.

 

Course Objectives

We will focus on the study of basic critical theory and the application of that theory in critical essays. My goal is for this classroom to be a place of learning and that goes for me the teacher as well as for you, my students. Each of us brings a totally unique point of view to the novel as well as the various critical essays that we will study.  Ideas and concepts are never static, nor do they exist in a vacuum.  Instead, there is a spider-web of connections that extend through different historical eras and segments of society.  I want you to learn to analyze writing on a deeper level and to communicate your thoughts in an effective and engaging way.  You may live the rest of your life without discussing the literary themes of Frankenstein, but the communication skills you learn and exercise in this class will serve you well no matter what major you pursue.  Becoming a good student in English makes you a better student in every other class and increases your chances for success.  Working together, we can accomplish these goals.

 

Attendance

Excellent attendance is vital to successfully completing this course.  You are allowed five unexcused absences.  Upon the sixth unexcused absence, your grade will drop 5 percent.  Upon the next unexcused absence, the grade will drop 10 percent (in other words it will be impossible to get an A in the course).  Further absences will require a consultation with me and then we will discuss other possible actions.  In order to be excused, you must contact me on or before the day you are absent.  Also, you must have an official excuse form or other similar documentation.  If you are absent for whatever reason, I expect you to come prepared for the next class.  If you have questions about the content of missed classes, contact me, a classmate or the class website.


Grading Formula

 5%      Attendance

10%     Quizzes / Reader Responses for Discussion

20%     Pre-Writing Packs

 5%      Personal Reading Response

15%     Blame Paper Essay

20%     Science Fiction as Social Commentary Paper

25%     Critical Theory / Research Paper

 

Essays and Reader Responses

Essays and responses are due at the beginning of class on the indicated due dates.  All subsequent drafts and revisions are dependent on the first draft being handed in on time. All typed essays should be prepared in Times Roman font, 12 pt. with one inch margins in the MLA style.  Please include the correct assignment label (e.g., Essay #1, First Draft) on the first page of each assignment.  Any assignment that quotes from a source MUST include a bibliography in correct MLA format.  This is non-negotiable and without a bibliography a paper will not be accepted.

 

Late Policy

Generally, late assignments are not accepted.  In the case of an anticipated excused absence, the assignment is due the day before the due date.  In the case of an unanticipated excused absence, the assignment is due the day after the due date.  I do not consider it part of my job to be a human lie detector; therefore I will give everyone the benefit of the doubt and trust.  Written documentation for excused absences removes the need for me to determine the validity of an absence, therefore it is non-negotiable.  Under extraordinary circumstances, I do reserve the right to accept late assignments with a 10% penalty. 

 

Class Participation

The bulk of the material you will need to succeed in this class will be discussed in the class, so your participation is extremely important.  Quizzes and Responses for discussion cannot be made up.

 

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a serious attack on the academic integrity of my course and this institution and it will not be tolerated.  Any student found plagiarizing material will receive a failing grade and further action will be taken at my discretion.  The University subscribes to several internet plagiarism detection services and I am very good at tracking down plagiarized sources, so the chance of successful cheating is small.  Anyway, in order to grow as a scholar, you need to find your own voice and embrace your own ideas.

 

Conferences

During the semester, we will meet one-on-one and discuss the progress of an essay or your work in general.  The scheduled conferences are required, however, you are welcome (and I encourage you) to visit me in my office or e-mail me if you wish to meet with me at other times.  Your success is my highest priority and I will make myself as available as possible.

 

In addition to scheduled conferences, I expect every student to make use of two other resources for improving writing ability:  your peers and the UMKC Writing Lab (5201 Rockhill, 2nd floor, 235-1146).  Each essay progression will involve peer response, which we will discuss further in class.  The Writing Lab is not just for remedial students.  I expect each student to make at least one visit to the Writing Lab to work with a writing tutor.  Please call for an appointment first.

 

Special Considerations

Any student that has a disability that may prevent them from fully demonstrating his/her abilities should contact me personally as soon as possible so that we can discuss services and/or accommodations necessary to ensure full participation. This information is kept confidential.  Also, if religious observances during the semester will in any way prevent you from attending class or taking an examination, please inform me during the first week of class privately (these absences are of course, excused). I am committed to constructing a learning environment appropriate to your needs, but can only do so when notified that accommodations are necessary