Author: Administrator

Monroe Community College

Spring 2019

Section : DE

ENG 105
Introduction to Literature

Look inside for info on:
Attendance Policy
Campus Resources & Special Needs
Emergency Closings & Cancellations
Cell Phone Policy
Course Learning Objectives
Grades
Make-Up Policy
Office Hours
Oral Presentations
Papers & Homework
Participation
Plagiarism & Academic Honesty
Quizzes
Student & Professor Responsibilities
Web-enhanced Component
Withdrawals

Course Description & Required Materials

For most people, reading books is a pleasurable pastime. This course is an opportunity to explore what the rewards of literature are all about. Finding what intrigues you about Literature can open up new worlds of ideas. So get ready to take a dip in.
English 105 is designed as “an introduction to reading and analyzing these primary genres of literature: short fiction, poetry, and drama. The course may also include other types of literature such as creative nonfiction. Students will respond critically to readings of different historical and cultural contexts through class discussion and written work. These contexts may include different world views, politics, classes, ethnicity, races, genders, and sexual orientations” (MCC College Catalog).
To begin our discovery of literature this semester, we will practice active reading as well as exercise and refine literary analysis skills. We will spend this semester reading and writing, all the while honing analytical and critical thinking skills. The more you put into active reading and writing, the more you have to gain.
Required Texts
Erdrich, Louise. The Round House. Harper, 2012.
Hacker, Diana. A Pocket Style Manual. MCC Custom 7th ed. Bedford, 2016.
Hunter, Samuel D. The Whale. Samuel French, 2014.
Johnston, Angelique. Spiral Handout Book let. Monroe Community College, 2017.
O’Neill, Eugene. Moon for the Misbegotten. Yale UP, 2006.
Schilb, John and John Clifford. Arguing About Literature: A Brief Guide. Bed ford, 2014.
Shakespeare, William. Othello. Folgers Ed. Simon and Schuster, 2000.

Materials
Paper and Notebook for notes; Dedicated folders for handouts, papers, homework, and drafts
Computer with a Word processing program; Regular Internet Access
$15 for GEVA performance, see schedule

Welcome!

I am looking forward to our time together this semester as we read and discuss various works of literature. As I look out into the room, I am sure that you are all hardworking and considerate students no matter what your personal interests, varied backgrounds, opinions, and ability levels. I trust that we are here to learn together; in doing so, we start on a foundation of respect for one another at all times.
For further information on MCC’s policies on classroom civility and the Honor Code, please see MCC’s current course catalog and student hand book online at www.monroecc.edu/depts/mcchome/catalogtoc.htm.

Contact Info
Professor: Shelly Davis
Office: U406
Office Hours: 8th period
& by appointment
Phone: 585-747-3345
Email: michelle.davis@rcsdk12.org

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ENG 105
Introduction to Literature

Papers & Homework Assignments

Reading is interactive.
It involves an encounter between an author, a text, and a reader in a cultural context.
—Peter Schakel & Jack Ridl

“Reading is not a spectator sport,” state authors and professors Peter Schakel and Jack Ridl, and this semester we’ll explore the sport of reading by getting on the field with the characters, places, and experiences of our course texts. We’ll do this by engaging with the active reading process as a way to grow and expand our understanding of the world around us. We’re about to see the world from many new perspectives and new voices: a dinner party in Ecuador; the streets of Harlem; the fields of reconstruction America; a marriage in Vienna; a kitchen in suburban America; under an Asian sun. Enjoy the journey.
Keeping that goal in mind, ENG 105: Introduction to Literature will start with the reading process. We’ll navigate the readings by using annotations and raising important questions. We’ll read and discuss texts thematically by examining what literary texts have to say about human experience of tragedy, loss, and suffering; magic, power, and manipulation; family, love, and relationships. We’ll explore the typical genres of short fiction, poetry, and plays as well as venture into creative non-fiction and film. We’ll compare what news reports have to say in comparison to the events of literature and search for what the facts provide and what the facts often neglect.
Next, we’ll put those ideas into papers. As those of you who have taken ENG 101 know, writing is a process. Our work as writers about literature will require many pieces. I expect you to brainstorm and free-write first, and you may choose to use any previously learned pre-writing strategies (such as cluster, loop, outline, etc.) before beginning a formal paper. Drafting a paper’s parts should include: topic sentences, thesis statements, and introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs, just like papers from your other academic courses.
Writing in the discipline of literature has some unique qualities. It is a form of argument that includes analysis of literary devices (plot, characters, point of view, theme, style, tone, irony, etc.). Using your textbook, annotations, and class notes as a starting point, you will construct three response papers that analyze a piece of literature of your choosing using QPSC. To complete this course, it is required that you write (1) 3-5 page paper and (1) 5-7 page paper that exhibit well-thought-out analyses and efforts in revision. All papers will be literary analysis arguments on thematic topics and each will require different levels of research and proper documentation.
Don’t forget that presentation is important, too; all essays done outside of class must be typed and double-spaced following Modern Language Association (MLA) guidelines. Grammar and spelling should be thoroughly checked. A late essay will be penalized ½ a full letter grade each calendar day (including weekends) that it is late.

Cell Phone Policy

Cell phones are a convenience, great for emergencies, and a part of our current day-to-day world. While there may be a time that an emergency arises—hospitalization, child sick from school, flood, etc—there are also times that cell phones should not be in use. I expect that you take your time in the classroom seriously enough to turn off your cell phones. If there is an emergency scenario that you feel you may need to address, please see me before class. Class interruptions for casual cell phone use and texting for non-emergency scenarios is unacceptable and you may be asked to leave class and take an absence for inappropriate cell phone use.

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Participation

This course is designed as an active seminar; this means there is an expectation that you come to each and every class having read the materials and done your assignments so that you are ready to contribute to our discussions, group projects, and writing. Your contribution to our discussions will not only help you out in all of the course assignments, but it will help create a lively and interesting atmosphere. I look forward to your contributions and the many ways that your ideas and personal experiences will inform your writing.
I will give quizzes on reading comprehension periodically; see the section titled “quizzes” for more info. This policy will change to frequent or daily quizzes should it come to my attention students are unprepared. I understand “unprepared” to mean coming to class with neither the required materials nor completed homework assignments; un-preparedness earns a daily grade of zero, and may result in an individual’s dismissal from class. On the other hand, questions on the readings and concepts we cover show above average participation; they are heartily welcomed and encouraged.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance of classes is expected. Any absence affects your performance in this course. Any student who is absent from 2 (TR) or 3 (MWF) or more classes is in danger of failing and may be withdrawn from this course. As of your 3 (TR) or 4(MWF) absence, I may withdraw you for unsatisfactory attendance. In addition, I reserve the right to add a grade penalty for absences incurred after the last day for faculty to recommend course withdrawal for nonattendance.
Missing a class and getting behind even one week can greatly affect your grade and hinder your progress in this course.
Class attendance is vitally important and integral to your growth in this course. Perfect attendance is a way to show your commitment to that growth and will be rewarded. Any student who achieves Perfect Attendance (not one absence the entire term) along with satisfactory academic progress in the course, will receive 2 extra credit points on their final GPA.
If you have to miss a class, it is your responsibility to contact me, in advance, about the reason (religious holiday, illness) for the absence and to make arrangements to turn in work that is due. Please note that you are responsible for all assigned work for any class regardless of whether your absences are excused or not, and unexcused absences can result in a lowered grade or outright failure, regardless of whether the assigned work was completed. If you have any further questions, please contact me.
Please be aware that attendance in good faith includes coming to class on time. Three instances of arriving late to class constitutes an absence. Un-excused lateness, like absences, will also result in a deduction of your grade, and can lead to outright failure of this course.
One last attendance requirement is that you attend a live performance. There is a student group cost and a specified date and play event listed in the course schedule. Your attendance at this event is counted as attendance in our class. Please work today to clear your schedule for this specific event.

It is the thinking that makes what we read
ours.
—John Locke

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ENG 105
Introduction to Literature

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you should be able to:
Analyze various genres of literature.
Define key literary concepts related to genres.
Critique literature using key literary concepts.
Discuss the connections between literature and life experiences.
Write a thesis-driven essay using literature as a primary source.
Apply appropriate formal conventions when writing about literature.

When you re-read a classic you do not see in the book more than you did before.
You see more in you than there was before.
~Clifton Fadiman

Web-Enhanced Component

This section of ENG 105 is web-enhanced. What this means is that you’ll have the opportunity to go online to our course via BLACKBOARD. You can access our course by going to MCC’s online learning link at: http://www.monroecc.edu/depts/distlearn/index.htm.
There, you can sign in and see the syllabus, course schedule, my contact information, and all the handouts and assignments for each class meeting. There are even helpful links to online supplementary material. Regularly going online is a good way to keep updated and stay on top of the course. You can print materials should you miss a class and get necessary information to stay organized.
See the web-enhanced component handout for more information on accessing our website. More information on specific web-based assignments will be made available during the course of the semester.

Withdrawal Procedures

Formal withdrawal is the student’s responsibility. While I reserve the right to drop you from the course roster if you fail to show up, do not count on my dropping you from the course if you just stop coming to class. For official withdrawal procedures at MCC, see the current Catalog and Student Handbook, available online at www.monroecc.edu/depts/mcchome/catalogtoc.htm.
The college recommends that all students considering withdrawal from any course should first consult with a financial aid adviser.

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Quizzes

Reading comprehension is important and developing critical reading strategies will result in getting the most out of this course. To help you engage with the assigned fiction, poetry, and drama, the text’s chapters are designed to teach you some basic strategies for approaching literature.
Quizzes are your opportunity to show your dedication to learning the strategies of literary analysis. These strategies will help you begin your journey through literature and will continue to help you as tools in future literature courses.

Office Hours

During the term, I will hold regular office hours. I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the initiative to attend. During this time, we can discuss your academic concerns on an individual basis.
Although you are not required to attend office hours, finding time to come to my office during these hours (or scheduling an appointment with me if these times conflict with your schedule) shows dedication.

Make-up Policy

It is your responsibility to hand in work that is due in a timely manner for all assigned work in this course.
For extenuating circumstances such as a family or medical emergency, I will allow make-up work. It is necessary that you speak with me in person and discuss a plan of action to continue satisfactory progress in the course. Make-up work that has not been previously approved will not be accepted.

“The struggle of literature is in fact a struggle to escape from the confines of language; it stretches out from the utmost limits of what can be said; what stirs literature is the call and attraction of what is not in the dictionary.”
—Italo Calvino

NOTE: All English and Philosophy classes, including this one, are Writing Intensive (WR). In WR courses, students have the opportunity to learn course content through formal and informal writing assignments. To find out more about WR courses at MCC, consult your student handbook or visit the Writing Across the Curriculum website at http://www.monroecc.edu/depts/wac.

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ENG 105
Introduction to Literature

Grades

In order to successfully complete this course, it is expected that you complete and pass all major written assignments. Any student failing to hand in any of the assigned essays, response journals, oral presentations, or any in-class or homework assignments is in danger of failing the course and may be recommended for withdrawal from the course.
Here is the breakdown for our course:
TESTS 20%
Response Papers and Homework 20%
Paper #1 20%
Paper #2 20%
Participation & Attendance* 20%
*Includes preparedness, attendance, and participation for class and conferences.
*Each un-excused absence results in a deduction of one letter grade here.
Grades for formal papers are given based on criteria and standards for college-level writing. Grade rubrics for papers, response papers, and participation are available in the learning modules in BLACKBOARD.

Unless a man undertakes more than he possibly can do,
he will never do all that he can.
—Henry Drummond

Numerical Grade	Letter Grade
94 – 100	A
90 – 93.9	A-
87 – 89.9	B+
84 – 86.9	B
80 – 83.9	B-
77 – 79.9	C+
74 – 76.9	C
70 – 73.9	C-
67 – 69.9	D+
65 – 66.9	D
64	D-
0 – 63.9	F

Consider this…..

Parties last one night; your grades last a lifetime.
—Mel Bauman,
Ideas & Details

Note: Neither audio nor video recordings of the instructor or the class can be made without the explicit prior written permission of the instructor.

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Emergency Closings & Class Cancellations

If the college is closed due to inclement weather or some other emergency, all Rochester area radio and television stations will be notified no later than 5:30am, or in case of a mid-day decision, no later than 3:00pm. In addition, the home page on the MCC website (www.monroecc.edu) will display a message indicating the College is closed or classes are cancelled. Please do not call the College to avoid overloading the telephone lines.
In the event of an emergency, such as a campus evacuation or closure, severe weather alert, fire in a building, hazardous material incident, etc., where time-sensitive, proactive actions need to be communicated, the SUNY NY-Alert system will be utilized to provide immediate notification to all MCC students and employees who have opted to receive such alerts. Those who sign up for SUNY NY-Alert can choose to receive emergency messages via a variety of communication technologies, such as e-mail (college and/or personal accounts), and audio and/or text message to a campus, home or cell phone, fax, etc. For more information on SUNY NY-Alert, including how to sign up, please visit http://www.monroecc.edu/depts/pstd/NYAlert.htm.
Class cancellation information is available daily on the web or through the telephone. Simply go to the MCC website (www.monroecc.edu) and under the “Quick Links” window on the homepage, click on “Class Cancellations.” Class cancellation information is also available by dialing 292-2066; press “1” for the Brighton Campus and “2” for the Damon Campus. If possible, please use the web as there could be delays in the voice recordings based on the number of cancellations.

Student Responsibilities

Professor Responsibilities

Show up to class.
Be on time.
Be prepared with class assignments.
Speak with respect and thoughtfulness at all times.
Participate heartily and share your mind.
Come to class ready to work, to connect on a personal level to the ideas in class, and to engage with academic maturity.
Visit MCC’s Writing Center, Library, and many other Learning resources to help meet course expectations and goals.
Be proficient in a word processing program and email or find someone on campus to help you get up to speed with these essential skills.
Push yourself to discover more than you already know about yourself, your writing, and literature.

Show up to class.
Be on time.
Be prepared with class assignments.
Speak with respect and thoughtfulness at all times.
Participate heartily and share my mind.
Come to class ready to work, to connect on a personal level to the ideas in class, and to engage with academic maturity.
Return graded work in a timely manner.
Be available during office hours and via email for questions and/or paper concerns.
Be an academic coach to help push you to discover more about your writing about literature.

The words are purposes. The words are maps. —Adrienne Rich
—Adrienne Rich

Check out the college
on the web:
www.monroecc.edu

ENG 105
Introduction to Literature

Campus Resources

Library
The library at MCC is a very valuable local resource. Get to know it! Visit often and check out all they have to offer . See them on the web at: www.monroecc.edu//depts/library/lvg.htm.
The Writing Center
The College offers a free tutoring service in 11-208. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. In fact, it shows intelligence and motivation. To get the most out of your session, bring your assignment and ask specific questions.
The Learning Center
Monroe Community College has a number of Learning Centers at Brighton (for example, Accounting, Math, Psychology, Writing, the Electronic Learning Center, etc.) and at Damon (for example, the Integrated Learning Center, Electronic Learning Center, etc.). Learning centers are staffed with instructional personnel and may be equipped with computers and software to assist students. It is recommended that students use the Learning Centers to get additional help with concepts learned in the classroom and with their homework. Please refer to your MCC student email to review your referral and objectives for your use of the Learning Center(s). See www.monroecc.edu/depts/elc/index.htm for more information.
Students with Disabilities
I would appreciate hearing from anyone in this class who has a special need which may be the result of a disability. I am reasonably sure we can work out whatever arrangement is necessary. See me after class as soon as possible.

Plagiarism & Academic Dishonesty

Submitting someone else’s work or ideas—as your own—is plagiarism and will result in immediate referral to the English Department Chair. Any student who fails to give credit for ideas or materials that are taken from another, either verbatim or in paraphrase, is guilty of plagiarism. This includes not only essays, but all writing drafts and assignments. The student will automatically receive a failing grade for the assignment and is at risk for course failure and college judicial action. Such behavior is taken seriously in college. For more information, please read the current MCC Catalog and Student Handbook.
Since plagiarism is not limited to research papers, any assignment—whether it’s a journal entry, a draft of a paper, or a homework or class assignment—needs to follow the same guidelines of academic honesty. Following honesty guidelines encourages a positive intellectual environment of integrity, while both plagiarism and academic dishonesty deter from the open and trusting environment necessary for academic inquiry and development.
With that said, research papers can be difficult, and the lines between appropriate and inappropriate citation can be confusing. Sticky situations can arise when we begin to incorporate other people’s ideas and materials into our own work. Knowing how to incorporate outside materials is an integral step in becoming a scholar. To aid in the process of academic growth, this course is designed to teach, among many other skills, legitimate source documentation. I am sure most of you have encountered citation practices before this term, and we will continue that process in this course when we look more closely at various methods for citing sources and integrating quotations and scholarly materials. I encourage you to come to me with any questions if at any time you are unsure about practices or policies regarding plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Moreover, I hope you will experience in this course, and other courses, that discovering the ideas of published scholars and considering how they relate to your own thinking can be invigorating and exciting. All teachers hope to encourage such intellectual discovery and dialogue.
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