TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY | SPRING 2013
ENGLISH 2308—008 & 009:
INTRODUCTION TO NON-FICTION
SYLLABUS AND COURSE POLICIES
ENGL 2308: PURPOSE STATEMENT:
This course fulfills the Humanities requirement for TTU’s Core Curriculum.
LEARNING OUTCOMES & ASSESSMENTS:
By the end of the course, students should demonstrate that they have:
(1) read all of the assigned non-fictional texts analytically and critically, carefully attending to language and to the ways in which the texts participate in their cultural, religious, political and social contexts;
(2) built a literary awareness of the assigned texts, exhibiting an understanding of various generic conventions and literary techniques of those texts;
(3) written persuasively, concisely, and effectively about the assigned texts in both formal and informal assignments;
(4) developed analytical arguments in written forms;
(5) gained an awareness of the ways in which professional writers and literary critics discuss the texts under study; and
(6) demonstrated ways in which the humanities are fundamental to the health and survival of any society.
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT AND GRADE DISTRIBUTIONS:
I. Class Participation, Freewriting & Attendance*: 10% (Daily)
~to assess learning outcomes (1) through (6)
II. Reading Quizzes† : 15% (Weekly)
~ to assess learning outcomes (1), (2), (3), (5) & (6)
III. Two Formal Analytical Essays:
~to assess learning outcomes (1) through (6)
(i). Paper Analysis 1 (4-5 pages): 15%
(ii). Paper Analysis 2 (5-6) pages): 20%
IV. Library Research Assignment-Presentation: 5%
~to assess learning outcomes (2), (5) and (6)
V. Attendance at Two Assigned Films, Talks and/or Readings: 10%
~to assess learning outcomes (2), (5) and (6)
VI. Comprehensive Final Examination: 25%
~to assess learning outcomes (1) through (6)
†Important: You cannot make up a missed reading quiz unless you provide the instructor with official documentation explaining the reason for your absence on the date of the missed reading quiz (i.e. doctor’s note; job interview; etc). The documentation must be provided to the instructor within one week of the missed quiz and the quiz itself must be made up within one week via scheduled appointment with the instructor.
COMPETENCY STATEMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES:
“Students graduating from Texas Tech University should be able to think critically and demonstrate an understanding of the possibility of multiple interpretations, cultural contexts, and values.”
GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVE:
“The objective of the humanities in a core curriculum is to expand the students’ knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in disciplines such as literature and philosophy, students will engage in critical analysis and develop an appreciation of the humanities as fundamental to the health and survival of any society.” (Core Curriculum Statement, Undergraduate Bulletin)
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT:
“As a major academic discipline within a multi-purpose university, the Department of English serves undergraduate and graduate students, the academic community, and society in general. Through its courses in literature, literary criticism, linguistics, composition, rhetoric, creative and technical writing, and pedagogy, the department seeks to implement its belief that literature and informed discourse are vital forces in the preservation of culture. In its courses, the department further seeks to develop students' reading and writing skills, to increase their understanding of their literary heritage, and to stimulate their imaginative and critical abilities. Students are encouraged to express themselves clearly, effectively, and correctly, so that they can control language rather than be controlled by it. The department further seeks to prepare students for future careers in professions such as teaching, law, medicine, business, and for enriched, responsible, and productive personal lives. As a major facet of its mission, the department teaches the fundamentals of research, encourages the use of scholarly methods and attitudes throughout its programs, and contributes to the growth of knowledge through the individual scholarship of its members.” (Department of English website)
PREREQUISITES:
The successful completion of ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302.
GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The critical study of, & the writing about, a variety of non-fictional texts. Reading & writing intensive. 3hrs.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Students must acquire the following three texts for this class. Other texts will be made available online by the instructor.
1. Krakauer, Jon. Into the Wild: New York: Anchor Press, 2007.
2. Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal. New York: Harper, 2005.
3. Urrea, Luis Alberto. The Devil's Highway: A True Story. New York: Back Bay Books, 2005.
RECOMMENDED TEXTS:
** Not required but the following textbooks would be helpful to students in preparing their formal writing assignments.
1. Joseph Gibaldi, MLA Handbook (An edition after/including the 6th Edition).
2. Diana Hacker, A Writer’s Reference. (Or any writing manual/guide from the library with MLA instructions.)
MINIMUM WORK REQUIREMENT:
In order to be eligible to PASS this class, students must complete BOTH FORMAL ESSAYS, and they must write the final examination.
GRADING SCALE:
A+ = 99-97% A = 96 – 94% A- = 93 – 90%
B+ = 89-87% B = 86 – 84% B- = 83 – 80%
C+ = 79-77% C = 76 – 74% C- = 73 – 70%
D+ = 69-67% D = 66 – 64% D- = 63 – 60% F = 59% or below
Throughout the term, I will grade your work using percentages, which will also then be translated into the corresponding letter grade in order to determine your final mark.
ENGLISH 2308 CLASS POLICIES:
*PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY*
*CLASS PARTICIPATION AND ATTENDANCE:
In this course, you are a valued member of an intellectual community. In this community, the students and the instructor will treat each other as colleagues, engaging in respectful and thoughtful dialogue. Thus mindful of your role and of your responsibility to your other colleagues in this course, you will:
1. attend class regularly with the assigned readings for the day, and always be punctual;
2. have the assigned readings and assignments completed on time, and bring them to class;
3. participate actively, thoughtfully, and respectfully in class and group discussions, while also listening and considering thoughtfully and respectfully the comments of your fellow classmates and your instructor. Commenting knowledgeably and consistently contributing to class discussions earns higher grades.
4. complete the assigned freewrites;
5. participate in assigned, informal group work and group presentations; listen respectfully to the other presenters;
6. complete weekly in-class reading quizzes which will be given at the start of class; and
7. abstain from disruptive behavior. Disruptive behavior includes talking on cell-phones, text-messaging, reading materials that are from outside of the class (i.e. reading the newspaper or completing puzzle games), “surfing the web,” talking to classmates in such a way as to inhibit class discussion or class lectures, and sleeping in class. Consistent displays of disruptive behavior will result in a failing participation mark and may lead to the student being asked to leave the class.
Please keep in mind that your questions of the instructor and of your colleagues, your answers to questions posed to you by your colleagues and the instructor—all should indicate clearly that you have read carefully and thoughtfully the assigned material, and that you have completed all related work prior to the class meeting. Also keep in mind that The Texas Tech University Catalog states that students are expected to spend approximately two hours in preparation for each hour of lecture.
The instructor’s expectations for student participation include:
1. The student will come to class having readê all of the material assigned for that day;
2. The student will comeê to class with the particular text of that day with him or her;
3. The student will come to class with comments that the studentê would like to make about the text;
4. The student will engageê thoughtfully and critically in the questions and problems that the texts pose;
5. The student will be prepared to respond to questions andê critiques of his/her ideas;
6. The student will treat the otherê classmates and the instructor with respect and courtesy.
The student’s expectations of the instructor are:
1. The instructor willê begin and end class on time;
2. The instructor will encourage intellectual debate in an atmosphere of collegiality and respect;
3. The instructor will respectfully encourage, evenê challenge, the student to produce his/her best work;
4. The instructor will assess all graded assignments according to the rubrics provided on this syllabus;
5. With respect to classroom decorum, the instructor will act to ensure the collegial atmosphere of the classroom and to protect the members of the class from inappropriate or abusive behavior. Students who insist on engaging in inappropriate or abusive behavior will be asked to leave the course.
Please see: www.studentaffairs.ttu.edu/vpsa/publications/civility.htm, as well as the Department of English’s website:
http://www.english.ttu.edu/linked_files/Ethics_in_English_for_Students.pdf
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
Because attendance and participation are vital to your success in this course, I take role every day. However, I do recognize that from time to time a student may have to miss a class. Therefore, I allow each student three (3) absences without penalty. Use these with discretion to accommodate doctor’s appointments, job interviews, and other dilemmas of daily life, such as illness, transportation problems, family issues, etc. Again, use these three absences with discretion because I do not differentiate between excused and unexcused absences. (If you do not understand this policy, you need to ask me in person to clarify within the first two weeks of class so that there is no misunderstanding.)
Each subsequent absence, after the 3 penalty-free absences, will reduce your attendance/participation grade by 5 percentage points (for instance, a grade of 90% becomes an 85%). Excessive absences—7 or more in total—may result in failure of the course, regardless of other grades earned.
Absences accrue from the first day of the student’s registered enrollment in the course. Each student is responsible for keeping track of his/her attendance record; I do recommend checking with me a few times throughout the course to confirm your number of absences so as to avoid any disagreement. After the final day of classes, I will no longer discuss a student’s attendance record, unless under extraordinary circumstances. That is, I will not give consideration to a student’s reasons for missing class once the class schedule has ended.
If you are going to miss class, or have missed classed, I strongly recommend that you email me immediately to inform me of your absence, and I advise that you procure any missed notes, assignments, readings, or announcements from another student in the class.
Arriving Late/Leaving Early Policy: Arriving to class late or leaving early—in either case, by more than 5 minutes—constitutes a ½ absence. Be sure to note that two lates, or two early leavings of class, constitutes 1 absence, and will continue to accrue as such. Be aware that students have “used up” their three allowed 3 absences by lateness alone.
If late, you are responsible to contact a classmate, or myself, for the assignments given or for changes made to the schedule after the class is over.
Absence Due To Religious Observance: The Texas Tech University Catalog states that a student who is absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day will be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence (p.49). Notification must be made in writing and delivered in person no later than the 15th class day of the semester.
Absence Due To Officially Approved University Trips: The Texas Tech University Catalog states that the person responsible for a student missing class due to a trip should notify the instructor of the departure and return schedule in advance of the trip. The student may not be penalized and is responsible for the material missed (49). You must bring appropriate verification if you miss class due to an officially approved university trip.
http://www.campuslife.ttu.edu/crisis/
Illness and Death Notification: The Center for Campus Life is responsible for notifying the campus community of student illnesses, immediate family deaths and/or student death. Generally, in cases of student illness or immediate family deaths, the notification to the appropriate campus community members occur when a student is absent from class for four (4) consecutive days with appropriate verification. It is always the student’s responsibility for missed class assignments and/or course work during their absence. The student is encouraged to contact the faculty member immediately regarding the absences and to provide verification afterwards. The notification from the Center for Campus Life does not excuse a student from class, assignments, and/or any other course requirements. The notification is provided as a courtesy.
COURSE WITHDRAWALS
Note that there are new policies in effect for withdrawal from class and assigning the grade of “I” beginning Fall 2005.
For important dates regarding course withdrawals, please see:
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/calendar
The grade of “I” is given only when a student’s work is satisfactory but, due to reasons beyond his or her control, has not been completed. It is not given in lieu of an “F” or “W”. The instructor assigning the grade will stipulate in writing at the time the grade is given the conditions under which the “I” may be removed. The assigned work and a change of grade must be recorded within one calendar year from the date of the “I”. Failure to do so results in an “F” for that course.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS: METHODS OF ASSESSMENT
IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS, FREEWRITING, READING QUIZZES: Frequently you will have short writing assignments (freewriting) to complete in class or at home. On most days, we will have quizzes at the beginning of class concerning that day’s reading assignment. Students must remain in class for the full class period in order for daily quizzes and freewrites to receive FULL credit.
FORMAL ANALYTICAL ESSAYS:
In their formal essay assignments, students need to ensure that they communicate their ideas effectively through standard written English. (This means that correct grammar is important and is necessary for the student to receive high grades on these assignments.) All papers are due at the beginning of class; after that time, they are considered late. The papers must be turned in by the student to the instructor, in person. They cannot be delivered to the staff of the English Department. Nor can the paper be faxed/emailed to the instructor.
EACH ESSAY ASSIGNMENT MUST BE SIGNED WITH THE FOLLOWING INTEGRITY/ETHICAL STATEMENT, and DATED:
"By my signature, I declare that these are my words, my ideas, and my work and is not the work of another.”
Incomplete submissions are not eligible for passing grades.
All papers should be typed or word processed and should conform to MLA guidelines. If you do not know what MLA guidelines are, you need to find out! You can ask me in class, or in my office hours. I advise that you start with the library or with the Writing Center as both of these places will provide you with the MLA Handbook and Manual.
Late papers will be docked 5% per day, including weekends. Late papers will be accepted to fulfill the minimum work requirement; to earn an F instead of a 0 on a late paper, the paper must constitute a good-faith effort to complete the assignment. If an emergency hinders you from turning in a paper on time, please talk to me before the paper is due. I am rarely sympathetic after a due date. Remember: if you use a computer lab, allow plenty of time for printing.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Please note: you are required to bring a blue book [or two] to the last day of class (the Review Class) for your Final Examination.
Examinations will take place in the rooms in which the individual classes have been meeting unless otherwise announced. To avoid a difficult combination of final examinations, students should check the official exam schedule athttp://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/ prior to the end of registration.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
“It is the aim of the faculty of Texas Tech University to foster a spirit of complete honesty and a high standard of integrity. The attempt of students to present as their own any work that they have not honestly performed is regarded by the faculty and administration as a serious offense and renders the offenders liable to serious consequences, possibly suspension.” (Texas Tech University Catalog 49)
PLAGIARISM: PLEASE READ IN FULL
Plagiarism is intellectual theft existing in several forms:
(1) the word-for-word copying of a passage, without quotations marks and a parenthetical citation indicating that the phrasing and ideas are another author’s;
(2) the partial quotation and paraphrase of a passage, without appropriate quotation marks and a parenthetical citation indicating that the phrasing and ideas are another author’s;
(3) the complete paraphrase of a passage, without an explanatory footnote or appropriate parenthetical citations indicating that the ideas are another author’s. (Definition used with permission.)
See the Texas Tech University Catalog for more information and descriptions of Cheating and Plagiarism. The university community considers plagiarism and all other forms of intellectual dishonesty serious breaches of the contract between a student, her/his fellows, and the instructor. Plagiarism is the theft of someone else's ideas or expression of those ideas. It is a violation of academic honesty and violates several university regulations. Any student found guilty of plagiarism will fail the course. Should you have any questions about when it is necessary to cite sources, please ask. Since this is a literature survey, we cannot review plagiarism in the depth that a composition course would. If you have any questions on how to avoid plagiarism and to use sources appropriately, please come see me.
www.depts.ttu.edu/studentjudicialprograms and
www.studentaffairs.ttu.edu/CampusCrime/documents/integritymatters.pdf for further information on Plagiarism and Academic Offenses.
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH: ETHICS IN ENGLISH
Please read the following guidelines for ethical conduct expected of students and instructors, as set out on the Department of English’s website:
http://www.english.ttu.edu/linked_files/Ethics_in_English_for_Students.pdf
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
ADA Statement: Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services during the instructor’s office hours.
Please note instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, you may contact the Student Disability Services office at 335 West Hall or 806-742-2405 .
CELLPHONES/PAGERS/TECHNOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT
Cellphones/pagers/technological equipment must be turned off prior to class, and should not disrupt class in any way. Cellphones/ pagers /technological equipment are not allowed during any quizzes or examinations. Failure to comply with this policy may open you up to a charge of cheating, and consequently, a failing grade might be assigned.
OMBUDSMAN FOR STUDENTS: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/ombudsman/students/
__END OF SYLLABUS AND CLASS POLICIES__
This course fulfills the Humanities requirement for TTU’s Core Curriculum.
LEARNING OUTCOMES & ASSESSMENTS:
By the end of the course, students should demonstrate that they have:
(1) read all of the assigned non-fictional texts analytically and critically, carefully attending to language and to the ways in which the texts participate in their cultural, religious, political and social contexts;
(2) built a literary awareness of the assigned texts, exhibiting an understanding of various generic conventions and literary techniques of those texts;
(3) written persuasively, concisely, and effectively about the assigned texts in both formal and informal assignments;
(4) developed analytical arguments in written forms;
(5) gained an awareness of the ways in which professional writers and literary critics discuss the texts under study; and
(6) demonstrated ways in which the humanities are fundamental to the health and survival of any society.
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT AND GRADE DISTRIBUTIONS:
I. Class Participation, Freewriting & Attendance*: 10% (Daily)
~to assess learning outcomes (1) through (6)
II. Reading Quizzes† : 15% (Weekly)
~ to assess learning outcomes (1), (2), (3), (5) & (6)
III. Two Formal Analytical Essays:
~to assess learning outcomes (1) through (6)
(i). Paper Analysis 1 (4-5 pages): 15%
(ii). Paper Analysis 2 (5-6) pages): 20%
IV. Library Research Assignment-Presentation: 5%
~to assess learning outcomes (2), (5) and (6)
V. Attendance at Two Assigned Films, Talks and/or Readings: 10%
~to assess learning outcomes (2), (5) and (6)
VI. Comprehensive Final Examination: 25%
~to assess learning outcomes (1) through (6)
†Important: You cannot make up a missed reading quiz unless you provide the instructor with official documentation explaining the reason for your absence on the date of the missed reading quiz (i.e. doctor’s note; job interview; etc). The documentation must be provided to the instructor within one week of the missed quiz and the quiz itself must be made up within one week via scheduled appointment with the instructor.
COMPETENCY STATEMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES:
“Students graduating from Texas Tech University should be able to think critically and demonstrate an understanding of the possibility of multiple interpretations, cultural contexts, and values.”
GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVE:
“The objective of the humanities in a core curriculum is to expand the students’ knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in disciplines such as literature and philosophy, students will engage in critical analysis and develop an appreciation of the humanities as fundamental to the health and survival of any society.” (Core Curriculum Statement, Undergraduate Bulletin)
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT:
“As a major academic discipline within a multi-purpose university, the Department of English serves undergraduate and graduate students, the academic community, and society in general. Through its courses in literature, literary criticism, linguistics, composition, rhetoric, creative and technical writing, and pedagogy, the department seeks to implement its belief that literature and informed discourse are vital forces in the preservation of culture. In its courses, the department further seeks to develop students' reading and writing skills, to increase their understanding of their literary heritage, and to stimulate their imaginative and critical abilities. Students are encouraged to express themselves clearly, effectively, and correctly, so that they can control language rather than be controlled by it. The department further seeks to prepare students for future careers in professions such as teaching, law, medicine, business, and for enriched, responsible, and productive personal lives. As a major facet of its mission, the department teaches the fundamentals of research, encourages the use of scholarly methods and attitudes throughout its programs, and contributes to the growth of knowledge through the individual scholarship of its members.” (Department of English website)
PREREQUISITES:
The successful completion of ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302.
GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The critical study of, & the writing about, a variety of non-fictional texts. Reading & writing intensive. 3hrs.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Students must acquire the following three texts for this class. Other texts will be made available online by the instructor.
1. Krakauer, Jon. Into the Wild: New York: Anchor Press, 2007.
2. Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal. New York: Harper, 2005.
3. Urrea, Luis Alberto. The Devil's Highway: A True Story. New York: Back Bay Books, 2005.
RECOMMENDED TEXTS:
** Not required but the following textbooks would be helpful to students in preparing their formal writing assignments.
1. Joseph Gibaldi, MLA Handbook (An edition after/including the 6th Edition).
2. Diana Hacker, A Writer’s Reference. (Or any writing manual/guide from the library with MLA instructions.)
MINIMUM WORK REQUIREMENT:
In order to be eligible to PASS this class, students must complete BOTH FORMAL ESSAYS, and they must write the final examination.
GRADING SCALE:
A+ = 99-97% A = 96 – 94% A- = 93 – 90%
B+ = 89-87% B = 86 – 84% B- = 83 – 80%
C+ = 79-77% C = 76 – 74% C- = 73 – 70%
D+ = 69-67% D = 66 – 64% D- = 63 – 60% F = 59% or below
Throughout the term, I will grade your work using percentages, which will also then be translated into the corresponding letter grade in order to determine your final mark.
ENGLISH 2308 CLASS POLICIES:
*PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY*
*CLASS PARTICIPATION AND ATTENDANCE:
In this course, you are a valued member of an intellectual community. In this community, the students and the instructor will treat each other as colleagues, engaging in respectful and thoughtful dialogue. Thus mindful of your role and of your responsibility to your other colleagues in this course, you will:
1. attend class regularly with the assigned readings for the day, and always be punctual;
2. have the assigned readings and assignments completed on time, and bring them to class;
3. participate actively, thoughtfully, and respectfully in class and group discussions, while also listening and considering thoughtfully and respectfully the comments of your fellow classmates and your instructor. Commenting knowledgeably and consistently contributing to class discussions earns higher grades.
4. complete the assigned freewrites;
5. participate in assigned, informal group work and group presentations; listen respectfully to the other presenters;
6. complete weekly in-class reading quizzes which will be given at the start of class; and
7. abstain from disruptive behavior. Disruptive behavior includes talking on cell-phones, text-messaging, reading materials that are from outside of the class (i.e. reading the newspaper or completing puzzle games), “surfing the web,” talking to classmates in such a way as to inhibit class discussion or class lectures, and sleeping in class. Consistent displays of disruptive behavior will result in a failing participation mark and may lead to the student being asked to leave the class.
Please keep in mind that your questions of the instructor and of your colleagues, your answers to questions posed to you by your colleagues and the instructor—all should indicate clearly that you have read carefully and thoughtfully the assigned material, and that you have completed all related work prior to the class meeting. Also keep in mind that The Texas Tech University Catalog states that students are expected to spend approximately two hours in preparation for each hour of lecture.
The instructor’s expectations for student participation include:
1. The student will come to class having readê all of the material assigned for that day;
2. The student will comeê to class with the particular text of that day with him or her;
3. The student will come to class with comments that the studentê would like to make about the text;
4. The student will engageê thoughtfully and critically in the questions and problems that the texts pose;
5. The student will be prepared to respond to questions andê critiques of his/her ideas;
6. The student will treat the otherê classmates and the instructor with respect and courtesy.
The student’s expectations of the instructor are:
1. The instructor willê begin and end class on time;
2. The instructor will encourage intellectual debate in an atmosphere of collegiality and respect;
3. The instructor will respectfully encourage, evenê challenge, the student to produce his/her best work;
4. The instructor will assess all graded assignments according to the rubrics provided on this syllabus;
5. With respect to classroom decorum, the instructor will act to ensure the collegial atmosphere of the classroom and to protect the members of the class from inappropriate or abusive behavior. Students who insist on engaging in inappropriate or abusive behavior will be asked to leave the course.
Please see: www.studentaffairs.ttu.edu/vpsa/publications/civility.htm, as well as the Department of English’s website:
http://www.english.ttu.edu/linked_files/Ethics_in_English_for_Students.pdf
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
Because attendance and participation are vital to your success in this course, I take role every day. However, I do recognize that from time to time a student may have to miss a class. Therefore, I allow each student three (3) absences without penalty. Use these with discretion to accommodate doctor’s appointments, job interviews, and other dilemmas of daily life, such as illness, transportation problems, family issues, etc. Again, use these three absences with discretion because I do not differentiate between excused and unexcused absences. (If you do not understand this policy, you need to ask me in person to clarify within the first two weeks of class so that there is no misunderstanding.)
Each subsequent absence, after the 3 penalty-free absences, will reduce your attendance/participation grade by 5 percentage points (for instance, a grade of 90% becomes an 85%). Excessive absences—7 or more in total—may result in failure of the course, regardless of other grades earned.
Absences accrue from the first day of the student’s registered enrollment in the course. Each student is responsible for keeping track of his/her attendance record; I do recommend checking with me a few times throughout the course to confirm your number of absences so as to avoid any disagreement. After the final day of classes, I will no longer discuss a student’s attendance record, unless under extraordinary circumstances. That is, I will not give consideration to a student’s reasons for missing class once the class schedule has ended.
If you are going to miss class, or have missed classed, I strongly recommend that you email me immediately to inform me of your absence, and I advise that you procure any missed notes, assignments, readings, or announcements from another student in the class.
Arriving Late/Leaving Early Policy: Arriving to class late or leaving early—in either case, by more than 5 minutes—constitutes a ½ absence. Be sure to note that two lates, or two early leavings of class, constitutes 1 absence, and will continue to accrue as such. Be aware that students have “used up” their three allowed 3 absences by lateness alone.
If late, you are responsible to contact a classmate, or myself, for the assignments given or for changes made to the schedule after the class is over.
Absence Due To Religious Observance: The Texas Tech University Catalog states that a student who is absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day will be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence (p.49). Notification must be made in writing and delivered in person no later than the 15th class day of the semester.
Absence Due To Officially Approved University Trips: The Texas Tech University Catalog states that the person responsible for a student missing class due to a trip should notify the instructor of the departure and return schedule in advance of the trip. The student may not be penalized and is responsible for the material missed (49). You must bring appropriate verification if you miss class due to an officially approved university trip.
http://www.campuslife.ttu.edu/crisis/
Illness and Death Notification: The Center for Campus Life is responsible for notifying the campus community of student illnesses, immediate family deaths and/or student death. Generally, in cases of student illness or immediate family deaths, the notification to the appropriate campus community members occur when a student is absent from class for four (4) consecutive days with appropriate verification. It is always the student’s responsibility for missed class assignments and/or course work during their absence. The student is encouraged to contact the faculty member immediately regarding the absences and to provide verification afterwards. The notification from the Center for Campus Life does not excuse a student from class, assignments, and/or any other course requirements. The notification is provided as a courtesy.
COURSE WITHDRAWALS
Note that there are new policies in effect for withdrawal from class and assigning the grade of “I” beginning Fall 2005.
For important dates regarding course withdrawals, please see:
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/calendar
The grade of “I” is given only when a student’s work is satisfactory but, due to reasons beyond his or her control, has not been completed. It is not given in lieu of an “F” or “W”. The instructor assigning the grade will stipulate in writing at the time the grade is given the conditions under which the “I” may be removed. The assigned work and a change of grade must be recorded within one calendar year from the date of the “I”. Failure to do so results in an “F” for that course.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS: METHODS OF ASSESSMENT
IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS, FREEWRITING, READING QUIZZES: Frequently you will have short writing assignments (freewriting) to complete in class or at home. On most days, we will have quizzes at the beginning of class concerning that day’s reading assignment. Students must remain in class for the full class period in order for daily quizzes and freewrites to receive FULL credit.
FORMAL ANALYTICAL ESSAYS:
In their formal essay assignments, students need to ensure that they communicate their ideas effectively through standard written English. (This means that correct grammar is important and is necessary for the student to receive high grades on these assignments.) All papers are due at the beginning of class; after that time, they are considered late. The papers must be turned in by the student to the instructor, in person. They cannot be delivered to the staff of the English Department. Nor can the paper be faxed/emailed to the instructor.
EACH ESSAY ASSIGNMENT MUST BE SIGNED WITH THE FOLLOWING INTEGRITY/ETHICAL STATEMENT, and DATED:
"By my signature, I declare that these are my words, my ideas, and my work and is not the work of another.”
Incomplete submissions are not eligible for passing grades.
All papers should be typed or word processed and should conform to MLA guidelines. If you do not know what MLA guidelines are, you need to find out! You can ask me in class, or in my office hours. I advise that you start with the library or with the Writing Center as both of these places will provide you with the MLA Handbook and Manual.
Late papers will be docked 5% per day, including weekends. Late papers will be accepted to fulfill the minimum work requirement; to earn an F instead of a 0 on a late paper, the paper must constitute a good-faith effort to complete the assignment. If an emergency hinders you from turning in a paper on time, please talk to me before the paper is due. I am rarely sympathetic after a due date. Remember: if you use a computer lab, allow plenty of time for printing.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Please note: you are required to bring a blue book [or two] to the last day of class (the Review Class) for your Final Examination.
Examinations will take place in the rooms in which the individual classes have been meeting unless otherwise announced. To avoid a difficult combination of final examinations, students should check the official exam schedule athttp://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/ prior to the end of registration.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
“It is the aim of the faculty of Texas Tech University to foster a spirit of complete honesty and a high standard of integrity. The attempt of students to present as their own any work that they have not honestly performed is regarded by the faculty and administration as a serious offense and renders the offenders liable to serious consequences, possibly suspension.” (Texas Tech University Catalog 49)
PLAGIARISM: PLEASE READ IN FULL
Plagiarism is intellectual theft existing in several forms:
(1) the word-for-word copying of a passage, without quotations marks and a parenthetical citation indicating that the phrasing and ideas are another author’s;
(2) the partial quotation and paraphrase of a passage, without appropriate quotation marks and a parenthetical citation indicating that the phrasing and ideas are another author’s;
(3) the complete paraphrase of a passage, without an explanatory footnote or appropriate parenthetical citations indicating that the ideas are another author’s. (Definition used with permission.)
See the Texas Tech University Catalog for more information and descriptions of Cheating and Plagiarism. The university community considers plagiarism and all other forms of intellectual dishonesty serious breaches of the contract between a student, her/his fellows, and the instructor. Plagiarism is the theft of someone else's ideas or expression of those ideas. It is a violation of academic honesty and violates several university regulations. Any student found guilty of plagiarism will fail the course. Should you have any questions about when it is necessary to cite sources, please ask. Since this is a literature survey, we cannot review plagiarism in the depth that a composition course would. If you have any questions on how to avoid plagiarism and to use sources appropriately, please come see me.
www.depts.ttu.edu/studentjudicialprograms and
www.studentaffairs.ttu.edu/CampusCrime/documents/integritymatters.pdf for further information on Plagiarism and Academic Offenses.
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH: ETHICS IN ENGLISH
Please read the following guidelines for ethical conduct expected of students and instructors, as set out on the Department of English’s website:
http://www.english.ttu.edu/linked_files/Ethics_in_English_for_Students.pdf
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
ADA Statement: Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services during the instructor’s office hours.
Please note instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, you may contact the Student Disability Services office at 335 West Hall or 806-742-2405 .
CELLPHONES/PAGERS/TECHNOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT
Cellphones/pagers/technological equipment must be turned off prior to class, and should not disrupt class in any way. Cellphones/ pagers /technological equipment are not allowed during any quizzes or examinations. Failure to comply with this policy may open you up to a charge of cheating, and consequently, a failing grade might be assigned.
OMBUDSMAN FOR STUDENTS: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/ombudsman/students/
__END OF SYLLABUS AND CLASS POLICIES__