Your goals: In this course, you will work together to develop your critical thinking and writing skills used in English 101 using short fiction, poetry, and drama as a medium for discussion and composition. You will learn to understand, appreciate, and enjoy quality literature from a myriad of authors and backgrounds. You will explore how art imitates reality---how literature can relate to and enrich the human experience. The course will also feature applying other artistic mediums, such as music, to literature, emphasizing tone and theme to enrich your connection with the work. Students will also be directly involved in scene work when exploring dramatic work by playwrights such as August Wilson.

My goals: To:

Philosophy: I am a firm believer that every student should be directly involved in his/her education. This class will be a rigorous, energetic, intellectually stimulating space where we can explore literature together. My classes rely heavily on active discussion and every student’s voice will be heard. I have structured the class to be in a "workshop" atmosphere—a comfortable, interactive, safe environment where everyone can make discoveries that lead to positive, critical thinking. Most importantly, this is a mature space of high standards and expectations.

Text: Literature: Reading, Reacting, and Writing, Compact 4^th ed. by Kirszner and Mandell

Requirements: The successful completion of all of the following:

Grading scale: 90-100 A; 89-80 B; 79-70 C; 69-60 D; 59-0 F

Papers/Rough drafts: All papers are due on the date assigned. I do not accept any late papers or journal responses. Please do not slip anything under my office door. If needed, submit in my mailbox located in M3072. Any work put in this box must be signed in with the date/time by one of the department secretaries. *Rough drafts are a crucial part of the writing process and are also due on the date assigned. Please do not come to class without one. You will be participating in peer reviews at this time. Any student who does not have a rough draft on the date assigned cannot participate in the review and essay in final form will be lowered one letter grade.

Journal: Journal response papers are due on the date assigned and will focus on your personal and critical response to what you’ve read. There will be a total of ten entries, each worth 10 points. They are to be typed, double-spaced, and at least 1 ½ to 2 pages. You must also submit (at any time during the semester) either an original poem (of at least 10 lines) OR a short story (1-3 pages.) Details will be given.

Plagiarism: This is a serious academic offense with severe consequences which will result in an automatic "F" on the assignment, and possible failure from the class and suspension from the college. You must document your sources properly. Please come see me if you have any questions about this policy or you may refer to your student handbook. Also, I reserve the right to question any marked inconsistencies in style.

Attendance: Yes, attendance is vital to success in this class as the pace is energetic and each session contains valuable discussions and in-class activities. If your attendance is poor, it will most likely be reflected in your work and, subsequently, in your final grade. I do understand how "life" can be, so each student is bound to miss at least a class or two. If this happens, it is your responsibility to get caught up on any work missed. Do not call me and ask me to fill you in on what you missed. Please call somebody in your support group which you will be assigned. Please be aware that any student who misses 9 or more classes will NOT pass this course. I also do not tolerate repeated and distracting lateness. If you are 5 minutes late, you will be marked as such. If you are 10 minutes late, you will be marked absent.

Demeanor: Students are, of course, expected to conduct themselves in a courteous, respectable, and collegiate manner. Any behavior that disrupts the learning environment will not be tolerated and can result in being barred from the class.

Miscellaneous: No food allowed but beverages are OK. Please dispose of any trash. No walkmans on display. Cell phones and/or beepers are to be turned off unless cleared by me.

1. ME: I am very approachable and accessible to my students in terms of outside assistance. Do not hesitate to call on me for help. It’s my job and an important part of my personal goals.
2. WRITING CENTER: This free, on-campus service is located on the third floor of Accokeek Hall. Please call 301-322-0748 for an appointment.

1. In-class support groups: I will be assigning you to a specific group for the semester. These are the people you will lean on, if needed, if you need notes because of a missed session or for any kind of peer assistance with class work.
2. GA (Goal Assessment): Students may also OPT to meet with me several times during the semester to focus on your personal and academic goals. Again, this is optional. Students interested in signing up for GA should come see me early in the semester.

F 1/25 Icebreaking/Diagnostic

M 2/18 President’s Day/College closed