ENGLISH 101-112

Written Expression and Reading Fiction

 

Spring 2003

Instructor: Jeffery White

12:30 – 2:20pm

Office: C207G – Tel: (425) 564-3084

Room: R306

email: jwhite@bcc.ctc.edu

 

Office Hour: Daily, 9:30 – 10:20am

 

(also available by appointment)

 

Required Materials:

The Little, Brown Handbook, Eighth Edition

 

The Story and It’s Writer, (Compact Edition)  Ann Charters

 

The Quiet American, Graham Greene

 

Thinks, David Lodge

 

A portable dictionary (English)

 

A three-ring, loose-leaf binder (used binders available in C207)

 

Journal (some sort of three-hole notebook to fit in your binder)

 

Course Description

 

This ten-credit course will be an introduction to the careful and critical reading of and writing about fiction. As we learn how to read fiction (and what characteristics distinguish it from other types of writing), we will also learn how to develop and offer thoughtful responses in a variety of contexts to the stories we have read.

 

Storytelling is a way of making sense of experience while trying to reveal to the reader (and many argue, to the writer as well) the significance of some aspect of existence.  This can also be said of science and religion.  Each explains (creates meaning) through narrative; all three seek to articulate what they find to be “true.” This course will introduce you to means by which you can look at and analyze various types of fiction and determine what  “truth” the author might be trying to convey, the relationship of that story to your world, and finally  what, if any, value it (and ultimately all fiction) holds for  you.

 

This work will be conducted in an informal, workshop atmosphere where we will also review certain grammatical conventions while developing a keener understanding of what constitutes an effective sentence, paragraph and essay.  We will conduct our work in both small groups and as a whole class, through group presentations and various peer response strategies, by keeping a journal and by becoming careful, critical readers. At quarter's end, you will be more familiar with ways to approach fiction and the genre’s possible uses.  You’ll also have a detailed understanding of how to compose an articulate, thoughtful, well-developed discussion of a given topic.  However, your skill in executing such a discussion will depend upon the degree to which you apply what you learn in the coming weeks.

 

Course Policies

 

It can't simply be learned;

It must be participated in. --Barry Lopez

 

First, it will be to your immeasurable advantage to think of this class as a single 10 credit course that meets for 100 minutes daily, Monday through Friday.  Remind yourself that this is two English courses only when you find yourself feeling overworked.

Second, as many of you pursue an education to better prepare yourselves for a successful professional life, think of this class as rehearsal for meeting professional responsibilities.  As your supervisor, I expect you to be engaged and committed to your work, courteous and helpful to those you work with, and regular and prompt in your attendance.

 

Third, this is not a "Warm Body" class -- one of those classes for which you simply show up, take the occasional note or nap and leave.  I expect you to be awake, aware and actively engaged. You can expect to be challenged on a number of levels, expect to contribute regularly and expect to labor to develop your understanding of the material.  As with most courses, we'll be trying to do too much in too little time, so we'll need to divide the workload equally, every student responsible for more than simply his or her own success or failure. You will spend a majority of your class time doing "hands-on" activities and group work, both seeking and giving assistance. If you, for whatever reason, aren't prepared or able to be an active, responsible member of this learning community, then another class may more suit your needs.  What follows are our course policies.  

 

            Late Assignments

 

As in the professional world, all assignments are due (in class) on the specified date. On days when drafts are discussed, either in groups or as a class, those without drafts will be excused to complete the work and suffer an absence for the session.  On days when essays and outlines are due, I expect them in class but will accept them in person or in my mailbox until 3:00 P.M. on the day they are due.  I'll accept nothing after that time unless specific arrangements are made with me before the class in which it is due. I'll permit such an arrangement only once.

 

            Tardiness

 

Our class begins at 12:30. Because, quite often, the first five to ten minutes of class are crucial to work that follows; and because groups need your prompt attendance to function properly, let's begin class on time with all members present.  You're late if you walk into class more than 5 minutes after its scheduled starting time. Walk into class late 10 times, and you'll receive no credit for the course.  I'm certain, however, that out of consideration for your peers, you will do all in your power to see that we make the most out of our daily meetings.

 

            Absences

 

1. Miss the first week of class:  no credit for course.

2. Students who miss fewer than 5 classes receive an A for attendance (part of participation grade).

4. Should you earn ten absences, you’ll earn no credit for this course. 

3. Those who feel they have exceptional circumstances that prevent prompt, regular attendance should speak to me in person BEFORE those circumstances interfere with your work in this class.

           

Your Work and How It Will Be Evaluated

 

You will earn one grade for this class. That grade will appear on your transcripts for both English 101 and English 112. Your final grade will be based on two primary components: 

 

1.         Preparedness and class participation

2.         A portfolio of five finished papers, primary and revised drafts of each paper, seminar papers, outlines and your journal

 

Preparedness and class participation (50% of Final Grade):  This part of your grade will be broken up into four components: 1. Attendance; 2. Seminar papers; 3. Journal Entries; 4. Observable and constructive contributions to class and group work/discussions. To receive full credit for this half or your grade, you must attend class daily and on time, have with you all written work and text books on days that you may need them, have all completed drafts in hand for peer critique sessions, participate actively and constructively in all peer critique and small group activities, participate regularly in class discussions by offering insightful or thought provoking, relevant comments that advance and develop the discussion.  Keep in mind that what matters here is the caliber and quality of your comments, not the amount of noise you make.  I will base my evaluation of your success in this component on quizzes, presentations, outlines, seminar papers, your journal and my observations of your contributions to our work.

 

Portfolio (50% of Final Grade):  In brief, your portfolio grade is based upon the quality of the final drafts of three self-selected papers, the degree to which they have been revised and to which the revisions indicate significant improvement, a self-evaluation, and the overall completeness, appearance and presentation of the portfolio itself.  Details about portfolios and the criteria I will use to grade them will follow.

 

Note:  You should know that the portfolio process allows you to revise your writing as often as you see fit before that work receives a grade.  You will receive a mock grade for your third paper, which I will then review with you during a conference designed to give you an idea of your class standing. Circumstances permitting, I am available to review and comment on revised drafts, but will not grade the work until it has been included in the portfolio and that portfolio turned in for grading at the end of the quarter. I'll review no more than 1 (one) revised draft per student at a time. I will look at and comment on an essay no more than three times. The final day to submit drafts for my comments is May 27.

 

Plagiarism:  Should you use another's words or ideas and represent them as your own, you are plagiarizing. Should you get help with your writing to such a degree that it, in any part, is no longer your own; then, too, are you plagiarizing. Plagiarism is grounds for failing the course, and possibly for dismissal from school. For suggestions on how to avoid these rather dire consequences, see The Little, Brown Handbook.

 

A FINAL NOTE:   My responsibilities are to guide and evaluate your work.  Your responsibilities are outlined above. Outside of the classroom, my schedule permitting, I'll assist you in any way I can.  If you're having difficulty, speak to me about it, and I'll see what I can do to help. If something suddenly interferes (or threatens to interfere) in some substantial way with your responsibilities to this class, let me know as soon as you can. It will make a difference.  If you show me that you're concerned with meeting your commitments and doing good work in this class, I'll do what I can to help you around the obstacles.  Communication is the key here.  Keep me informed of your circumstances, and you should do fine.  Talk to me after things fall apart, and there will be little more that I can offer than my sympathy.