3202syl

Writing About Literature—ENGL 3202
Dr. Jonathan Alexander
jalexander@bcc.edu
Phone: 609-894-9311 x6223
Fax: 609-726-0442
Office: Parker Center 319-F
Online Syllabus: http://staff.bcc.edu/faculty_websites/jalexand/3202syl.htm

Click below to jump to . . .
A. NOTE ON TEXTS
B. COURSE OVERVIEW
C. COURSE EXPECTATIONS
D. GRADING POLICY
E. ASSIGNMENT CHART
F. DAILY CLASS SCHEDULE

A. NOTE ON TEXTS: In an effort to keep students’ costs down, this course will utilize the resources of the internet for literary works. All of the selections to be covered can be found in public domain sites. If this syllabus is accessed through the internet, direct links are provided to each literary work. All the short stories and poems should print in about 45 total pages if single-spaced. Because of occasional "technical difficulties beyond our control," it is strongly suggested that you access and acquire all readings as early in the semester as possible. Notify me immediately of any problems with sites. For effective literary analysis and class discussions, it is expected that students have with them in class the hard copy of the work to be discussed. Considering the amount of lead time you have to acquire these materials, no excuses will be accepted about "empty ink cartridges" or broken printers. Although the two plays to be discussed can be found and read in full-text versions online, students should consider purchasing a single inexpensive paperback version or acquiring a library copy of Othello and The Importance of Being Earnest. Although you may do as you wish, printing of these two plays via the internet would be cost prohibitive.

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B. COURSE OVERVIEW: The purpose of this course is to enhance the student’s skills as a writer and as a critical thinker. The course combines several teaching techniques: lecture, seminar, verbal communication, student teaching, and testing. It will incorporate the reading and discussion of poetry, fiction and drama with written journal responses, short in-class essays, and peer dialogues. All writing will be based on class discussions. Upon completion of this course, the student should be capable of expressing thoughts logically, clearly and succinctly in writing. Successful students will effectively evaluate literature using various critical theories and the stages of the writing process. Critical literary interpretation--both oral and written--will be expected.

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C. COURSE EXPECTATIONS: If the student is to profit from any course, he or she must attend class on a consistent basis. As stated on page 17 of the 2001-2003 Burlington County College Catalog, “Students are expected to attend all classes . . . for the full duration of each . . . instructional session.” Excused absences that carry no penalty include: observance of religious holidays, jury duty, military duty, bereavement, and illness or injury to self or family member. If a student must miss (or has missed) a class for one of these reasons, he should notify the instructor by phone, e-mail or written memo within 24 hours from the end of the particular class session. If for any reason a student is absent and does not communicate this absence to me within 24 hours of the missed class, he or she forfeits his chance to make up missed work.

Plagiarism: The penalty for plagiarism is failure and may result in expulsion from the College. If plagiarism is suspected, the student is required to submit proof that the work is his or her own. Without such proof, the student may be required to repeat the assignment. If the student commits plagiarism a second time, he or she will be dismissed from the College. Please refer to the Student Handbook for additional information regarding College regulations and the handling of plagiarism.

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D. GRADING POLICY:

Final Percentages	Letter Grade
138-150	A
136-137	A-
133-135	B+
123-132	B
120-122	B-
117-119	C+
112-116	C
104-111	D
0-103	F

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E. ASSIGNMENT CHART:

Assignment	Due Date	Point Value
Exam One	Session 7	25
Exam Two	Session 11	25
Critical Paper	Session 13	25
Exam Three	Session 14	25
Journal	Session 14	15
Quizzes	Various	25
Participation	N/A	10