
Link to the first week of reading in the Norton:
http://www.chipspage.com/dial-driver/week2.html. You must have a name and a
password. I will announce them in class.
Course Content Disclosure
Our approach to all that we see, read, or discuss will center on its instructive or intellectual potential. Since literature and film, like other arts, has the power to amuse, challenge, and offend, students may be disturbed at various times during the semester by the films we watch and the literature we read. Many of the materials we will study in this course were written for adult audiences. Materials may contain sexual references, violence and emotionally charged material, as well as religious and cultural values that may differ from our own. Those students who wish to ensure against exposure to or discussion of such materials should enroll in another course.
|
Dr. Dial‑Driver |
BH 201‑A |
(918) 343-7747 |
edial-driver@rsu.edu |
ENG 2613 |
1280/001 |
BH 201 |
MW 12:00-1:15 |
Course Introduction: Introduction to Literature is a course in English that may be a substitute for general humanities. This course is designed to help you learn about how to read, how to analyze, and how to write about literature. It may help you learn to appreciate (and even like) literature.
This course will consist of some lecture, to set the basic vocabulary and guidelines, and much discussion. That means you need to read the material so you can talk about it! Your input is invaluable. You must participate in class discussion to practice the skills necessary to successfully complete the required assignments.
Textbooks and Resources
Dial‑Driver, Emily. The Guide to College Writing. Reno: BentTree, 2005.
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice.
Other materials: Printer paper
Names and Phone numbers of classmates
___________________________________ __________________________________
___________________________________ __________________________________
___________________________________ __________________________________
Learning Objectives
In accordance with the Rogers State University mission and the mission of the Department of Communications and Fine Arts, this course is intended to provide the opportunity for students to develop and display effective communication skills, both written and oral; critical and creative thinking; multicultural exposure; global perspective, and a appreciation for the diverse views of art, knowledge, culture, and the world. Introduction to Literature leads to the following outcomes:
1. Introduction to Literature is required for those students aspiring to baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees, and some certificate and associate of applied science programs.
2. Introduction to Literature is designed to build and display effective communication skills and creative and critical thinking in an atmosphere of academic freedom which encourages interaction in a positive academic climate.
3. This course is designed to create opportunities for cultural, intellectual, and personal enrichment for students.
During the semester, you will study these literary genres: non-fiction, short story, drama, poetry, and film. You will
1. learn literary terms
2. learn some facts about works of literature
3. learn to analyze a work of literature
4. learn to evaluate literature in a number of ways
5. learn to write about evaluation of a literary work
6. learn to respond to questions about literature, especially in realms of synthesis and evaluation
Assessment Tools
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By the end of the semester you will have |
Fulfilled Objective |
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1. passed two tests on the reading and study material |
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 |
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2. written and handed in a Reading Journal |
3, 4, 5, and 6 |
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3. written an acceptable, short, documented paper using MLA format |
1, 2, 3, and 5 |
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4. created/submitted an image journal responding to text |
3,4, 5, and 6 |
Mid-Level (Class Assessment): Students will be assessed on their knowledge of the literary terms, criticism, analysis, and evaluation.
Exit Assessment: Students will be assessed on their knowledge of the literary terms, criticism, analysis, and evaluation.
Accuracy of information
Organization and clarity of thoughts
Depth of critical thinking and observation
Satisfaction of defined requirements (deadlines, etc.)
Acceptable writing mechanics
Fidelity of work (no plagiarism, cheating, etc.)
Evidence of creative or innovative thinking
Effective cooperative learning
Grading Scale and Academic Profiles
The Communications and Fine Arts Division has adopted a standard grading scale:
A 90-100% B 80-89% C 70-79% D 60-69% F 59% and below
Academic Profile
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Descriptor |
Description |
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A |
Excellent |
Students receiving an “A” can be considered to have exhibited extraordinary effort in class and scholarship exceeding the expectations of the instructor and to have exhibited most or all of the following: to have attended regularly and on time (missed fewer than the equivalent of one week of class meetings); to have participated fully in peer evaluations and in class discussion, revealing personal initiative in both; to have used well-supported and well-structured logical arguments in essay writing; to have revealed a grasp of mechanics that prevents errors; to have revealed depth of critical thought and observation; to have exhibited timeliness in turning in assignments; to have revealed strong interest in intellectual, cultural, and personal growth by reading and discussing assigned material; to have shown consistent improvement in academics. |
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B |
Above Average |
Students receiving a “B” can be considered to have exhibited above-average effort in class, revealing noticeable improvement in academics, and showing accurate and complete scholarship. The student will have exhibited most or all of the following: have attended regularly (not missed more than the equivalent of one week of class meetings) and on time; have participated honestly and solidly in peer evaluations and in class discussion; have used supported and structured logical arguments in essay writing; have revealed a grasp of mechanics that prevents many errors; have revealed critical thought and observation; have exhibited a moderate grasp of timeliness in turning in assignments; have revealed interest in intellectual, cultural, and personal growth by reading and discussing assigned material. |
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C |
Average |
Students receiving a “C” can be considered to have exhibited average effort in class, performing satisfactorily but not above average, with some self-direction, and have shown signs of academic progress, meeting assignment parameters accurately. The student will have exhibited most or all of the following: attended regularly (not missed more than the equivalent of one week of class meetings) and on time; participated willingly in peer evaluations and in class discussion; have used supported and structured arguments in essay writing; have revealed an average grasp of mechanics that prevents most errors; have revealed average critical thought and observation; have exhibited a moderate grasp of timeliness in turning in assignments; have revealed average interest in intellectual, cultural, and personal growth by reading and discussing assigned material. |
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D |
Below Average |
Students receiving a “D” can be considered to have exhibited some effort in class, but not enough to show fully engagement with the subject and with the course material, showing little or no initiative and academic improvement, and not meeting the scholarship requirements of assignments. The student will have exhibited most or all of the following: have participated somewhat in peer evaluations and in class discussion; have attended somewhat regularly (missed more than the equivalent of one week and less than the equivalent of two weeks) and usually on time; have used some structured and supported arguments in essay writing; have revealed a sub-standard grasp of mechanics that prevents only some errors; have revealed below average critical thought and observation; have exhibited some grasp of timeliness in turning in assignments; have revealed below average interest in intellectual, cultural, and personal growth by reading and discussing assigned material; have not met the scholarship requirements of assignments; have not shown initiative; have not revealed academic improvement. |
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F |
Unsatisfactory |
Students receiving an “F” can be considered to have exhibited little or no desire to pass the course. This will usually involve poor participation and attendance (missed more than the equivalent of two weeks of class meetings) and little or no effort to attempt improvement as well as scholarship deficiencies and lack of effort to complete assignments. |
The Guide to College Writing includes essays in an appendix. Each of these essays is the equivalent of an “A” or “A-“ essay, generally for a freshman class.
Communications and Fine Arts Policy on Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty. Plagiarism is representing someone else's ideas or work as your own. To avoid plagiarism, when you use someone else's data, arguments, designs, words, ideas, project, etc., you must make it clear that the work originated with someone else by citing the source. Please review the Student Code of Responsibilities and Conduct published by Rogers State University for a full discussion of “Code of Academic Conduct” and plagiarism penalties.
Rogers State University is committed to providing students with disabilities equal access to educational programs and services. Before any educational accommodation can be provided, any student who has a disability that he or she believes will require some form of accommodation must do the following: 1) inform the professor of each class of such need; and 2) register for services to determine eligibility for assistance with the Office of Student Affairs, located in the Student Union. Students needing more information about Student Disability Services should contact: Office of Student Affairs, Rogers State University, 918-343-7579.
Computer Writing Labs
Computers are available in the UPA, Stratton Taylor Library, and Student Support Services. Computers are available for class use in BH 207.
Graded Elements
Make-up Tests: Please take the tests on time.
NOTE: Read the sections in The Guide to College Writing on journal entries, summaries, and reports.
A reading journal has two major elements: an academic element and a personal (but not a private) element. The academic element is the bibliographic data, the summary, and the analytic paragraph. The personal element is record of your responses to what you are reading, in the form of a personal reaction paragraph. The paragraph is informal in style; it should be interesting and revelatory. Put in your honest opinions, comments, interpretations, evaluations, insights, questions, etc. Give a response to the reading: emotional, moral and/or intellectual.
Academic Reading Journal Format: Each entry should be at least two typed pages. Each entry should contain four sections.
Section I: bibliographic data
Section 2: paragraph of summary
Section 3: paragraph of literary analysis
1. You may comment on ONE of the following: the language, literary devices, style, structure, content, classification, symbols, images, themes, characters, conflict OR
2. You may compare the work to real life or to other works you have read OR
3. You may evaluate the work. (See attached sheet headed “Types of Evaluation.) You may decide if it is good, if it is better than others you have read. You may tell why you made this decision.
Section 4: paragraph of personal reaction: Tell what you liked or disliked about the work.
The length for this paper is three to five pages of text, typed. (You will include a Works Cited page that is part of the paper but is not a page of text.)
Decide on a short story, play, novel, film or poem in which you are interested. You may choose more than one selection but not more than three. Do research on the selection(s) in order to write a literary analysis. Decide on the limited topic you intend to handle and on which you can find sufficient resource material. Do NOT do a biography of an author.
You should use five or more sources in the paper, three of which must be print sources, one of which must be an Internet or other electronic source. (General encyclopedias are not appropriate sources.) Be sure that you include not only paraphrased but also quoted material. Use MLA‑format documentation. You must include copies of the sources you used, with the material you used highlighted.
We will not be studying the research paper or how to write one. Make sure you read the noted sections in the Guide to College Writing. You will be graded on the conventions of essay writing, documentation, etc.
Reflective Essay: The length for this paper is three to five pages of text, typed. Decide on a short story, play, novel, film or poem which you have read/watched in this class and in which you are interested. You may choose more than one selection but not more than three. Discuss this work or these works in terms of your personal reaction/relationship to the work or works.
Creative Journal: Choose a work we have dealt with in this class. Using the selection as a basis, develop the equivalent of a ten-page journal that is visual, tactile, imagistic. The purpose of this project is to illuminate the work for other class members. You need to write a one or two paragraph paper telling 1) why you choose the work you choose, (2) how you think your project illuminates/explicates the work you choose, 3) the significance of each element of your project. You will present the project to the class, at which time you will be asked to answer each of the above questions. You must present the project to receive credit. You must also label the project with the title of the work you are dealing with. Be creative. Take chances. ENJOY THIS (yes, that's part of the assignment—and required!). Don't worry; we'll look at some examples. You won't die from this.
Grading
Grade Composition
Late assignments will be lose 10% per day up to 30%; please turn things in on time. Do not miss an exam. If you do, you will have to make special arrangements with me to come in at a special time and take a special make‑up exam. It is best to take the exam as scheduled.
Tests 100 points each 200 points
Documented Paper 100 points
Reflective Paper 100 points
Academic Reading Journal 100 points
Creative Reading Journal (presentation will be part of this grade) 100 points
approximate TOTAL 600 points
Written Assignments: Each written assignment will be graded using the following criteria: Appearance—10%, Content and organization—60%, Mechanics—30%
NOTE: If you wish, you can revise and rewrite the research and reflective essays. If the paper is acceptable (if you have made the corrections, followed the guidelines and suggestions for revision noted on the paper, and turned the paper in within one week), you will receive a 10% higher grade.
Extra Credit and Late Work: Late work will lose 10% per day up to 30%. Tests taken late will be penalized at least 20%. No extra credit is anticipated.
Important Notice: You must complete all assignments to receive credit for the course.
Attendance Policy: Attendance is vital. You cannot discuss if you are not here. Excessive absences (more than the equivalent of one week of class) will affect your grade. Please tell me if you come in late. Otherwise you will be marked absent. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not receive credit for attendance for that class meeting.
Other Important Considerations
Expectations
q Essays and journal entries should be typed. Other assignments should be typed or written on the front of loose-leaf notebook paper in ink. (No spiral notebook paper or papers written in pencil will be accepted.)
q All assignments should be properly assembled to hand in at the beginning of the class period in which they are due. Bring the assignments assembled and stapled, completely ready to submit. Do not expect time to finish or to assemble or to staple assignments during class. Assignments turned in more than five minutes after the beginning of the class period are late.
q I prefer that you not use ANY tobacco products in the classroom OR wear hats or caps.
q Do not bring pagers or cell phones with audible notifications into the classroom.
q Failure to comply with these requests will be seen as denoting lack of respect for the class, the instructor, and your classmates.
E-Mail Communication: You may, of course, e-mail me with questions. However, try to keep this to a minimum. I do not accept e-mail submissions or attachments of any kind.
Term Sheets: You may need to copy the sheets attached to the syllabus on literary and poetic terms since you will be using these in relation to several works this semester.
Ticket to Final Examination
The schedule and procedures in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.
Schedule and Text Assignments:
Each assignment should be done by the first day of the class week. Pages
numbers assigned are from The Norton Introduction to Literature
(designated Lit) or from the Guide to College Writing
(designated GCW).
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Week |
Activity |
Assignment |
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1 |
Introduction to course Literary terms |
The following readings for this week should be completed as needed: You will be held responsible for this material when it is appropriate. Lit 35-75 GCW 63-68 (“Reading”) GCW 120-46 (“Writing . . . Literature”) GCW 69-86 (reports, summaries, reviews) GCW 11-62 (essay writing) GCW 87-119 (“The Research Paper”) GCW 159-68 (“Library Discovery”) Start Pride and Prejudice |
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2 |
Analysis/interpretation/criticism History of the language Formats |
Lit 13 (“The Elephant) Lit 49 (“Flight Patterns”) Lit 91 (“Sonny’s Blues”) Lit 127 (“Cask of Amontillado”) Lit 155 (“Why I Live at the P.O.”) Lit 274 (“A Hunger Artist”) |
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3 |
Short stories Research Essay Assigned |
Lit 369 (“Love Medicine”) Lit 436 (“The Rocking-Horse Winner”) Lit 536 (“The Story of an Hour”) Lit 538 (“A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings”) Lit 543 (“Girl”) Lit 594 (“A Rose for Emily”) Lit 634 (“The Jewelry”) |
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4 |
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Lit 639 (“An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”) Lit 667 (“The Yellow Wallpaper”) Lit 710 (“Barn Burning”) Pride and Prejudice |
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5 |
Poetry: Selections in Class
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Lit 11-18 Prepare to submit research report |
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6 |
Pride and Prejudice Submit Research Essay |
GCW 75-82 |
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7 |
Continue Poetry Selections in Class Reflective Paper Assigned |
Prepare for mid-term test: This test will cover all material to this point. |
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8 |
Mid-term Examination Trifles |
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9 |
Film: Enchanted April Submit Reflective Paper |
Prepare Reflective Paper |
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10 |
Film: Pure Formality |
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11 |
Film: Strictly Ballroom |
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12 |
Film: The Usual Suspects |
Finalize creative journal for presentation |
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13 |
Present creative journal |
Finalize reading journal for submission |
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14 |
Film: The Fisher King Submit reading journal |
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15 |
Synthesis |
Prepare for the final test: Test is comprehensive and will cover all chapters and works in the textbook, exercises, presentations, handouts, reports, etc. |
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16 |
Final Examination |
You must have a ticket to enter. |
Consider all following questions as we work through the semester:
q What is the difference between essay and short story?
q What are the philosophies represented in the works?
q What does narrative do for people?
q How are gender/race/class portrayed in the selections?
q What social commentary is made in the selections?
q How do setting and language affect the story?
q What is the theme of each selection?
q What selections are most appealing to you and why?
q What are the elements that make a poem?
q Are the selections related to each other? How?
q How are the play selections about the disenfranchised?
q Of what does a “play” consist?
q What are the elements of a film?
q How does the language of a character “inform” the character, i.e., what does language use reveal about the character?
q What elements does film have in common with short story/play/essay/poem?
q How does each selection reveal the human experience?
Name(s): _______________________ Name of work: _________________________
Author of work: _________________________ Genre of work: _________________________
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Plot
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Conflict(s) |
Flashback(s) |
Foreshadowing |
Epiphany |
Resolution |
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Climax |
Denouement |
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Character(s)
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Characterization: Flat/Round |
Style |
Tone |
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Allusion(s)
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Paradoxes |
Point of View |
Noteworthy Language |
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Setting |
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Image(s) |
Symbol(s) |
Theme(s) |
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Evaluation: affective mimetic aesthetic significance integrity and originality
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Interpretation: literal biographical historical sociological psychological religious |
Personal Reaction |
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Poetry Terms
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Literary Term |
Example |
Comment |
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Alliteration |
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Allusion |
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Anomaly |
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Assonance |
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Cacophony |
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Consonance |
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Euphony |
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Hyperbole |
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Image |
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Metaphor |
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Onomatopoeia |
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Oxymoron |
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Paradox |
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Personification |
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Simile |
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Style |
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Symbol |
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Theme |
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Tone |
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TYPES OF LITERARY EVALUATION
Literary works may be evaluated in a number of ways. You may choose to evaluate in any manner you wish. However, if you are feeling insecure about evaluation and if you wish some concrete guidelines, the following list of terms may serve as an aid.
Affective
Affective evaluation is evaluation of emotional appeal.
Does the work emotionally involve you? Were you excited and interested?
Aesthetic
Aesthetic evaluation is evaluation on artistic principles of complexity, unity, and economy.
A work is simple when only a few of the possibilities of a situation are being dealt with. A work is complex when the author attempts to include or suggest many facets. A work is unified when all the parts contribute to the whole of the work. A work is economical when the writer says as much as possible in the fewest words.
Integrity and originality
Evaluation of the integrity and originality of the author is based on the judgment of whether the author is using trite ideas and formula plots, etc., or if the author is using new and original ways to present ideas.
Mimetic
Mimetic evaluation is evaluation of plausibility or verisimilitude.
Does the work seem as if it could have happened, given the parameters set up by the writer? Does the work seem to present the truth, given the parameters set up by the author? A fantasy may be plausible and "real" if the reader can accept it.
Significance
Evaluation by significance is related to mimetic evaluation.
The work is judged on how significant, how penetration, how useful the statement about experience is. Is what the author says of any importance?
Work Sheet: Films
For each film, determine the following:
1. character elements
2. plot elements
i. inciting incident
ii. points of conflict
iii. plot twists
iv. climax
v. resolution
vi. denouement
vii. foreshadowing
3. cinematography elements
4. images
5. symbols
6. themes
Consider the following:
1. Why do you think each of these films was chosen? What quality does each film have that makes it appropriate for an Introduction to Literature class?
2. Why do you think all of these films were chosen? What qualities/themes/elements do these films have in common that makes them appropriate as a unit?
An Open Letter to Students
Attending college is analogous to being employed. Success on the job is achieved only with hard work and effort. This is also true of college.
Your employer expects you to be on the job every day, on time, and prepared to work. You are allowed only a specific number of sick days each year after which your pay is “docked.” This is also true in composition classes. Regular and prompt attendance is essential.
Meetings are an essential part of the workplace culture, and everyone is expected to attend regularly and to contribute to the discussion. If you miss an excessive number of meetings and/or do not share information, your employment success is in jeopardy. The same holds true for this class. You are not only expected to attend all of our “meetings,” but you are expected to contribute to the discussion. This requires that you come to each class prepared to discuss the assigned material. Failure to do so will put your success in jeopardy.
Your employer requires you to submit all reports on time. Failure to do so will endanger your employer’s business and your success. The same is true for this class. All “reports” (papers, etc.) are due at the scheduled time (see syllabus). If, for a justified reason, you will not be able to meet the time schedule, you must notify me, just as you would contact your employer if you needed an extension. However, as in the workplace, such extensions do not come without a cost. Extensions result in a decrease in your “salary” (grade).
Performance reviews occur periodically in the workplace, and your employer determines the degree of your success during these reviews. Such is the case in this class. The “performance reviews” for this class are papers and other assignments. These reviews require you to show not only your knowledge of the material, but also your ability to use this knowledge. Your “pay” (grade) depends on the quality of your performance.
If you attend class regularly, participate in class discussions, and submit all materials, well prepared and in a timely fashion, you have the potential to excel in this class. I am looking forward to working with you and to learning with you. I am always available if you need assistance.
Good luck! Good writing!
adapted, with permission, from Bremer, Joyce C. “The Responsible Student.” Innovation Abstracts 20.17 (4 Sep. 1998): 1.
"
Name: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________
Student Contract for Introduction to Literature
Initial each statement and turn this contract in. This contract must be on file for you to attend the class.
_____ I have read and understood the guidelines and requirements in the syllabus.
_____ I understand what plagiarism is and what penalties it will incur; I will not plagiarize.
_____ I understand that this class is for three hours college credit; this implies three hours of class
meeting.
_____ I understand that each hour of college credit usually requires two or more hours per week study
time outside of class.
_____ I understand that attendance is required.
_____ I understand literary selections for this class may contain controversial or “offensive” material; this
is the nature of some academic works.
_____________________________
(signature)
RSU Communications and Fine Arts Definition of Plagiarism
See the Guide to College Writing, pages 101-04
Course and section:___________________________
I understand and accept the following definition of plagiarism:
1. It is plagiarism to copy another’s words directly and present them as your own without quotation marks and direct indication of whose words you are copying. All significant phrases, clauses, and passages copied from another source require quotation marks and proper acknowledgement, down to the page number(s) of printed texts.
2. It is plagiarism to paraphrase another writer’s work by altering some words but communicating the same essential point(s) made by the original author without proper acknowledgment. Though quotation marks are not needed with paraphrasing, you must still acknowledge the original source directly.
3. Plagiarism includes presenting someone else’s ideas or factual discoveries as your own. If you follow another person’s general outline or approach to a topic, presenting another’s original thinking or specific conclusions as your own, you must cite the source even if your work is in your own words entirely. When you present another’s statistics, definitions, or statements of fact in your own work, you must also cite the source.
4. Plagiarism includes allowing someone else to prepare work that you present as your own.
5. Plagiarism applies in other media besides traditional written texts, including, but not limited to, oral presentations, graphs, charts, diagrams, artwork, video and audio compositions, and other electronic media such as web pages, PowerPoint presentations, and postings to online discussions.
My signature below indicates that I have read and do understand and accept the “RSU Communications and Fine Arts Definition of Plagiarism,” which contains examples and explanation of the various types of plagiarism listed above.
Print your name
here: Sign your name
here:
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