In this course you will work on the critical reading and writing skills necessary for success in college and the “real world.”  As this class focuses primarily on imaginative works (rather than essays), we will also work on understanding and appreciating literature.  In your reading and writing assignments, we will work on several goals:  (1) you will become active readers of imaginative literature; (2) you will strengthen critical thinking skills through writing about literature; (3) you will communicate effectively in an academic voice; and, (4) you will strengthen editing, revision, and self-evaluation skills.

Short Guide to Writing About Literature, 9th edition, ed. Sylvan Barnet
Introduction to Literature, Custom Text, ed. Conseula Francis
The Bluest Eye, Toni Morrison
Animal Farm, George Orwell
Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck
Dark Knight Returns, Frank Miller
Additional Contemporary book
Pocket Folder
Readings from e-reserves

Assignments
Analysis Papers (6)                             30 points
Essay #1 (explication)                         30 points
Essay #2 (analysis)                              30 points
Essay #3 (documented essay)              40 points
Essay #4                                              30 points
Essay #5                                              40 points
Portfolio                                               30 points

 Grading Scale
100-92 (A); 91-86 (B+); 85-80 (B); 79-76 (C+); 75-70 (C); 69-60 (D); 59 and below (F)

(New Grading Policy)
100-96 (A); 95-92 (A-); 91-88 (B+); 87-84 (B); 83-80 (B-); 79-77 (C+); 76-73 (C); 72-70 (C-); 69-67 (D+); 66-63 (D); 62-60 (D-); 59 and below (F)
 

Attendance and Participation
Come to class everyday.
Come to class on time.
Come to class prepared.

 If you miss more than three classes, I will deduct two points from your final grade for each additional class you miss.  I do not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences, so use them wisely.

Late and Missing Work
Missing class is not an excuse for missing work.  It is your responsibility to get things in on time.  I will deduct two points for every day or fraction of a day an assignment is late.   You cannot make up analysis papers, or in-class writing assignments.

I do not accept papers over e-mail and a paper slipped under my door doesn’t count.
 
If you are having problems with any assignment, please come and see me before the problem gets out of hand.
 

PLAIGARISM
In a word—don’t.  The work you turn in should be your own.  While I encourage you to discuss ideas and look to your classmates to help you work through challenging material, the work you turn in for a grade should be work that you have done.  You will receive a zero and be brought before the honor board for any work not your own (this includes essays purchased or cut and pasted from various sources, as well as work that incorporates others’ ideas/words without proper acknowledgement).  If you have any questions about what constitutes plagiarism, please see me.