English 1127 – Summer 2010
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Instructor: Merrianne Couture
Office: A208 -- Wednesdays 11-12 pm
Phone: 604-323-TBA
E-mail: Please use internal Blackboard email to contact me whenever possible. If for any reason
Blackboard is not working, you can contact me at merrianncouture@yahoo.com. I try to respond to
email messages within 24 hours (or sooner) on weekdays and 48 hours on the weekend.
Langara email: mcouture@langara.bc.ca
Detailed Langara contact information is forthcoming. Do visit this section in the coming days. The
reading schedule will be revised periodically. You will be informed of this through announcements as
well. Thanks for your patience.
Office Hours:
For the initial weeks of the course, I will be available for online meetings on Mondays and Wednesdays
from 9-10 am and in the office on Wednesday 11-12 (A208) Do check the "Who's Online" in your
course tools to see if I'm available. If I am, and you have a question, by all means request a chat.
You can also reach me on skype: merriannecouture If you have a skype account, you will see if I'm
online, please message me so that I will accept you in my contact list. This is not necessary, but is
another method to contact me.
I am also available by telephone - email me with your telephone number and a few times that are
convenient for me to call you.
Course Description
English 1127 is a broad course that does a lot work setting you up for academic life here at Langara.
Good reading, writing and critical skills, however, have the excellent side benefit of helping you in the
real world too. Your choice to do this online will definitely result in developing those abilities. This
will, of course, happen over the next dozen or so weeks with some self-discipline and consistent effort.
As readers, we will explore how writers of both essays and short stories (and some poems)
communicate their ideas. As writers, we will employ analytic strategies to express our analysis of these
texts. Expect to read both fiction and non-fiction toward developing these academic writing skills.
Please note: **I include poetry in many of the weekly course material files because it's an important
part of being literate in a college environment. You may even want to further your education here at
Langara by taking a more in depth poetry course. Maybe not. However, I will continue to occasionally
include short poems in the Weekly modules so that you become accustomed to reading and
interpreting this condensed language. Perhaps you will be relieved that in this course, we will have no
graded assignments on poetry. We will, however, have threaded online discussions. I encourage you to
participate in these. If you have a poem (or any online resource) to share with the class, I can make that
happen too.
By the end of this course, you will know more about critical reading, academic writing, methods of
research, literary interpretation and analysis, and effective language use.
Successful completion of this course means that you will be able to:
write a college-level analytical essay;
conduct academic research and integrate research materials into your own writing;
understand and apply the principles of appropriate use of secondary sources;
understand and apply the principles of documentation in academic writing.
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Required Texts (Langara Bookstore)
If you need the books shipped to you, please contact Tracey at the Langara Bookstore by email:
tedgley@langara.bc.ca She will arrange (at a cost) to have the material sent to you.
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Editor K. Flachmann: Reader's Choice, Sixth Canadian Ed.
Eds Jane E. Aaron and Elaine Bander: The Little, Brown Essential Handbook for Writers. Third
Canadian Edition
A Dictionary -- online or paper. This is your friend. Really.
Online readings (Short Stories/Occasional Poems/Speeches) - to be assigned weekly.
A note on the texts and the approach to writing instruction: The writing guide is ordered for you to
support your writing. It is possible that these materials are online. That said, however, having a paper
writing guide is a useful investment, especially if you plan to continue postsecondary studies. You will
find it beneficial for use in any course that requires writing and it is small enough to carry with you.
There is a reason that it's often difficult to find this type of text used. This particular one also comes
with online tutoring which you are free to explore on your own to reinforce grammatical points. There
is very little official grammar instruction in this course. I will, however, offer weekly tips and other
writing resources to empower your own writing. I also provide feedback on your writing as well. One
more note: reading widely improves writing too. And so we do a lot of that. I don't think I've met any
professional writers who were not also very committed readers. In this course, we "read" texts and
visuals as you will see...in the form of essays, short stories, poems, online discussions and occasional
videos and other materials. Being a good reader leads to being a good critical thinker as well. These
skills are essential to good writing.
Please note: To succeed in this course, you'll have to keep up with scheduled readings. Online doesn't
translate into "whenever it gets done." There are weekly deadlines to be met that are the same as any
other course conducted in the classroom environment. Check the assignment instructions. Assignment
deadlines tend be at the end of the business work, though not exclusively so. It's best to consult the
Course Materials, Calendar and Assignments each week to preview what is coming up. You can also
do this by perusing the schedule of reading below.
Once the deadline has passed, it's difficult to submit .At any rate, you will have to get in touch with me
directly should this occur. Avoid this.
One benefit of the online environment as you might know is that you don't have to get dressed up, or
even dressed. It's also difficult to convey tone in text and please know that my intentions are good.
Course Policies
Online learning is a wonderful thing. We all begin with the best of intentions. I do too. Please respect
deadlines. Do the readings. I am new with this platform and perhaps you are too. What doesn't change
in the online environment is self-discipline and doing the actual work required. I can help you with
both and if you need to contact me, please do not hesitate to do so in whatever way that is convenient to
you.
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Please be aware that computer failure is not an acceptable excuse for missed or late assignments. In a
sense, it has replaced the my-dog-ate-my-homework reason and isn't going to work very well for you.
BACK UP any materials you submit.
To be able to perform your best, your internet connection must be reliable.
Use Safari web browser if you're in a Mac environment.
If you encounter a problem or have a question, please use the resources available to you (website,
discussions), and remember that I am also able to answer specific questions.
Simply put:
Do the work.
Do it on time.
Don't steal.
Participate.
Ask questions.
Passing
You must complete ALL assignments and earn an average grade of C- or higher on any in-class essays
and the final exam to pass this course.
Deadlines
Remember that for an online course like this one, you need to keep an eye on the time an assignment is
due, as well as the date. When an assignment is due by 11.00 pm, the system shuts down and stops
accepting assignments at 11.00 pm precisely; this means you won’t be able to submit your assignment
even a few minutes late. To do so, you will have to negotiate with me.
You will lose one letter grade for each day that an assignment is late (e.g. B+ ? B ? B-) unless there are
extenuating circumstances that are discussed with me before the due date. (If your printer breaks down
or the Langara computers crash, I may sympathize with your troubles, but will still penalize you.)
Late assignments will be returned without comments, at my convenience.
Without proper notification, after one week an unsubmitted assignment will receive a zero. You risk
failing the course when you choose not to do the (almost) weekly assignments.
Assignment format
All assignments must be typed and double-spaced.
All assignments must be spell-checked and carefully proofread.
Please submit your assignments as files with a “doc” or an “rtf” extension. PLEASE no
documents saved as .docx
Assignments in WordPad or WordPerfect or any other program that does not give files a “doc”
extension will not be accepted.
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Term Assignments & Grading
Assignment
Participation (online contributions to discussions, self
evaluation, summaries, creative responses x 10 min.
throughout the term)
Summary Assignment (Readers Choice Text)
Percentage grade
10%
10%
400 wds
Article Analysis
(Readers Choice Text)
10%
400-500 wds
Lit. Analysis
(500 wds)
15%
Short Story analysis
(text online)
Writing Assignments (Best 3 out of 4: definitions, practice
paragraphs, integrating quotations, short answers) All
reading based.
Research Paper Outline (plan and working bibliography)
Research paper (draft 5% peer reviewed and sent to me
and revised final 15% with complete works cited) MLA
format
Final Essay Exam
(On campus DATE TBA)
15%
5%
20 %
15%
(Literary Analysis based on a choice of short stories
covered throughout the term)
**Please note that full details of each of these assignments will be available once the term is underway.
You will find them in the corresponding weekly module. You will know the reading schedule by
checking the material below. Course materials including discussion topics, lecture notes, online links,
clarifications and instructions will be posted in the corresponding weekly file one week in advance.
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As mentioned, the material pertaining to each of the weekly readings will be posted in the Course
Materials section one week prior to the deadlines to give ample time for questions and preparation. For
example, the first week of school, you will find materials for the first and second week. Week three's
stuff will be posted at the beginning of week two, etc. The reading schedule below is to be used as a
resource and will be further updated in the coming days. The exact readings from the Reader's Choice
Text will be specified by May 14, 2010. We will begin using the texts fully at the beginning of Week
Three -- be sure you have secured copies of these by then.
Grade Scale
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD
F
95-100%
90-94%
85-89%
80-84%
75-79%
70-74%
65-69%
60-64%
55-59%
50-54%
54% or less
A grade so seldom seen, it is only rumored to exist.
Brilliant!
Nearly brilliant.
Worth gloating about.
Good, solid work.
Above average.
What most people get.
Acceptable, but below average.
Barely passable.
You should see me for help.
Contact me immediately.
Academic Honesty
College-level writing and research inevitably involve interpreting and building on other people’s ideas.
However, whenever you borrow words or concepts from someone else, you must clearly
acknowledge who that someone else is.You will learn how to do this, so don't worry about it right
now. Rest assured, though, that if you cut and paste...this is NOT your own work. Don't do it.
In English 1127 you will learn how to document all your references fully and correctly using the
Modern Language Association method (MLA), and we will discuss why this type of documentation is
absolutely essential. If you have any questions about how to handle sources for your research paper,
please ask me. Several resources are also available in the Writing Section of the site.
If you misrepresent someone else’s work as your own, you are guilty of PLAGIARISM (from a Latin
word meaning “kidnapping” or “plunder”). Don't do it.
Plagiarism includes submitting any assignment:
(a) that has been purchased or procured from an internet or essay-writing service (including
tutors/editors); or
(b) that contains large amounts of material cut and pasted from internet sources; or
(c) that contains large amounts of material copied directly from unnamed secondary sources.
Plagiarism will not only get you an F for the assignment and possibly for the course, but may also
make you subject to academic probation or expulsion. If you do not clearly understand what plagiarism
is, by all means message me for additional clarification. It is the biggest crime you can commit in an
academic framework and it has very serious consequences. Don't do it.
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If you find yourself in the very difficult place of having to choose whether or not to do so, PLEASE
message me to ask for an extension or some other arrangement. PLAGIARISM may even be
unintentional, but it is your responsibility to make sure that anything you submit acknowledges another
person's work. ideas, concepts or direct contributions.
Course Schedule: Specific Readings will be added in the coming days -- Check this
document on a weekly basis. Announcements will alert you to changes and additions.
DUE DATES FOR ASSIGNMENTS generally don't change.
(tentative and subject to change)
LB = Little Brown Text
WQ = Writing Quiz
RC = Reader's Choice
** Special NOTE: The Final Exam Period is August 10-17 -- The exam will be held in this period, so
make sure that you are available. I will post the exact date and time when the official schedule has been
released.
Week
Week 1:
May 10-14
Topic(s) and readings
- Introductions / Getting used to the Platform/
Exploring Blackboard/ Navigating Blackboard CE
Homework an
* Attend Blackboard orientation and/o
* Texts will be available for purchase
availability.
* Read/view uploaded texts and mess
yourself/send document
*poem/grammar point of the week.
*Navigate to the Assignments section
(ungraded) assignment -- this will get
online. Tell me about yourself. Go to
*Check out next week's stuff
Week 2:
May 17-21
- Online Viewing/ Paragraph Response
-Readings in Course Materials File
-make sure to get text books by the end of the week
@ Langara bookstore
*Writing Diagnostic -- Watch Barac
speeches and submit analysis by Ma
Writing Focus: Paragraphs
*poem/grammar pt. of the week
*get textbooks
* Contribute to Online Discussion on
*Review Essay Writing Basics in the
homepage.
*read/preview materials for next week
Readings LB --Writing Process - 3-9/Writing online
218-220/Spelling and Mechanics Checklist 101
* WQ #1 Definitions (see the Glossa
Writing File) will be posted May 24
Carver Story -- in the file/ write short paragraph
*poem of the week/grammar pt.
Reader's Choice:
*Read short story and submit 150 para
participation
Introduction: 3-32 (Covers a lot of basics)
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Week 3:
May 24-28
Monday May 24:
Victoria Day
Thomas Highway 46-48
*journal writing. See link in Week 3
* Online Contribution/ Study Questio
Week 4:
May 31 - June 4
LB -- Usage Glossary 233/Terms 243
- Thesis statements LB- 7
*read materials for next week
Modes of Writing -- Summary, Analy
Purpose/Audience -- Use of descriptio
-RC: Jean Yoon 50 -55
Sherwin Sully Tija 57-62
*Research Paper Instructions -- This i
sent to one peer and to me/final
Narration - 75-82
*Grammar Pt Transitions./Poem
Reread: 19-29 Choosing Topic
*Contribute to online discussion re se
*Instructions for Group work activity
Brainstorming online.
Read material for next week
Week 5:
June 7-11
Research Strategies
Reading LB: 5, 11 , Developing a research strategy
117-122/ 116 - 133
Article Summary Instructions: Assign
* Article Summary Due June 10 11
RC -- Steven Heighton 87-94
*Select TOPIC for research Essay -- m
consulted with at least one person from
Discussion Board
Anik See -- 95-99
* Grammar Point -- Integrating Quota
PLUS Reading for Summary Assignment
*Poem/short story "The Tell-Tale Hea
(To be included in the assignment link)
*contribute to online discussion
*read material for next week
- LB 12, 42 / p-7/3-77 /Checklist 109-111/MLA
Documentation 153
* Writing Quiz #2
RC:
* Introductions
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Week 6:
June 14-18
Jenn Lamothe 114-115
*Analysis -- identifying theme/rhetori
Example 125-135
*Writing -- effective thesis statements
Anita Rau Badami 136-143
* Grammar Point -- integrating quotat
*Poem/short story selection
*contribute to online discussion
*read material for next week
Week 7:
June 21-25
*begin outline for research essay see i
- LB 6-11/ 138-145/Avoiding plagiarism section: 146 *Due Date: Research Essay Outline
* Grammar Point
- RC --Karen Von Hahn 145-148
*Poem/Short Story
Jodi A. Shaw 149-154
*contribute to online discussion
Barbara Kingsolver 155-161
*read material for next week
*Study Questions for RC reading
Week 8:
June 28-July 2
LB - MLA Citations 153-173/the web 130132/Checklist 147/Punctuation 79/81
*Article Analysis Instructions
* Article Analysis Due (reading from
*Short story/poem
Canada Day Th. July 1 RC -- Process Analysis 167-174
*Study Questions for RC reading
Malcolm Gladwell 178-181
*contribute to discussion post
Stanley Coren 183-187
Maureen Littlejohn 189-192
Week 9:
July 5–July 9
Short Story in the file
LB -- MLA Format 153-172 Designing documents
212/
*SEND Research Draft to me and o
you on this. If you'd like to have more
draft, feel free to do this as well.
RC: Eric McLuhan 193-197
Division and Classification205-211
*SEND comments on research draft to
2.5% of your grade Make constructive
and the student. I will preselect rando
Alison Gillmor 216-225
from me and one other person. The fe
of your grade (if you don't do it, you g
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* Research Draft DUE to me-- subm
worth 2.5% I will evaluate the qual
the work accomplished so far...mini
purposes
*Short story/poem
*Study Questions for RC reading
*contribute to discussion post
*Literary Analysis Instructions
Week 10:
July 12-16
LB -- Sentences Review 73 -79
*readings for next week
*Literary Analysis DUE
RC -- Argument and Persuasion 377-387
*No short story reading this week bec
Judy Rebick 397-399
of the literary analysis.
Carol Stephenson 402-404
*Study Questions for RC reading
*contribute to discussion post
Week 11:
July 19-23
LB--Verb stuff 43-57
RC -- Comparison Contrast 251
*readings for next week
* Writing Quiz #3
*online discussion -- verify that you h
the minimum number needed to achie
Monte Hummel 261-263
*short story selection
Sumitra Rajagopalan 270- 273
*Study Questions for RC reading
Christopher Dewolf 275-277
Week 12:
July 26-30
Week 13:
LB -- Checklist materials for Essay completion.
*readings for next week
* Final Research essays due
Reader's Choice:
* short story
Cause/Effect 334-342
*review materials
*Study Questions for RC reading
No Chapter readings this week. Instead, focus on
using Cause/Effect Methodology to revise your essay.
*contribute to online discussion
Literary Analysis Review
*Reading Quiz 4 (optional if you ar
previous three quizzes -- best 3 out
Aug 2 - 6
LB -- Effective Sentences Checklist 19-37
Mon. Aug. 2 Holiday RC - Lawrence Hill 329-332
Selections for the the Exam to be post
to bring into the exam). Please not tha
previously used for the Literary Analy
Contribute Online
Natalie Goldberg 487-490
Self -evaluation Re: participation and
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Evelyn Lau 367-375
Week 14:
August 12, 2010
18h30 -- 20h25
Room B 147
Print @ bring to the exam next week.
EXAM REVIEW -- go through each week's
materials.
- Final Essay Exam will be an analysis of a Short FINAL EXAM
Story -- you will have a choice. Readings will be
clarified online in Week 13 and will include study August 12, 2010
questions to help with the essay.
18h30-20h25
Room B147