ZEROS AND ONES
ENGLISH 1101 C
FALL 2017
MWF 8:00-8:50 a.m.
ALLGOOD HALL N132 (MON) & E254 (WED/FRI)
PRE-REQUISITES: NONE
Mr. Adam Diehl
Office: E 345 Allgood Hall
Office Hours: 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. MWF & By Appointment
Office Phone: 706-667-4448
Email: adiehl@augusta.edu
Required Texts
Ansari, Aziz and Alan Yang. Master of None. Aziz Ansari, director. Netflix Studios, 2015.
Childress, Helen. Reality Bites. Ben Stiller, director. Universal Pictures, 1994.
Hacker, Diana and Nancy Sommers. Rules for Writers. 8th Ed. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2016. ISBN: 978-1-319083496
Norris, Patrick. “Bad News Blair.” Gossip Girl. Joshua Safran, director. CW Network, 2007.
Sorkin, Aaron. The Social Network. David Fincher, director. Columbia Pictures, 2010.
Thomas, Betsy. “The Zit.” My So-Called Life: The Complete Series. Victor DuBois, director. ABC Productions, 1994.
**Mr. Diehl Zeros and Ones Augusta University (Spotify Playlist)
**WE WILL BE LISTENING TO AND DISCUSSINGMUSIC FROM THE 1990s AND THE 2010s THROUGHOUT THE
SEMESTER. You will need a SPOTIFY account or access to other streaming media such as Youtube, Apple Music, Pandora, etc.
WE WILL DISCUSS SONGS EVERY WEEK!
Course Description:
The title of this course comes from the numbers used to code the internet. This semester, we will be examining and discussing and
writing about issues of self-identity as they appear in works from the 1990s and our present decade, the 2010s.
Learning Outcomes:
You will learn how to compose collegiate essays, how to choose good academic sources, how to analyze effectively, how to read and
interpret various media in a more sophisticated way, how to think independently, and how to gauge success based on your efforts and
your circumstances.
SEE ENGL 1101/13 WELCOME LETTER FOR EXHAUSTIVE DESCRIPTIONS OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT,
LEARNING OUTCOMES, AND SPECIFIC COURSE POLICIES.
Teaching Methods:
I strive to establish a positive learning environment in each of my classes. To that end, I will do my best to have an anxiety-free
classroom, which extends to how I conduct discussion and how I assess performance. I try to maximize everyone’s writing potential.
Course Goals:
Your goals in this course should be to become a better writer, a better reader, a better analyzer, a better thinker, a better person, and a
better observer of self-esteem and its pitfalls.
Technology Requirements:
You should know how to use email, the internet, Desire2Learn (lms.augusta.edu), and Microsoft Office programs (specifically Word).
You will need access to these technologies outside of class. You will also need money on your JagCard for printing, as well as access
to your AU z-drive. USB DRIVE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
GRADE SCALE:
A=900-1000 Points
B=800-899 Points
C=700-799 Points
D=600-699 Points*
F=0-599 Points
FYI: DO NOT EMAIL ME ABOUT GRADES. You must come talk to me in person if you have a question about your grades.
*YOU MUST RECEIVE A GRADE OF AT LEAST C TO MOVE ON FROM THIS COURSE, AS PER THE ENGLISH
DEPARTMENT’S STANDARDS.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Homework: In order to become better readers and writers, you will need to annotate the songs we plan to discuss. You will submit
your thoughts (150 word minimum) via Desire2Learn on the Assessment Tools—Assignments folder.
YOUR COMMENTARIES SHOULD INCLUDE:
Your reaction to the song/video—why do you respond this way?
A specific example of self-value/self-esteem/self-reflection from the lyrics or images in the video.
A memorable moment or scene in the video and why you think the artist included it.
Discussion Posts: You will write FIVE discussion posts on Desire2Learn that cover various topics relating to the works we are
studying.
Process Essays: Students will compose FOUR PROCESS ESSAYS—i.e. assignments with multiple steps in writing—this semester.
These essays will be composed and revised OUT OF CLASS. Specific details for each process essay will be announced soon.
Final Exam: Your final exam will be a Socratic discussion of TWO songs (one from the 1990s and one from the 2010s).
Final Portfolio: On the last day of class, students will submit a final e-portfolio, which will include the final draft of the
Argumentative Process Essay.
GRADING BREAKDOWN:
FIVE Discussion Posts: 100 Points (20 Points Each)
Process Essay #1—Self Analysis: 100 Points (REVISION IS OPTIONAL)
Process Essay #2—Song Analysis: 100 Points (REVISION IS OPTIONAL)
Participation: 150 Points** This grade will reflect how many times you speak in class and how attentive you are to your classmates
and to your teacher. **
Process Essay #3—Argumentative Paper: 300 Points (REVISION IS REQUIRED)
Process Essay #4—#IRL Paper: 150 Points (REVISION IS OPTIONAL)
Final Exam: 100 Points
EMAIL POLICY:
I WILL NOT RESPOND TO EMAILS WITHOUT SALUTATIONS, SIGNATURES, AND CORRECT GRAMMAR.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
University policy states that students may not miss more than 10% of scheduled class meetings. If you exceed SIX ABSENCES,
FOR ANY REASON, you will automatically be dropped with a WF.
CONFERENCES:
Students should plan to schedule AT LEAST ONE CONFERENCE* with me to discuss their work and progress in the course.
*STUDENTS WHO RECEIVE A GRADE LOWER THAN 80 ON THEIR ARGUMENTATIVE PAPER FIRST DRAFT
MUST MEET WITH ME AGAIN.
CLASSROOM DEMEANOR:
Students are expected to behave in a professional manner in my class. I expect discussions to be lively and spirited, so speak up!
Computer technology (i.e. laptops, tablets) will be permitted for lab days ONLY.
PHONE POLICY:
The London School of Economics has done an extensive study about student performance relative to smart-phone use in class:
http://money.cnn.com/2015/05/18/technology/smartphones-schools-ban/index.html
To this end, I will pledge to add THREE points (i.e. 30 points on a 1000 Point Scale) to your final grade if you do not use your
phone in class for the entire semester. This agreement will come with stipulations—if you pledge to the agreement and are
guilty of using your phone during class, you will LOSE one point (i.e. 10 points on a 1000 Point Scale) off your final grade. Be
discerning about your capacity for self-control before agreeing to this policy. Those who do not make the pledge will not be
penalized, but they will also be ineligible to receive extra credit.
ESSAY FORMAT
The format utilized by the English discipline comes from the MLA Handbook and MLA Style Manual. All work, unless otherwise
specified, should be typed (12 pt. Times New Roman), double-spaced, and printed—on white paper, single-sided—with one-inch
margins and standard MLA headers and headings. (Information about source documentation will be discussed at length later this
semester.)
MAKE-UP WORK AND LATE WORK POLICIES:
TURN IN HARD COPIES OF PAPERS ON TIME. NO EMAILED PAPERS!!!!!! I WILL NOT GRADE YOUR PAPER
UNTIL I HAVE A HARD COPY.
LATE POLICY: YOU WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TOTAL TO TURN IN OVERDUE WORK WITHOUT PENALTY—
AFTER WHICH, YOU WILL RECEIVE A ZERO.
SUPPLEMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES:
Seek additional instruction and help in this class from SIP and the Writing Center (Allgood Hall N204, Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-8
p.m. + Friday 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.). Extra credit will be issued for attending (+ 1-2-3-4-5 points per visit).
ACADEMIC HONESTY:
Do not cheat, lie, or plagiarize. Lying, cheating, or plagiarizing—the undocumented use of another’s personal ideas or words, through
summary, paraphrase, or direct quotation—will result in a grade of WF for the course, as well as a report to the Dean of Student
Affairs.
DISABILITY SERVICES:
If you have a disability that requires accommodation in this course, please contact Testing and Disability Services in Galloway Hall as
soon as possible for information on the documentation procedure. Call (706) 737-1469 or email tds@augusta.edu. Without this
documentation, I cannot provide special accommodations.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
**YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO AND ANNOTATE EACH SONG BEFORE CLASS VIA Desire2Learn Assessment
Tools: Assignments Folder**
WEEK 1
W 8/16 FIRST DAY OF CLASS; Distribute Syllabus; DISCUSS VALUES OF MILLENNIALS
**F 8/18 SONG DISCUSSION: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana and “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus
WEEK 2
M 8/21 XYZ Method Explanation & Practice
W 8/23 Introductions and Conclusions Explanation; READ Desire2Learn Readings #1
**F 8/25 SONG DISCUSSION: “Loser” by Beck and “Famous” by Kanye West
WEEK 3
M 8/28 Paramedic Method Explanation and Practice
W 8/30 WATCH My So-Called Life in class
F 9/1 DISCUSSION POST #1: My So-Called Life (400 WORD MINIMUM)
WEEK 4
M 9/4 LABOR DAY—NO CLASS
W 9/6 FIRST PROCESS ESSAY DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS—900 WORD MINIMUM;
REFLECTION WRITING #1 IN CLASS
**F 9/8 COMMERCIAL DISCUSSION: 1990s/GEN X Ads
##EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY: ARTS IN THE HEART—DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA (15th-17th)
WEEK 5
M 9/11 WATCH Reality Bites in class
W 9/13 FIRST PROCESS ESSAY REVISION DUE—HIGHLIGHT CHANGES; WATCH Reality Bites in class
F 9/15 DISCUSSION POST #2: Reality Bites (400 WORD MINIMUM)
WEEK 6
M 9/18 OUTLINING and MLA FORMATTING Explanation & Practice
W 9/20 SECOND PROCESS ESSAY DUE—1000 WORD MINIMUM (SONG ANALYSIS); REFLECTION
WRITING #2 IN CLASS
**F 9/22 SONG DISCUSSION: “Self-Esteem” by The Offspring and “Style” by Taylor Swift
WEEK 7
M 9/25 ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY OVERVIEW AND DISCUSSION
W 9/27 READ Desire2Learn Readings #2; Discuss the readings
**F 9/29 SONG DISCUSSION: “Zero” by The Smashing Pumpkins and “0 to 100/The Catch-Up” by Drake
WEEK 8
M 10/2 USING EVIDENCE EXPLANATION & Practice
W 10/4 ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE + SOURCES DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS—300
WORD MINIMUM; REFLECTION WRITING #3 IN CLASS
**F 10/6 SONG DISCUSSION: “Doll Parts” by Hole and “All about That Bass” by Meagan Trainor
MIDTERM WITHDRAWL DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11th; STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE A
WF FOR WITHDRAWLS AFTER THIS DATE
WEEK 9
M 10/9 CONFERENCES—NO CLASS; REVISED 2nd PROCESS ESSAY DUE—HIGHLIGHT CHANGES
W 10/11 CONFERENCES—NO CLASS; REVISED 2nd PROCESS ESSAY DUE—HIGHLIGHT CHANGES
F 10/13 NO CLASS—FALL PAUSE
WEEK 10
M 10/16 Discuss how Millennials see Millennials/Generation X
W 10/18 COMMERCIAL DISCUSSION: 2010s/Millennials Ads
**F 10/20 SONG DISCUSSION: “Basket Case” by Green Day” and “New Americana” by Halsey
##EXTRA-CREDIT OPPORTUNITY: ATTEND SAND HILLS WRITERS’ CONFERENCE (OCT. 23rd)
WEEK 11
M 10/23 Watch The Social Network in class
W 10/25 Watch The Social Network in class
F 10/27 Watch The Social Network in class
WEEK 12
M 10/30 DISCUSSION POST #3: The Social Network (400 WORD MINIMUM)
W 11/1 THIRD PROCESS ESSAY—ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY (1800 WORD MINIMUM) DUE BY THE
BEGINNING OF CLASS; FOURTH PROCESS ESSAY INTRODUCTION; REFLECTION WRITING #4
**F 11/3 SONG DISCUSSION: “Criminal” by Fiona Apple and “Anaconda” by Nicki Minaj
WEEK 13
M 11/6 Watch Master of None in class
W 11/8 DISCUSSION POST #4: 2010s TV (400 WORD MINIMUM)
**F 11/10 SONG DISCUSSION: “Ode to My Family” by The Cranberries and “Blessings” by Big Sean ft. Drake
and Kanye West
WEEK 14
M 11/13 Discuss Social Media Platforms
W 11/15 FOURTH PROCESS ESSAY DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS (1000 WORD MINIMUM);
REFLECTION WRITING #5
**F 11/17 SONG DISCUSSION: “Mother, Mother” by Tracy Bonham and “Fancy” by Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX
WEEK 15
M 11/20 NO CLASS—VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS
W 11/22 NO CLASS—THANKSGIVING BREAK
F 11/24 NO CLASS—THANKSGIVING BREAK
WEEK 16
M 11/27 REVISED THIRD PROCESS ESSAY DUE—HIGHLIGHT CHANGES; Watch Gossip Girl “Bad News
Blair” (1.04)
W 11/29 DISCUSSION POST #5 (400 WORD MINIMUM) on Gossip Girl
**F 12/1 SONG DISCUSSION: “Battle of Who Could Care Less” by Ben Folds Five and “Love Yourself” by
Justin Bieber
WEEK 17
**M 12/4 FOURTH PROCESS ESSAY REVISION DUE BY THE BEGINNING OF CLASS—HIGHLIGHT
CHANGES; SONG DISCUSSION: “Every Day Is a Winding Road” by Sheryl Crow and “Here” by Alessia Cara
W 12/6 FINAL DAY OF CLASS: Discuss Changes/Additions to This Course; ePortfolio Due
FINAL EXAM: Monday, December 11th 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
SONG DISCUSSION: “What I Got” by Sublime and “i” by Kendrick Lamar