BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
The City University of New York
Department of English
English 201-987 (HYBRID)
Title of Course: English Composition II (Introduction to Writing About Literature)
Class Hours: 3
Online meetings: Post original thread by 11:00 a.m. Tuesday and reply by 11:00 a.m. Wednesday
Face to Face Meetings: (F2F) FRIDAYS 8-9:15a (N779)
Semester: Spring 2012
Instructor Information (Phone#, Office#, email):
Prof. Goodison
212-220-8267
rgoodison@bmcc.cuny.edu or profgoodison@gmail.com
Office hours: (N714) 12-1 Tuesdays, 12-2 Wednesdays, and by appointment
Credits: 3
Hours: 3
Course Description:
This course is a continuation of ENG 101. It helps the student further develop composition skills
through literary analysis. Students continue to focus on the writing process as they are introduced
to a variety of literary genres including the short story, drama, poetry, and/or the novel. Students
complete a documented paper based on library, electronic, and field research.
Pre-Requisite: ENG101
Course Student Learning Outcomes (Students will
be able to…)
1. Acquire a critical appreciation of the nuances and
complexities of a variety of literary texts
2. Define and apply literary terms to analyses of texts
within several literary genres
3. Write at least four well-developed, thesis-driven
argument and analysis essays that use evidence from
literary texts and incorporate research, and are
comprised of clear, grammatically-correct, effective
sentences in well-organized paragraphs
4. Frame research questions; plan research strategies;
find and evaluate sources using the BMCC Library and
the BMCC Library Website; and present the results of
research
5. Correctly use the conventions of MLA
documentation and citation, including a “Works Cited”
page
Measurements (means of assessment for
student learning outcomes listed in first
column)
1. Present analysis of texts which include
insight into how the texts work within their
respective contexts
2. Formal and informal written analyses of
various texts from various genres
3. Formal essays including a research paper
and several thesis-driven response papers
4. Research paper and evidence of process
5. Research paper and formal papers
Below are the college’s general education learning outcomes, the outcomes that are checked
in the left-hand column indicate goals that will be covered and assessed in this course.
(Check at least one.)
General Education Learning Outcomes
Communication Skills- Students will be able to
write, read, listen and speak critically and
effectively.
Arts & Humanities- Students will be able to
develop knowledge and understanding of the arts
and literature through critiques of works of art,
music, theatre or literature.
Measurements (means of assessment for
general education goals listed in first
column)
Class presentations and discussions
Formal essays and informal writing
assignments
Required Text:
The poems, stories and articles for the class are on blackboard. Be sure that you have access to
this site and know how to navigate it.
Highly Recommended Text:
They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing
Authors: Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 0393924092
Other Required Resources:
Note book, loose leaf paper, a dictionary with at least 65,000 entries, Folders with pockets or
some other device to hold handouts
Use of Technology:
Blackboard (This is an integral part of the class. If you need help setting up your email or
anything else, get help from the e-learning center in S500.)
Evaluation and Requirements of Students
ATTENDANCE, HOMEWORK, PARTICIPATION
40%
You are expected to post on Discussion Board on Blackboard by the due date listed. This
post will be graded on how much thought it shows you’ve given to the text as well as how well
you contribute to the class discussion online and in-class.
Your attendance will be averaged at the mid-term and at the end of semester. Every class you
are present and on time for is worth 1 point. Every class you are late for is worth .5 points.
Every class you are absent for is worth 0 points. These include online classes: You are counted
present and online if you post and respond by the times set.
FORMAL ESSAYS 60%
You are be expected to write four formal essays: one essay discussing the theme of a text, one
essay explicating a poem, one paper presenting a key idea in the book of your choice and one
research paper that analyzes at least two texts using literary criticism.
All papers are due on Blackboard’s Safe Assign. The exact times and dates are listed on the
course map. Be aware that the link to submit your paper disappears at the due time. After
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that you will not be able to submit your paper and will receive a zero for the missing paper.
No paper will be accepted after the due date and time.
Timeline for my responses: I will respond within 48 hours to your emails, posts grades for
your discussion board assignments within a week, and post grades for formal papers within two
weeks.
Attendance Policy
At BMCC, the maximum number of absences is limited to one more hour than the number of
hours a class meets in one week. For example, you may be enrolled in a three-hour class. In that
class, you would be allowed 4 hours of absence (not 4 days). In the case of excessive absences,
the instructor has the option to lower the grade or assign an F or WU grade.
You are considered late if you arrive after the scheduled start of class. If you do arrive late,
come in quietly and sign the “Late Sheet”. If you do not sign in, you remain marked as absent on
my attendance sheet.
Academic Adjustments for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations or academic adjustments for
this course must contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. BMCC is
committed to providing equal access to all programs and curricula to all students.
BMCC Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Integrity Statement
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas, words or artistic, scientific, or technical
work as one’s own creation. Using the idea or work of another is permissible only when the
original author is identified. Paraphrasing and summarizing, as well as direct quotations, require
citations to the original source. Plagiarism may be intentional or unintentional. Lack of dishonest
intent does not necessarily absolve a student of responsibility for plagiarism.
Students who are unsure how and when to provide documentation are advised to consult with
their instructors. The library has guides designed to help students to appropriately identify a cited
work. The full policy can be found on BMCC’s website, www.bmcc.cuny.edu. For further
information on integrity and behavior, please consult the college bulletin (also available online).
You will submit all papers to Safe Assign on Blackboard. If your paper is plagiarized, you will
be awarded an F (0%) – no chance of revision or resubmission. You may also be reported to
the Academic Dean.
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