Prince George’s Community College
Fall 2010
Prose, like a straight line, extends to the horizon.
Verse, like a spiral, draws us into itself….
--Robert Wallace
Course:
English 1020 Honors / Comp II: Writing About Literature / LD01,
#25586
Time / location:
Tu Th 9:30-10:45; M3089
Instructor:
Michele Hardy
Associate Professor of English
Email:
hardymm@pgcc.edu
Office/Phone: Marlboro Hall, Room 3057; 301-322-0596
Office Hours: Tu: 11-12:15 and 2-3; Th: 11-12:15
Professor’s Mailbox: Marlboro Hall, Room 3072; if submitting anything in my
mailbox, please have one of the department administrative assistants time-stamp your
work. My mailbox is marked by my last name, “Hardy.”
Email availability: Email is the best way to communicate with me outside of class. I
check my email daily. However, I generally do not check mail after 5 p.m. Please
attempt to email me during the week rather than the weekend as I may not be as readily
available.
Student Owl Mail: All students must use their assigned PGCC Owl Email Account to
communicate with professors. This address will also be the one the college uses to
contact you or to send you important information. The account has been set up for you;
however, you need to activate it in order to use it. Go to http://live.pgcc.edu/ then
carefully read and follow the directions given. Once you activate your account, you can
quickly access your Owl mail, your Owl Link account, and much more on the college's
new website for students entitled myPGCC which can be accessed at www.pgcc.edu or
my.pgcc.edu. If you have difficulty activating your Owl mail account or you have
forgotten your Owl Link User ID, email Owlmail@pgcc.edu or go to Technology
Services Help Desk in Bladen Hall, Room 106, on the Largo campus.
Email Etiquette: To ensure a high level of professionalism and courtesy, please follow
the following basic rules for email etiquette:
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Provide a clear subject heading, for example John Smith, EGL 102H (I do
not open emails that have blank subject headings or that are vague—
i.e. “Hi”). You may also indicate the nature of your email—John Smith,
EGL 1020H, question on Essay 2
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Within your email: Provide an appropriate salutation—i.e. Hello
Professor Hardy—and a signature—i.e. Thank you, John Smith
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Do not use “IM-speak” in your correspondence (i.e. omitting
capitalization, irregular spellings, abbreviations) or informal language
Overview: In this course, you will continue to develop your critical thinking and writing
skills used in English 1010, using short fiction, poetry, and drama as a medium for
discussion and composition. An understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of quality
literature written by a diverse group of authors will be encouraged. This course also
features 1) a group presentation which includes: a) research on a selected poet / poem; b)
applying artistic mediums such as music and creative writing to enhance connection with
the work; 2) a documented research paper on a selected work.
Required Texts: Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing.
Compact 6th edition. Editors X.J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia. ISBN #: 0-205-69878-6
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone by August Wilson ISBN #: 0-452-26009-4
*This syllabus (as well as any handouts) are to be considered texts as well. If you lose or
misplace them, it is your responsibility to Xerox the material from a peer.
Textbooks can be purchased through PGCC's Campus Bookstore in Largo Student
Center. Upon enrolling in this course, you have made a commitment, as I have. This
entails purchasing the required textbooks in time to complete the specified
assignments. If you do not have the textbook by this time, it is your responsibility to
obtain the material, either by contacting a fellow student, accessing the material online or
in a library.
Course Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, students will
be able to
1. Write analytical essays about literary texts by
 formulating restricted, unified and precise thesis statements
 organizing essay content into introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs
 composing restricted, unified, and precise topic sentences for paragraphs
 writing unified and coherent paragraphs that are well-developed with supporting
materials drawn from the literary text
 applying grammar and usage rules correctly
 writing clear, precise sentences
2. Explain basic literary terms in the genre of poetry, fiction, and drama
3. Write research-based essays using secondary sources to:
 demonstrate their understanding of plagiarism
 synthesize several different sources into an essay to support its thesis
 quote, summarize, and paraphrase responsibly within that paper
 document sources according to the MLA format
My goals:
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My goals include, but are not limited to:
guiding you, the best way I can, in reaching the outcomes listed above
assisting you in realizing your creative potential to connect with literature
helping you attain your personal, academic, and future goals
listening and learning from every student
Philosophy: I am a firm believer that every student should be directly involved in
his/her education. This class will be a rigorous, energetic, intellectually stimulating space
where we can explore literature together. My classes rely heavily on active discussion
and every student’s voice will be heard. I have structured the class to be in a “workshop”
atmosphere—a comfortable, interactive, safe environment where everyone can make
discoveries that lead to positive, critical thinking. This is a demanding, but rewarding
course. It is a space of high standards and expectations. If you are committed and
willing to work, as I am, we will have a productive and rewarding semester.
Requirements: The successful completion of all of the following assignments:
Essay 1: Analysis of short fiction
Poetry project:
Essay 2: Analysis of poetry (individual work)
Oral presentation on poetry (group work)
15%
Literature Response Papers
Research paper
25%
25%
20%
15%
Grading scale: 100-90=A; 89-80=B; 79-70=C; 69-60=D; 59-0=F
Assignment policies:
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All work is to be typed and double-spaced, unless otherwise specified. Please
use standard print size (12), margins (1”), and font (Times New-Roman).
I do not accept work that is not stapled.
There are no cover pages required.
If an assignment merits documentation, please use the 2009 updated MLA style
for all in-text citations and Works Cited page.
No late work accepted. If you have a legitimate reason for not meeting an
assignment deadline (this will be determined by me), please communicate with
me beforehand and we will discuss a reasonable course of action. Keep in mind
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that forgetting to bring the assignment to class, losing the assignment criteria
handout, or simply “not doing” the assignment are not valid reasons to be given an
extension.
No “double-dipping”—meaning that students may not submit a previous essay
from another class as a submission for this course.
All work should be submitted during our class session on the specified due date.
However, I will accept submissions in my mailbox (M3072) on that date, if you
are absent from class. Please have one of the English Department administrative
assistants time-stamp your work before submission.
I only accept emailed submissions of assignments under special circumstances
that are deemed legitimate. However, you must clear this with me first, before
submitting anything electronically.
Be resourceful and foresee any problems with computers and/or printers. Try
not to fall into the habit of waiting until the day an assignment is due to print out
your essay. Print out your final copy of an assignment before the designated due
date. Also, save your work in multiple places.
Rough draft policy: We will be engaging in one peer review/rough draft session
for Essay 1 (Analytical Essay on Short Fiction). If you are absent on the day of
the review, your final draft will be lowered one letter grade. If you come to class
without a rough draft, you will be dismissed, charged an absence, and essay’s
final draft will be lowered one letter grade.
If you would like assistance from me outside of the classroom (or from the
Writing Center), please make an appointment ahead of time. See me to make
an appointment or refer to the Student Support Services section of syllabus
for information concerning the Writing Center.
When to expect your work back from professor? Students will receive an
assignment back before the submission of the next one.
Conferencing: Please do not hesitate to make an appointment with me to discuss
your work or assessment of any assignment. Keep in mind that I do not
conference with students on the day assignments are returned (students
should take time to review all comments/feedback carefully before making an
appointment).
Classroom Policies:
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Please turn off all cell phones before class begins (or set it to silent) and place cell
phones out of sight. There is absolutely no texting during class.
Ipods and other electronic devices should be put away before class begins. No
laptops.
No food allowed. Beverages are fine.
Do not leave the classroom during our session; if you must be excused, please
ask.
No children allowed.
We will discuss some basic guidelines to follow for our class discussions.
Delayed College Openings: When the college announces a delayed opening, all classes
with at least 45 minutes of class time remaining at the time of the opening will be held.
For example, in the event of a 10 a.m. opening, a 9:30-10:45 a.m. class will be held. This
procedure applies to all credit classes. Consider signing up for Owl Alert, a free
service provided for students to alert them via text message and/or email of any
delays or closings. Visit the college’s website, click on Quicklinks, then Owl Alert to
sign up.
Plagiarism: Academic dishonesty is a serious offense with severe consequences.
Multiple infractions may result in penalties such as failure from the class and suspension
from the college. I also reserve the right to question marked inconsistencies in style.
Prince George’s Community College has a licensed agreement with Turnitin.com, a
service that helps prevent plagiarism from Internet resources. I may be using this service
in this class if any text submitted is questionable. For a first offense, you will receive a
zero on the assignment and a file documenting the plagiarism will be created. However,
any other violation will result in a meeting with the Vice President of Student Services
and the appropriate sanctions will be determined. Please do not hesitate to ask me any
questions concerning this policy or to enlist my help in documenting your work
correctly. PGCC’s Code of Academic Integrity follows:
CODE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The college is an institution of higher learning that holds academic integrity as its highest
principle. In the pursuit of knowledge, the college community expects that all students, faculty,
and staff will share responsibility for adhering to the values of honesty and unquestionable
integrity. To support a community committed to academic achievement and scholarship, the
Code of Academic Integrity advances the principle of honest representation in the work that is
produced by students seeking to engage fully in the learning process. The complete text of the
Code of Academic Integrity is in current edition of the Student Handbook and posted on the
college's website.
Attendance: Attendance is vital to success in this class as the pace is energetic and each
session contains valuable discussions and in-class activities. If your attendance is poor, it
most likely will be reflected in your work and, subsequently, in your final grade. If you
miss class, it is your responsibility to get caught up on any work missed. Do not call me
and expect me to “reteach” the class to you. Please call someone in your class to get
caught up and approach me in class for any handouts missed. Please be aware that any
student who misses more than 25% of the class will NOT pass this course (this
equates to missing 7 sessions). **I also do not tolerate repeated, distracting lateness
either. If you cannot get to class on time, I advise you to withdraw.
Demeanor: Students are, of course, expected to conduct themselves in a courteous,
respectable, and collegiate manner. There is zero tolerance for any behavior that
disrupts our learning environment. PGCC’s Code of Conduct follows:
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Prince George's Community College Code of Conduct defines the rights and responsibilities
of students and establishes a system of procedures for dealing with students charged with
violations of the code and other rules and regulations of the college. A student enrolling in the
college assumes an obligation to conduct himself/herself in a manner compatible with the
college's function as an educational institution. Refer to the current Student Handbook for a
complete explanation of the Code of Conduct, including the Code of Academic Integrity and the
procedure for dealing with disruptive student behavior.
Student Support Services
Disability Support Services: Students requesting academic accommodations are
required to contact the Disability Support Services Office (B-124) or call (301) 322-0838
(voice) or (301) 322-0122 (TTY) to establish eligibility for services and
accommodations. Students with documented disabilities should discuss the matter
privately with their instructors at the beginning of the semester and provide a copy of
their Student/Faculty Accommodation Form.
Tutoring and Writing Centers: Bladen Hall, Room 107; 301-322-0748. Please call for
times of availability and to set up an appointment.
Campus Bookstore: Largo Student Center, Room 116; 301-322-0912; hours vary at
beginning and end of the semester. Please call or check website to confirm.
http://www-old.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/bookstore.html
Collegian Centers:
http://academic.pgcc.edu/collegiancenters
The College’s Collegian Centers provide a “place to belong” outside of the classroom.
They bring students in particular disciplines together for co-curricular activities and
opportunities. Please visit the above website for information on collegian centers created
for humanities, business, administration of justice, psychology, sociology, education,
science and technology.
Computer and Learning Labs
Office
Marlboro Learning Lab
Location
Marlboro Hall
Phone
301-322-0503
Hours of Operation
Mon.-Thurs.: 8 am – 8:45 pm
Fri.: 8 am – 3:45 pm
Room 2129
Sat.: 8:30 am – 2:45 pm
Sun.: 10 am – 1 pm
Open Computer Lab
Bladen Hall
Room 104
301-322-0999
Mon.-Thurs.: 8 am – 10 pm
Fri.: 8 am – 5 pm
Sat.: 9 am – 5 pm
Sun.: Closed
Open Computer Lab
High Technology Center
301-322-0999
Rooms 101 and 201
Mon. – Fri.: 8 am – 10 pm
Sat.: Closed
Sun.: Closed
Math Learning Center
Marlboro Hall
301-583-5257
Room 3104
Mon.: 9 am – 9 pm
Tues.: 9:15 am – 8 pm
Wed.: 9 am – 9 pm
Thurs.: 9:15 am – 8 pm
Fri.: 9 am – 7 pm
Sat.: 10 am – 2 pm
Sun.: Closed
English 1020 Honors Course Schedule
*Please be prepared to discuss readings on the day assigned and bring your
textbook to class when indicated.
*LRP = Literature Response Paper (see LRP criteria attached to syllabus).
*Course schedule is subject to change based on the pace and needs of the
class. Any changes will be announced at the beginning of session.
UNIT 1: SHORT FICTION
Week 1
Tu 8/31
Introduction to course and each other
Syllabus and handout distribution
Th 9/2
Literary terms review; Traditional and experimental literature
Week 2
Tu 9/7
“All About Suicide” discussion (handout); “poem for etheridge”
(handout)
Th 9/9
Kate Chopin: “The Story of an Hour” (p. 316-); “The Storm” (p.
108-)
Week 3
Tu 9/14
Continue Chopin discussion..
Th 9/16
Strategies for Writing about Short Fiction
Week 4
Tu 9/21
LRP # 1 due
Introduce James Baldwin
Th 9/23
James Baldwin: “Sonny’s Blues” (p. 49-)
Week 5
Tu 9/28
Baldwin discussion continued…
Th 9/30
T.C. Boyle: “Greasy Lake” (p. 114-)
Week 6
Tu 10/5
LRP # 2 due
Workshop: Sharing proposed thesis and support for Essay 1.
Th 10/7
Peer Review for Essay 1: Bring three copies of a typed, doublespaced, rough draft for Essay 1. Additional criteria TBA.
Week 7
UNIT II: POETRY
Tu 10/12
Essay 1/Analysis of Short Fiction due
Poetry introduction : Poetry terms review. Featured: figurative
language; handouts: Alicia Ostriker:“First Love;” Van Jordan:
“How Does a Man Write a Poem”
Th 10/14
Lucille Clifton: “her love poem” (handout) ; Gwendolyn Brooks:
“We Real Cool;” Langston Hughes: “Mother to Son” (p. 695)
Week 8
Tu 10/19
Strategies for Writing About Poetry
Th 10/21
*Introduce poetry project; groups meet-and-greet, read-through of
poem; brainstorming ideas
Week 9
Tu 10/26
College Enrichment Day. No classes.
Th 10/28
Groups meet
Week 10
Tu 11/2
Groups meet; LRP # 3 due
Th 11/4
Groups meet (final preps made)
Week 11
Tu 11/9
Poetry presentation
Th 11/11
Poetry presentation
Week 12
(Essay 2: Analysis of Poetry can be submitted on Tu or Th of
Week 12)
Tu 11/16
Poetry presentation
UNIT 3: DRAMA
FEATURED PLAYWRIGHT: AUGUST WILSON
*Note: Joe Turner’s Come and Gone should be brought to class beginning on
Tu 11/18; have Act I read by 11/23 and Act II by 11/30
Th 11/18
Introduction to Drama
Featured: Freytag’s Model, characterization, dialogue techniques,
types of drama; Background on Wilson, overview/themes of Joe
Turner’s Come and Gone
Week 13
Tu 11/23
Discussion of Act I; LRP # 4 due
Th 11/25
Thanksgiving Break. No classes. Enjoy!
Week 14
Tu 11/30
Discussion of Act II
Th 12/2
Joe Turner’s…continued…
Week 15
Tu 12/7
Research paper discussion
Th 12/9
Research discussion continued, if needed / Last class
**Research paper (Essay 3) is due on or before Tu 12/14. Submit in my mailbox
(marked “Hardy”) in M3072. Your work must be signed in with date and time by
one of the department administrative assistants. No late papers accepted.
Literature Response Papers
Literature Response Papers will give students an opportunity to critically write about
literature, incorporate textual support, and prepare for Essay 1 and 2.
Criteria: 2 full pages minimum (3 full pages max); typed; double-spaced;
standard print size, font, and margins; STAPLED; no cover pages needed;
give response a unique title
 Literature response papers should include an implied or explicit thesis.
Avoid using first person, the “announcement tone” and informal diction.
 Include in-text citations (either direct quotes or paraphrases) from the
literature to support your analytical points. For LRP 1 and 2, place the
page number(s), in parentheses, after your citation i.e. (23). For LRP
3, place stanza number and line number(s) in parentheses i.e. (2. 2-3).
For LRP 4, place Act, Scene, and page number(s) in parentheses i.e.
(1. 2. 56). We will discuss this in class if needed.
 Short story and poem titles are placed in quotation marks; play titles are
italicized.
 Proofread your work carefully before submitting. Sentence errors will
lower your assessment.
 Refer to course schedule for due dates.
LRP # 1: Kate Chopin is now established as a significant figure in American,
particularly feminist, literature. Before this rise in stature, she suffered critical abuse
from 19th century critics for “scandalous” subject matter and objectionable behavior from
her heroines in her short stories and novels. Discuss why you think “The Storm” and
“The Story of an Hour” caused this sort of criticism upon publication. (Note: you may opt
to discuss just one story if you wish, as long as you meet the required 2 pages.)
LRP # 2: Choose ONE of the following options:
A) In what ways is music an integral part of “Sonny’s Blues?” You may consider how it
is used to communicate emotions, heighten conflict, how it can be a means of survival,
and ultimately a unifying force. You should identify and analyze at least three examples.
B) The narrator and his friends in “Greasy Lake” dub themselves “bad” characters.
What textual evidence in the story contradicts this notion? What factors caused these
characters to cross the line from seemingly normal teens to potential criminals? How do
you feel the narrator has changed by the end of the story?
LRP # 3: This response will be directly linked to the poetry project and will be
distributed.
LRP # 4: This response will focus on Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (Act I) and will be
distributed.