Course
Instructor
Credits
Term
Meetings
English 201: American Literature 1
Towanda Weekender
Carol Herman
3
Summer 2011
Schedule C Saturday: 3pm – 6 pm
Sunday: 11:45 am – 2:45pm
Instructor’s Contact Information
Phone
Emergency Contact
Email Address
(570) 301-9371
In the event of an emergency, contact Jennifer Newton or Jo Ann Daly at
570-268-2900
carol.herman@keystone.edu
During face-to-face Weekenders: Sundays 3-4 pm
Office Hours
Or by appointment
Syllabus Changes
Other Information
Instructors reserve the right to make changes to the syllabus as needed,
and you are responsible for keeping up with those changes. Please log on
regularly to Blackboard to get the most current information.
E-mail is the best method for contacting me. I usually respond within 2448 hours.
Course Description & Information
English 102: Writing about Literature
Pre-requisites, Corequisites, & other
restrictions
Course Description
Online Learning Expectations: To be successful academically, online
students must be able to navigate & search the internet, use email, attach and
upload documents, download & save files, and have access to and use
Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint.
English 201: American Literature is a writing intensive survey course, which
deals with American Literature from Colonial times through the late
nineteenth century with an emphasis on nineteenth century authors.
Readings will examine the cultural diversity and literary development
exemplified by the works of a variety of writers from Anne Bradstreet,
Washington Irving, Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Dickinson, and others.
The Norton Anthology American Literature Shorter Seventh Edition
Volume 1. Beginnings to 1865. By Nina Baym ed.. New York: Norton &
Company, 2008
Required Readings
Updated January 2011
The Scarlet Letter. Nathaniel Hawthorne.
1
Buying Textbooks
Recommended Readings
Please note that the Keystone College Bookstore has the most complete and
up-to-date information about your course textbooks. Be sure you are
purchasing the correct edition and receive all the materials you need.
Hacker, Diana. A Writer’s Reference.
Or
Any writer’s reference guidebook.
Special
Software/Hardware
Browser/Plugin/Viewer
Info
Other Required
Materials
For standard Browser/Plugin/Viewer visit this page:
http://web.keystone.edu/library/syllabus/browser.htm
or add your own info below
1. Notebook / Binder
2. Index cards (at least 4 x 6 size) for research
Course Goals, Objectives/Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the semester, students should be able to:
1.
Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural history and development of early
American literature.
2.
Apply critical standards to American literature, providing an analysis of
character, theme, intention, setting, patterns of action, etc.
3.
4.
5.
Demonstrate an understanding of ‘close reading’ and critical writing.
Demonstrate an understanding of literary analysis.
Demonstrate an understanding and a proficiency in research practices.
Grading
45% Essays
You will be expected to complete three writing projects, each 3 typed
pages in length. All essays must be typed in Times New Roman (12
type) and double-spaced. Please adhere to a 1-inch margin and include
your name and date in the upper left-hand corner. You may submit a
rough draft prior to the due date for my comments and suggestions.
Essay guidelines TBA.
Grading (credit)
Criteria
20%
Updated January 2011
Research Project
Research paper on The Scarlet Letter will be 7-10 pages in length and
will require you to research a social issue in the novel. You will be
required to thoroughly research scholarly sources regarding the topic of
your choice. More to follow.
2
10 %
Discussion Board
10%
Assignments / Quizzes
10%
Final Exam
5%
Attendance (for face-to-face meetings)
Grading Standards:
A (Outstanding). Your paper is outstanding on all accounts. Your thoughts are
organized and presented in a concise manner. You are successful in ‘showing’
the reader your thoughts as opposed to merely ‘telling’ your reader what you are
saying. Your paper is of appropriate and reasonable length to argue your thesis
statement. Further, you offer a sufficient amount of supportive details that are
both uniform and coherent. You demonstrate creativity, originality of ideas, and
honesty. You present your paper in a professional manner, free of all
grammatical and structural errors.
B (Good). Your paper demonstrates understanding of the writing process,
including a concise and thoughtful thesis statement and supporting paragraphs.
You clearly consider an introduction, body and conclusion. Your paper may
have grammatical shortcomings, lack sufficient details, or fail to fully organize
your ideas. Also, a B may be awarded if you fail to fully adhere to the writing
assignment even if you have essentially written an A-worthy paper.
Assignments
C (Adequate). Your paper is considered exceptional in one major area, but is
altogether lacking in another area. For example, your thesis paragraph is well
thought out, but you fail to develop supporting paragraphs or vise versa. Or, you
develop your thesis well, but fail to organize your thoughts. Your paper may also
be excellent in content and idea, but unacceptable in presentation and mechanical
merit.
D-F (Unacceptable / Fail). These papers are inferior in content, form, and
mechanics. The requirements set forth for the assignment have not been met.
I (Incomplete). You are unable to complete the assignment. You must request
this grade – it will not be awarded simply because you fail to turn in your work.
If you find yourself in a situation where you think you may have to request an
‘incomplete’ grade, please make an appointment with me to discuss
A
AB+
B
B-
Discussion Board
Criteria
Updated January 2011
95-100
92-94
89-91
85-88
80-84
C+
C
CD+
D
77-79
73-76
70-72
65-69
60-64
F
below 60
Discussion board questions will be posted throughout the semester. You are
required to answer my question with your own well developed response. You
are required to then ask substantive and thoughtful questions of at least two (2) of
your classmates. Finally, you are required to answer at least two (2) questions
3
that have been asked of you.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The content of your postings must demonstrate an understanding of the
relevant text material.
Your initial posting must include your last name in the subject line.
Your initial posting must be posted no later than midnight Wednesday
of the week assigned.
The questions you ask of your classmates must be posted no later than
midnight Friday of the week assigned. (These must be questions.
Credit will not be granted for comments and observations)
Your answers to the questions asked of you must be posted no later than
midnight Sunday of the week assigned. These should be substantive in
nature.
POINTS



Initial posting – 10 points
Two questions that you ask – 5 points
Two questions that you answer – 5 points
1. Attendance – You will be expected to attend ALL face-to-face classes.
One absence will be excused for illness, grief, emergency, etc. Any
absence thereafter will reduce your course grade by 2 points per
additional absence
2. Makeups – In the event that you must miss a face-to-face class due to
unforeseen circumstances, you will be expected to make-up all
missed work as soon as possible. You should submit all missed work
through Blackboard to avoid penalties.
Make-Up& Late
Work
3. Assignments -- it is important that you maintain appropriate vigilance
in adhering to deadlines. If you fail to turn in assignments by the
determined due date, your grade for that assignment will be
reduced by 5 points for each day late
Extra Credit
TBA
For Face-to-Face Weekenders:
You are expected to come to class prepared to actively participate in discussions!
Lack of participation signals a failure of preparation on your part.
Class Preparation &
Participation
For Online Weekenders:
Deadlines are set for class participation to enable everyone to have an equal
voice. You will need to log in to the discussion board and come to class at least 3
times a week. You will need to log in and post a comment by Tuesday at
Midnight, Thursday at midnight and Saturday at Midnight each week. Make
sure you set aside time and make a schedule that works for you to be in class.
Most students log in everyday for 5 to 15 minutes just to see what is going on.
Course Policies
Student
Conduct/
Netiquette
Special
Procedures
For Netiquette information, visit this webpage:
http://web.keystone.edu/library/syllabus/netiquette.htm
Taking Exams and Proctoring:
http://www.keystone.edu/academics/onlinelearning/studentresources/takingtest.dot
Blackboard
Updated January 2011
4
Support
For Blackboard assistance http://blackboard.keystone.edu/ or e-mail the Blackboard
administrator at blackboard@keystone.edu
For a New Student Orientation to Blackboard, visit: http://mediaservices.keystone.edu/
For tutorials on using specific aspects of Blackboard, visit
http://mediaservices.keystone.edu/
Technical
Support
Plagiarism &
Academic
Integrity
You can get technical support or assistance by visiting the Technology Support page here:
http://www.keystone.edu/current_students/technology_support/ or by contacting the IT
Helpdesk at (570) 945-8778 or helpdesk@keystone.edu
Academic misconduct and dishonesty includes any activity that compromises the
academic integrity of the College or subverts the educational process. For information on
dishonest acts including plagiarism, cheating, and fraud, consult your Student Information
Guide or click on the link below. If you have any questions, talk with your instructor.
http://web.keystone.edu/Library/syllabus/integrity.htm
Copyright
Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making
of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials, including music and
software. Copying, displaying, reproducing, or distributing copyrighted works may
infringe the copyright owner’s rights and such infringement is subject to appropriate
disciplinary action as well as criminal penalties provided by federal law. Usage of such
material is only appropriate when that usage constitutes “fair use” under the Copyright
Act. As a Keystone College student, you are required to follow the College’s copyright
policy. For more information about the fair use exemption, see the Miller Library’s
copyright page: http://web.keystone.edu/library/copyright.html
Email Use
Keystone College states that all official student email correspondence be sent only to a
student’s Keystone email address and that faculty and staff consider email from students
official only if it originates from a Keystone account. This allows the College to maintain
a high degree of confidence in the identity of all individuals and the security of transmitted
information. Keystone College furnishes each student with a free email account that is to
be used in all communication with College personnel.
Withdrawal
from Class
The College has set deadlines for withdrawing from courses. These dates and times are
published in the course catalog and on the Academic Calendar. It is the student's
responsibility to handle withdrawal requirements from any class. You must do the proper
paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final grade of "F" in a course if you choose
not to attend once you are enrolled. If you are considering withdrawing from a class, talk
with your Advisor and consult the College Catalog.
Academic
Grievance
Procedures
Incomplete
Grades
Procedures for student grievances are found in the College Catalog. Please consult the
procedures before taking action.
Please note: The first step in attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades,
evaluations, or other fulfillments of academic responsibility, is to make a serious effort to
resolve the matter with the instructor. The College Catalog outlines any subsequent steps.
According to the College Catalog, an Incomplete (“I”) will only be awarded in the case of
Updated January 2011
5
exceptional circumstances. Mere inability to submit work on time, or missing the final
exam, is not valid reasons for an Incomplete.
Students must make arrangements with the instructor prior to the final exam it they wish
to receive a grade of incomplete. (Forms are available in the Office of the Registrar.) The
deadline for the completion of the coursework is four weeks into the next semester. If the
course work is not completed within the specified time frame, the incomplete grade will
become an “F.”
Keystone College does not discriminate in any of its programs on the basis of disability.
ADA
Statement
KC Connect
Tutoring
Info
Advising &
Other
Student
Support Info
Bookstore
Info
While there is not a deadline for the disclosure of a disability by a student, in order to
facilitate the documentation and accommodation processes, students are encouraged to
voluntarily and confidentially disclose and disability requiring an accommodation prior to
the beginning of class. This disclosure should be made to Owen Conaghan,
owen.conaghan@keystone.edu College Counselor & Coordinator of Disability Services.
Students who disclose a disability, and who are seeking an accommodation, ultimately
will be expected to provide documentation verifying the disability.
For information about classes & advisers, to check midterm and final grades or to register
for classes, logon to KC Connect.
The College does offer tutoring assistance for many courses. For more information or to
schedule an appointment, consult the Tutoring webpage here:
http://www.keystone.edu/studentlife/studentsuccess/
For information about academic advising, visit the Student Success Center’s Academic
Advising page here:
http://www.keystone.edu/studentlife/studentsuccess/academicadvising.dot
For a list of Student Support Services, visit the Student Success Center webpage here:
http://www.keystone.edu/studentlife/studentsuccess/
Visit the Bookstore at this link:
http://www.bkstr.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10117&la
ngId=-1&catalogId=10001
Schedule of Assignments
Module # and date
Modular Learning Objectives
Weekender #1
Face-to-Face
1. Introduction to the course
Assignments
1. Read:
2. Blackboard Orientation
“Before the Birth of One of Her
Children” – pg. 107
3. Plagiarism Policy / Classroom
expectations & policies.
4. Students will understand the
importance of reading literature:
Why do we read literature? What do
Updated January 2011
6
“To My Dear and Loving Husband” –
pg. 108
we get out of literature? What
contributes to perspective? How do
we read?
5. Students will have an
understanding of Close Reading –
what is it? Why is this important?
6. Students will become familiar
with literary terms - handout.
7. Students will be able to describe
Puritanism and Puritan Literature.
8. Students will be introduced to
authors: Anne Bradstreet, Jonathan
Edwards, and Thomas Paine.
“To My Dear Children” – pg. 111
“…Burning of Our House” – pg. 109
Personal Narrative – pg. 170
“Common Sense” – pg. 326
2. Critical Response #1 & #2 –
submitted on Blackboard.
3. Quiz on Reading
Assignments -- Blackboard
4. Log-on to Blackboard for
Discussion Board!!!
9. Introduction of short essay
guidelines and grading rubrics.
Weekender #2
Online
1. Students will become
familiarized with typical writing
about literature techniques –
Literary Analysis.
2. Students will be able to
describe common Critical
Approaches to Literature.
1. Participate on Discussion
Board!
2. ESSAY #1 DUE IN CLASS
ON WEEKENDER #3
3. Read:
3. Students will be able to
describe Transcendentalism and
Literature that was relevant
during this period.
4. Students will be introduced to
authors: Emerson & Thoreau,
Nathaniel Hawthorne,
Washington Irving.
Excerpts from “Nature” –
pg. 492
Excerpts from “Walden” –
pg. 844
“The Minister’s Black Veil” –
pg. 622
“The Birth-Mark” – pg. 631
“Rip Van Winkle” – pg. 455
We will discuss these
readings in class on
Weekender #3.
Weekender #3
Face-to Face
1. Review Reading Assignments
1. Critical Response #3 : To
be submitted on Blackboard by
Saturday of Weekender #4.
2. Quiz on reading assignments.
3. ESSAY #1 DUE IN CLASS.
2. Log-on to Blackboard for
Updated January 2011
7
4. Introduce the ‘Research Unit’ –
Keystone Library.
Discussion Board!!
3. Read:
5. Introduction of the course novel,
The Scarlet Letter
6. Students will be able to explain
the basic research conventions
associated with both MLA and APA
documentation formatting.
The Scarlet Letter – Chapters 112
Start thinking about research
topic while reading The Scarlet
Letter
7. Discuss / Introduce Essay #2:
Transcendentalism.
8. Study Sheets for Midterm Exam –
Weekender #5.
Weekender #4
Online
1. ESSAY #2 DUE IN CLASS
ON WEEKENDER #5
1. Students will be able to
define POETRY and identify
characteristics of the genre.
2. Reading Quiz Blackboard
2. Students will be able to create
their own poem following
characteristics of the genre.
3. Writing assignment:
Creating Poetry.
4. Read:
3. Students will be able to
analyze a section of The Scarlet
Letter by way of a guided literary
analysis prompt.
Weekender #5
Face-to-Face
The Scarlet Letter –
Chapters 12 – end
** MIDTERM EXAM ***
5. Check the ‘Research Unit’
for further assignments.
1. Read:
1. ESSAY #2 DUE IN CLASS
“Tell-Tale Heart” – pg. 702
2. Students will be able to define
and perform a DECONSTRUCTION of
a poem.
“Annabel Lee” – pg. 678
“The Raven” – pg. 675
3. Students will be introduced to
poets: Edgar Allan Poe, Emily
Dickinson.
“A Narrow Fellow in the Grass”
– pg. 1220
3. Research Unit continued.
“I Felt a Funeral In My Brain” –
pg. 1207
4. Discuss The Scarlet Letter
“I Heard a Fly Buzz…” – pg.
1215
“Because I could not stop for
death” pg. 1214
“A Bird came down the Walk” –
pg. 1210
Updated January 2011
8
2. Critical Response #4: To be
submitted on Blackboard by
Saturday of Weekender #6
3. Discussion Board
4. Check ‘Research Unit’ for
further assignments.
Weekender #6
Online
WRITING WEEKENDER!!!
1. ESSAY #3 DUE NEXT
WEEKENDER
ESSAY #3 DUE WEEKENDER 7
CONTINUE RESEARCH PROJECT!!
Weekender #7
Face-to-Face
1. Revisions of Research Paper
** Research Paper Writers’
Workshop!! **
2. ONLINE SUBMISSION OF
FINAL RESEARCH PAPER BY
FINALS WEEKENDER!
ESSAY #3 DUE IN CLASS!
FINALS
WEEKENDER
Updated January 2011
2. Research Essay Rough
Draft due 1 week prior to
Weekender #7.
IN CLASS FINAL EXAM
9