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Keiser University
West Palm Beach
Course Syllabus
I. COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE:
AML1000
American Literature
(3 credit hours)
Class Meeting Times: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 9:00am-1:00pm
II. INSTRUCTOR/ PROFESSOR
Name: Professor Barletta
Email address: cbarletta@keiseruniversity.edu
Telephone: 561-471-6000
Office: 2nd floor (across from the Design and Multimedia Lab)
Office Hours: 7:30am-8:30 am; 2:00 pm-5:00pm and by appointment
As a rule, students should contact their instructor for any questions regarding this or any
other course.
NOTE: The Instructor/ Professor may add or modify topics and activities based on best
practices in the English department.
III. COURSE DESCRIPTION/ TOPICS
A. Catalog Description: Explores select American authors and literary texts. Topics include
historical background, social forces, literary genres and elements.
B. Course Rationale:
C. Course Topics: Why study literature
 Elements of literature
 Literary genres
 Survey of American authors
 American literary movements and periods
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IV. COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the completion of the course, students are able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of American authors and works through the twentieth
century.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the major literary periods and genres in American
literature within social and historical contexts.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of poetry, drama, and fiction.
V. REQUIRED MATERIALS
The Norton Anthology of American Literature, shorter 8th edition, W.W. Norton, Nina Baym, ed.,
978-0-393-91885-4
Supplemental Materials
*American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the
American Psychological Association (6th Ed.). Washington, DC:
* Use Keiser University’s Library databases or other internet web-based portals.
APA Formatting and Style Guide - The OWL at Purdue
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
VI. CALENDAR OF WEEKLY REQUIREMENTS
Weeks Topics Readings/Assignments
WEEK 1
Learning Objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4
Suggested Learning Activities: Lectures, class discussions, group activities, audio/visuals,
informal presentations, poetry readings
Evaluation: Pre-test, quizzes, discussions, writing assignments
M: Introduction: Diagnostic and Pre-Test
In-class readings and discussions:
•
American Literature, Beginnings to 1700 (pp. 3-19)
•
“The Iroquois Creation Story” (pp. 20-23)
•
Anne Bradstreet, “To My Dear and Loving Husband” (p.120)
Group readings/class discussion
•
Hernan Cortes, “Second Letter to the Spanish Crown” (pp. 38-42)
•
John Smith, from A Description of New England (pp. 69-72)
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•
Thomas Paine, “Common Sense” (pp.324-336)
-How to Annotate a Text
Reading assignments due Tuesday: American Literature, 1700-1820 (pp. 157-169);
Benjamin Franklin, From The Autobiography Part II (pp. 297-308); James Fenimore
Cooper, From The Last of the Mohicans (pp.482-491)
T: APA Introduction/Writing Review
Review and discuss: American Literature, 1700-1820 (pp. 157-169); Benjamin Franklin, From
The Autobiography Part II (pp. 297-308); James Fenimore Cooper, From The Last of the
Mohicans (pp.482-491)
Read and discuss: American Literature, 1820-1865 (pp. 445-466); Edgar Allan Poe (pp. 683687); “Annabel Lee” (pp. 691-692); “The Raven” (pp. 688-691); “Annabel Lee” (pp. 691-692);
“The Tell-Tale Heart” (pp. 714-718)
In-class Writing Assignment 1: Write a 1 page response (250-300 words) with a minimum
of 2 quotes to the following prompt:
Write an analysis of 1-3 of the literary works we have read thus far, and explain the
historical significance of the literature.
Reading Assignment Due on Thursday: Have read Washington Irving, “Rip Van Winkle”
(pp. 470-482); American Literature, 1865-1914 (pp. 1265-1281)
TH: Review and discuss “Rip Van Winkle” (pp. 470-482) and American Literature, 1865-1914
(pp. 1265-1281)
Read and discuss: Nathaniel Hawthorne (pp. 603-606); “Young Goodman Brown,” (pp. 619628); Emily Dickinson (pp. 1189-1193)
SDS: You must come to class before SDS. Attendance will be taken in each SDS meeting, so
please make sure that you are in attendance.
Review literature
Introduction to the Research Paper
APA and writing review
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In-class writing #2: Write a 250-300 word analysis on “Rip Van Winkle” or “Young
Goodman Brown.” What is the purpose of the text? Explain the themes and symbols.
Reading Assignment Due Monday: Henry James, Daisy Miller: A Study (pp. 1508-1549)
Kate Chopin (pp. 1604-1605); “Désirée’s Baby” (pp. 1605-1609)
Writing Assignment #3 Due Monday: Write a 500 word analysis of 3-5 readings from week
1. Explain the significance of each of the literary works and how are reflective of what was
happening in society during those time periods.
Suggested Learning Activities: Lectures, class discussions, group activities, audio/visuals,
informal presentations, poetry readings
Evaluation: Pre-test, quizzes, discussions, writing assignments
WEEK 2
Learning Objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4
Suggested Learning Activities: Lectures, class discussions, group activities, audio/visuals,
informal presentations, poetry readings
Evaluation:
Quizzes, discussions, writing assignments, mid-term examination
M: Test #1 on Week 1 readings
Review Literature
Read and discuss: Charlotte Perkins Gilman (pp. 1668-1669); “The Yellow Wallpaper” (pp.
1669-1681); American Literature, 1914-1945 (pp. 1837-1856)
In-class Writing Workshop #1 (Write 1 page of your research paper, find 2-3 resources, and be
ready to present to the class on Tuesday)
T: Read and discuss: Emily Dickinson, 260 “I’m Nobody, Who Are You?” (p. 1197); 479
“Because I Could Not Stop for Death” (p. 1206); Robert Frost (pp. 1912-1926); William
Faulkner, “A Rose for Emily” (pp. 2178-2188)
5 minute presentations on paper topic and 1st page due (writing assignment #4)
Midterm Review
TH: Midterm
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*Friday is the last day to Withdraw from the course.
Reading assignment due Monday: “The Man Who Was Almost a Man” pp. 2245-2253;
“Good Country People” pp. 2524-2537
Writing Assignment #5 Due Monday: Write a 500 word essay on the significance of the
titles “The Man Who was Almost a Man” and “Good Country People.” How do the titles
reflect the themes of the reading selections?
Suggested Learning Activities:
Lectures,
class
audio/visuals, informal presentations, poetry readings
discussions,
group
activities,
Evaluation: Quizzes, discussions, writing assignments, mid-term examination
WEEK 3
Learning Objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4
Suggested Learning Activities:
Lectures, class discussions, group activities, audio/visuals,
informal presentations, poetry readings, drama readings
Evaluation:
Quizzes, discussions, writing assignments
M: Mid-point Reports
Read and discuss the following: Tennessee Williams, A Streetcar Named Desire (pp. 22972361); William Carlos Williams, “The Widow’s Lament in Springtime” (p. 1965); “This is Just
to Say” (pp. 1968-1969); E. E. Cummings, “O Sweet Spontaneous” (pp. 2137-2138); “Anyone
lived in a pretty how town” (p. 2141)
In-class writing #6: write a 250-300 word analysis of the characters in A Streetcar Named
Desire. Include 2-3 quotes from the text with APA citations.
Reading Assignment due on Tuesday: F. Scott Fitzgerald, “Winter Dreams” (pp. 21472164)
T: Read and discuss: T.S. Eliot, “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” (pp. 2003-2009); Zora
Neale Hurston, “How it Feels to be Colored Me” (pp. 2123-2127); Langston Hughes (pp. 22212222); Langston Hughes, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” (pp. 2222-2223), “Mother to Son” (p.
2223), “I, Too” (pp. 2223-2224), “Mulatto” (pp. 2225-2226), “Democracy” (pp. 2227-2228)
In-class Writing Workshop #2
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Reading Assignment Due Thursday: Have read Ernest Hemingway (pp. 2203-2205); “The
Snows of Kilimanjaro” (pp. 2205-2221)
TH: 5-7 page Literary Research Paper due; review and discuss Ernest Hemingway (pp. 22032205); “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” (pp. 2205-2221)
Test #2 on readings from Thursday, Week 2-readings due on Thursday, Week 3
Peer Review
Read and discuss: Alice Walker pp. 2714-2715; “Everyday Use” pp. 2715-2721
Pre-registration
In-class Writing Assignment #7: write a 250-300 word analysis on conflict in “Everyday Use”
or “The Snows of Kilimanjaro.” Include 2-3 quotes from the text with APA citations.
Reading Assignment Due Tuesday: Adrienne Rich, “Storm Warnings,” “Snapshots of a
Daughter-in-Law,” “Diving into the Wreck” (pp. 2563-2572)
Suggested Learning Activities:
Lectures,
class
discussions,
group
audio/visuals, informal presentations, poetry readings, drama readings
activities,
Evaluation: Quizzes, discussions, writing assignments
WEEK 4
Learning Objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4
Suggested Learning Activities: Lectures, class discussions, group activities, audio/visuals,
informal presentations, poetry readings
Evaluation:
examination
Quizzes, writing assignments, discussions, presentations, post-test, and final
M: Review and discuss poems by Adrienne Rich
Read and discuss: Selected poems by Sylvia Plath (pp. 2602-2608); Anne Sexton’s poem
“Sylvia’s Death” (pp. 2559-2560); Martin Luther King, Jr., “I Have a Dream” (pp.2577-2582)
In-class APA and paraphrase activity
In-class Writing # 8: Write a 250-300 word reflection on 3-5 pieces of literature you
enjoyed reading this term. Explain how the style and content made the pieces of literature
effective and memorable.
Reading Assignment due on Tuesday: Ralph Ellison, “Invisible Man” (pp. 2393-2405);
Dorothy Allison, From Stubborn Girls and Mean Stories (pp. 2812-2816)
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T: Final exam review and Writing and Revision Workshop
Review and discuss: Ralph Ellison, “Invisible Man” (pp. 2393-2405); Dorothy Allison, From
Stubborn Girls and Mean Stories (pp. 2812-2816)
TH: Final Exam and Post-test; Literary Research Paper Revision Due
Academic Calendar
07/29/13-08/24/13 Term D Classes Begin
08/24/13-09/01/13 Summer Break
09/02/13 Labor Day
09/03/13-09/28/13 Term A Classes Begin
09/30/13-10/26/13 Term B Classes Begin
10/28/13-11/23/13 Term C Classes Begin
11/25/13-12/21/13 Term D Classes Begin
11/28/13-12/01/13 Thanksgiving Break
12/02/13 Return
12/21/13-01/05/13 Holiday Break
Literary Research Paper
Write a 1500-1800 word essay in length (this does not include the title page, abstract, and
reference page) on one of the research topics below. This research paper must be thesis-driven,
typed, double spaced, and in APA format (12 point font). This paper will be worth 25% of your
final grade and you will be permitted to revise your paper up to 3 times. We will work on this
paper in class, but the majority of your paper should be written at home. You will be using
quotes from the text to support your argument. You must also use 3-5 scholarly sources (a
minimum of 1 book, 1 credible website, and 1 scholarly journal) for this paper which you
must quote and include in your reference page. The paper must be analytical in nature,
contain scholarly resources, and not contain any summaries. You must turn in a paper copy
of the paper and upload an electronic copy on www.keiseruniversity.org in Turnitin. The
Turnitin report should be less than 20%. I will help you with the research, paraphrasing, and
citations. You must choose one of the following options:
1.
Write an analysis of how 1-3 pieces of literature reflect the historical time period(s).
Include a minimum of 3-5 scholarly sources to support your thesis.
2.
Write a research paper on any of the literary works we have covered in the course. Write
an analysis of 1-3 literary works by using scholarly journals, articles, books, or credible websites.
Focus on themes, symbols, characters, and historical references.
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3.
Write an analytical research paper on how the authors’ lives and opinions are reflected in
their writings. Focus on 1-3 of the literary works to show the connections, as well as 3-5
scholarly sources to support your thesis.
Sources: You may not use Wikipedia or any non-academic sources. I recommend that you
use ProQuest, Gale Research, JSTOR, educational websites ending in “edu,”
organizational websites ending in “org,” and/or governmental websites ending in “gov.” I
also recommend that use peer reviewed journals, print materials (such as reference books),
scholarly articles and journals, newspapers, and interviews.
Literary Research Paper Due Dates:
Week 2: Tuesday, August 6th: have written the 1st page of your paper and have 3-5 credible
references with a 5 minute presentation on your paper topic
Week 3: Thursday, August 15th: Final Paper Due (3 copies: 1 paper copy, 1 electronic copy on ecompanion, and 1 electronic copy on Turnitin (www.keiseruniversity.org).
Week 4: Thursday, August 22nd: Revisions Due (You must include your original with my
comments and the revised copy should have all of the changes highlighted)
*You will receive a letter grade deduction for each day that the paper is late.
Helpful websites:
e-companion/portal: http://www.keiseruniversity.org
The Writing Studio:
http://www.keiseruniversity.edu/keiser%20writes/resources.html
Keiser University Library:
http://kesu-vero.autographics.com/WelcomePages/Splash2.aspx?cid=KESU&targetLibPK=9221&lid=LESU
U.S. Students: Your USERNAME is the 6 or 7 digit number that appears on the side of your
Student ID card. Your PASSWORD is the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number (Federal
Tax ID Number). If the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number start with a 0, replace the 0
with a 1. International Students: Your PASSWORD is the PIN as supplied to you by the
Registrar’s Office.
VII. GRADING CRITERIA
A. GRADING SCALE
Course Evaluation Strategies (Methodologies)
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Student performance is evaluated as follows:
20 %
30 %
25 %
20 %
5%
100 %
 Midterm
 In-Class Writing Assignments; Oral Presentations;
Tests; Quizzes
 5 page Literary Research Paper
 Final Examination/Project
 Post-test
 Total possible score
Grading Scale
A final grade is determined using the following grading scale:
90-100%
80-89.99%
70-79.99%
65-69.99%
Less than 65%





A
B
C
D
F
Methods of Course Delivery: The subject matter in this course is presented in various forms
which may include lectures, class discussions, demonstrations, collaborative activities, computer
assignments, student projects and presentations, on-line research, guest speakers, or field trips.
VIII. CLASS POLICIES
A. Attendance and Participation
The attendance requirement is met through consistent participation activities in the discussion
area postings with eCompanion (eCollege) and in class sessions. Attendance is part of the overall
grading score. Punctuality is expected as a common courtesy to other students.
Class attendance is mandatory and imperative for student success. If you plan on missing class,
will be late, or need to leave early, please let me know ahead of time and understand that it is
your responsibility to complete all assignments to the best of your ability and turn them in on
time.
Students who miss 20% or more of class time may not be eligible to take the final exam and
may not be able to pass the course.
Part of the attendance includes dress code, which means you must be in business attire as part of
the class and Keiser requirements. Students not properly dressed will be asked to leave and
return when dressed appropriately. Please see the Keiser Catalog for more information on dress
code and policies (page 65-66).
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Students are responsible for all course material, assignments, quizzes, tests, essays, and exams
that are missed due to class absences.
The Instructor will notify students by email or in class about any changes in course requirements
or about expectations for responding to lectures or questions if they are different from what is
stated in the course materials. Because of the nature of this course, it is very important to stay
current and to meet deadlines established in the course materials.
B. General Course Requirements
Students must login to eCompanion on a weekly basis:
Login: WPB + course code (Example: WPBAML1000)
Password: Success
Postings and assignments must reflect an understanding, appreciation, and synthesis of the
readings and course content. All assigned work must be completed by established due dates.
Failure to submit assignments by the designated due date will result in a failing grade for the
individual assignment and may result in a failing grade for the course.
C. Late Assignments Policy: Assignments are due at the beginning of class. Late assignments
will not be accepted; however, all sub-satiated emergencies will be reviewed. If you are past the
due date and time in posting any assignments in the eCompanion (eCollege) website, you will
automatically be “locked out” which will restrict you from posting late. Should late assignments
be accepted 1 point per day will be deducted and no more than 10 points will be deducted from
exams or quizzes.
D. Make-up Exam Policy: There are no make-up exams. Sub-satiated emergencies will be
reviewed. Should late exams or quizzes be accepted 1 point per day will be deducted and no
more than 10 points will be deducted from exams or quizzes.
E. Method of Instruction: The type of teaching and learning methods used, but not limited to,
lectures, group projects, groups discussions, research, and anything else that will increase the
students success in this class.
F. Professor’s Expectations: The student is expected to add significantly to all class
discussions. As such you should be prepared for each class by reading all of the assigned
chapters, articles, and materials to become actively engaged. You should be prepared to discuss,
share ideas or thoughts. As it is noted, participation in class is strongly encouraged because this
is calculated into your total grade.
G. The Use of Electronic Devices: Cell phones, blackberry, iPhones, text messaging, iPods,
recording devices and personal laptop computers are strictly prohibited unless authorized by the
instructor. Use of any such device without the express approval of the instructor may be cause
for an immediate dismissal from the class session or the course in case of repeat offenses. See
KU catalog section “Academic and Administrative Dismissal” page 64.
H. Academic Misconduct
The following acts violate the academic honesty standards or anything else named in the KU’s
Student Policy handbook and will result in a finding of Academic Misconduct (p.60-64):
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1. Cheating in any Form: intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials,
information, or study aids in any academic exercise, or having others complete work or exams
and representing it as one’s own.
2. Fabrication: intentional and unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or
citation
in an academic exercise
3. Facilitating Academic Dishonesty: intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help
another to violate any provision of this code
4. Plagiarism: The adoption or reproduction of ideas, words, or statements of another person as
one’s own without proper acknowledgment.
5. Conspiracy to commit academic dishonesty: Assisting others to commit acts of Academic
Misconduct
6. Misrepresentation: intentionally making false statements or omissions of facts in a contract.
Examples include, but are not limited to portfolios, cover sheets, and clinic, training station, and
practicum agreements.
7. Bribery: Offering of goods, services, property or money in an attempt to gain an academic
advantage
8. Forging or altering documents or credentials: Examples include, but are not limited to
signatures, dates and other information on portfolios, cover sheets, and clinic, training station,
and practicum agreements.
9. Knowingly furnishing false information to the institution
I. Plagiarism
Students are expected to submit tests and assignments that they have completed without aid or
assistance from other sources. Using sources to provide information without giving credit to the
original source is dishonest. Students should avoid any impropriety or the appearance thereof in
taking examinations or completing work in pursuance of their educational goals. Students are
expected to comply with the following academic standards:
1. Original Work
Assignments such as course preparations, exams, texts, projects, term papers, practicum, etc.,
must be the original work of the student. Original work may include the thoughts and words of
another author if properly cited. Entire thoughts or words of another author should be identified
using quotation marks. At all times, students are expected to comply with the recognized form
and style manual and accepted citation practice and policy of Keiser University.
Work is not original when it has been submitted previously by the author or by anyone else for
academic credit. Work is not original when it has been copied or partially copied from any other
source, including another student, unless such copying is acknowledged by the person submitting
the work for the credit at the time the work is being submitted, or unless copying, sharing, or
joint authorship is an express part of the assignment. Exams and tests are original work when no
unauthorized aid is given, received, or used before or during the course of the examination,
reexamination, and/or remediation.
2. Referencing the Works of Another Author (APA formatting)
A. All academic work submitted for credit or as partial fulfillment of course requirements must
adhere to the APA specific accepted reference manuals and rules of documentation. Standards of
scholarship require that the writer give proper acknowledgment when the thoughts and words of
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another author are used. Students’ work must comport with the adopted citation manual for the
APA.
Please refer to Keiser University’s Student Handbook Policy for more information regarding
policies, procedures, and academic responsibility of the student.
Avoiding Plagiarism
Please make an appointment with Mrs. Spalding for writing help. You can also meet with me
after class or make an appointment. Her office is on the 2nd floor in Student Services.
In order to avoid plagiarizing, use the following guide on APA citations and paraphrasing:
Keiser University Writing Studio
APA Quick Guide
Format

Double-spaced

“Before” and “After” spacing under “Paragraph” should be “0”

Times New Roman, 12 pt. font

1-inch margins

Title page – centered: includes Title of the Paper, Your Name, and Name of University

Running head

Each paragraph indented 0.5 inches (except the abstract)

Double spacing between sentences and throughout paper
References
* Some of the examples below are made up and others come from real sources.
Scholarly Journal Article with doi:
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Date of publication). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume
number (issue number), page range. doi:0000000/000000000000
Smith, J. A., Brown, R. W., & Rogers, M. (2012). How to create an APA reference page. Writing
Studio Journal, 22(1), 63-72. doi: 10.1080/14622200410001676305
Scholarly Journal Article or Periodical without doi:
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Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Date of publication). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume
number (issue number), page range. Retrieved from http://journalhomepage.com/full/url
Smith, J. A., Brown, R. W., & Rogers, M. (2012). How to create an APA reference page. Writing
Studio Journal, 22(1), 63-72. Retrieved from
http://keiserwrites.wordpress.com/apa/how-to-create-an-apa-reference-page
Website Article with Author(s):
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Date of publication). Title of document. Retrieved from
http://journalhomepage.com/full/url
Smith, J. A., Brown, R. W., & Rogers, M. (2012). How to create an APA reference page.
Retrieved from http://keiserwrites.wordpress.com/apa/how-to-create-an-apa-referencepage
* If there is no date provided, write n.d. in place of the year.
Website Article with a Corporate Author:
Name of Corporation or Organization (Date of publication). Title of document. Retrieved from
http://journalhomepage.com/full/url
World Health Organization (2012). Schizophrenia. Retrieved from
http://www.who.int/mental_health/management/schizophrenia/en/
* If there is no date provided, write n.d. in place of the year.
Book:
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Date of publication). Title of book: Capital letter also for
subtitle. Location: Publisher.
Smith, J. A., Brown, R. W., & Rogers, M. (2012). Mastering APA style: Format, references, and
citations. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.
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Film:
Producer, P. P. (Producer), & Director, D. D. (Director). (Date of publication). Title of motion
picture [Motion Picture]. Country of origin: Studio or distributor.
Grazer, B., Hallowell, T. (Producers), & Howard, R. (Director). (2001). A beautiful mind
[Motion Picture]. United States: Universal Pictures.
APA Quick Guide for Reference Listings & In-text Citations
When referencing a source, include as many of the following as applicable:
 Author’s name: Last name, followed by first (and second, if available) initial(s) only
(Example: Smith, A. G.).
 Year of publication: Include month and day for websites/newspaper articles, if available.
 Title of article or webpage.
 Title of book, periodical, newspaper, or website.
 Editors’ names (Eds.); edition number (ed.).
 Volume and issue number (for journals).
 City (full name) and state (abbreviation) of publisher (Example: New York, NY).
 Name of publisher (Example: McGraw-Hill).
 URL (web address) or doi (digital object identifier).
In-text citations must include:
 Author’s last name
 If there is no author, the first few words in the article title in quotation marks
 Year of publication or “n.d.” for “no date” if none is provided
 Page or paragraph number
Examples:
“There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease” (Graham, 2007, para. 6).
-orAccording to Graham (2007), “there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease” (para. 6).
Alzheimer’s is defined as “a degenerative disease of the brain with no known cure”
(“Alzheimer’s Disease,” n.d.).
-or-
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Merriam-Webster’s (n.d.) defines Alzheimer’s as “a degenerative disease of the brain with no
known cure.”
In-Text Citations
* Note: When you incorporate secondary source material into an academic paper, most of it
should be paraphrased rather than quoted. You should be choosy about when you quote wordfor-word from a source. A paraphrase is a restatement of someone else’s ideas in your own
words. Simply substituting a few words in the original with synonyms will not do. When
paraphrasing, make sure that the language and sentence structure are truly your own.
Paraphrase (1st. time cited):
According to Smith, Brown, and Rogers (2012), bla bla bla.
Smith, Brown, and Rogers (2012) suggest that bla bla bla.
Paraphrase (subsequent citations for sources with 3 or more authors):
According to Smith et al. (2012), bla bla bla.
Smith et al. (2012) suggest that bla bla bla.
Direct Quote (1st. time cited):
A recent study finds that “bla bla bla” (Smith, Brown, & Rogers, 2012, p. 23).
Smith, Brown, and Rogers (2012) state, “bla bla bla” (p. 23).
Direct Quote (subsequent citations for sources with 3 or more authors):
A recent study finds that “bla bla bla” (Smith et al., 2012, p. 23).
Smith et al. (2012) state, “bla bla bla” (p. 23).
Miscellaneous
* When writing an academic paper, avoid contractions (for example: don’t, he’s, it’s) and certain
personal pronouns (for example: I, me, my, you, your, we, our, us).
Setting Up a Different First Page Header in Word for APA-style headings and page
numbers
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 On page one of your Word document, double-click anywhere in the area at the top of the
page to open the header & footer toolbar (you should see a blue dotted line across the top
of the page when it’s open, and the cursor will be blinking in the header).
 On the toolbar above, to the right of center, you will see a small checkbox next to the
option “Different first page.” Click that box to give it a checkmark.
 On the toolbar, to the far left, Click “Page Number,” select “Top of Page” from the
menu that drops down, and then “Plain Number 3.” This will position your page number
at the top right.
 Press backspace (the page number will move to the left, and that’s okay) until the cursor
is all the way back to the left margin and type: Running head: PLUS THE TITLE OF
YOUR PAPER IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.
 Now press tab until your page number “1” is back in position at one-inch from the right
edge of the paper.
 Highlight your header and page number with the mouse and change your font to Times
New Roman, size 12.

Scroll down to the header on page two.
 As before, and on the toolbar to the far left, Click “Page Number,” select “Top of
Page” from the menu that drops down, and then “Plain Number 3.” This will put a
number “2” in the top right.
 Also as before, backspace to the left until you’re at the margin (one-inch from the edge of
the page), and this time, only THE TITLE OF YOUR PAPER IN ALL CAPITAL
LETTERS.
 Tab the number “2” back to the right until it is flush with the margin; highlight and
change your font to Times New Roman, size 12.
 On the toolbar, to the far right, click “Close Header and Footer Options.”
17
Sample title page
Sample header for all pages after title page
B. Americans with Disabilities Act
Keiser University complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 by providing reasonable accommodations for qualified
individuals with a disability.
The Keiser University’s ADA Policies and Procedures, and the necessary forms for requesting
disability-related accommodations; certain programs may require manual dexterity. Please
consult campus Admissions Offices for further information and/ or Keiser University’s Section
504 Coordinator:
Gery Hochanadel, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs
Office of the Chancellor
18
1900 W. Commercial Boulevard, Suite 180
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33309
Tel: (954) 776-4476
geryh@keiseruniversity.edu
To ensure that reasonable accommodations can be provided in a timely manner, all forms and
documentation must be completed at time of enrollment prior to the commencement of classes
for any given semester. Certain accommodations may involve other professionals and specialists,
and therefore, may require considerable time to implement. Accordingly, every effort is made to
make reasonable adjustments/accommodations.
C. Course/Instructor Evaluation
It is expected that all students will participate in the online Course/Instructor Evaluation at or
near the end of the course.
Notices of Course/Instructor Evaluation access are sent to registered students by KU email or
personal delivery.
D. The current edition of the Keiser University Catalog and Student Handbook is available on
the Keiser University website at http://www.keiseruniversity.edu/catalog/20102011%20Keiser%20University%20Catalog,%20Volume%2010,%20No.%201,%20August
%202010.pdf
This Catalog provides extensive information on Keiser University policies, regulations and
procedures.
G. Course Evaluation Formatting
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENTS AND RUBRICS
I. Framework for Grading
A paper:
-The paper has a strong thesis and has proven their argument by the end of the paper.
-The paper has 3-5 scholarly sources.
-The paper is in APA format and style.
-The paper is analytical and supported with detailed examples.
-There are little to no spelling or grammatical errors
-The argument is easy to follow and understand and does not stray off topic.
-All of the elements included in the prompt have been answered in detail and the writer has used
examples to support his/her argument.
-The sentences are varied and well balanced.
-The overall content of the paper is superb.
-The writer presents new information that is interesting, analytical, and original.
B paper
-The paper has a good thesis statement and has mostly proven their argument by the end of the
paper. More examples and discussion might have to be added to better convince the reader of the
writer’s argument.
-There are 2-3 spelling and/or grammatical errors per page.
-The paper has 3-5 scholarly sources.
-The paper is in APA format and style.
19
-The argument is mostly clear, but needs to be better phrased and reinforced throughout the
paper.
-The writer has answered the majority of the questions in the prompt, but needs to discuss the
other elements in more detail.
C paper
-The thesis is not quite clear, and the argument is not entirely proven by the end of the paper.
-There are 2+ scholarly sources.
-The paper is mostly in APA format and style, but does not completely follow all of the APA
guidelines.
-There are 5 or more spelling and/or grammatical errors per page.
-The argument is not entirely clear, and the examples used do not enforce the writer’s argument.
-The writer’s paper is lacking in detail and needs to be expanded upon. The writer has answered
slightly more than half of the questions in the prompt.
-The paper is in part a summary with little analysis.
-The paper is somewhat repetitive and lacks structure.
-The paper needs to be revised so that it answers the prompt, is better organized, and has a
clearer thesis.
D paper
-The paper is mainly a summary and there is little to no analysis.
-There is no clear thesis statement.
-There are less than 2 scholarly sources or the sources used are from unapproved sources such as
Wikipedia and websites that do not end in .edu, .gov, or .org.
-The paper has some elements of APA format, but needs to be globally revised to meet the APA
guidelines.
-There are excessive spelling and grammatical errors in the paper.
-Few of the questions in the prompt have been answered and have not been answered in detail.
-The paper needs to be globally revised so that it contains analysis supported with examples.
F paper
-The paper is mainly a summary and there is little to no analysis
-There is no thesis statement.
-There are no scholarly sources or the sources are not credible.
-The paper has very few if any elements of APA.
-There are excessive spelling and grammatical errors in the paper.
-Few of the questions in the prompt have been answered and have not been answered in detail.
-The paper is devoid of content or analysis.
-The paper does not seem complete.
-The paper needs to be globally revised so that it meets the assignment requirements
20
II. COURSE RUBRIC ASSIGNMENTS
Grading Rubric: Writing Assignments
ELEMENT
CONTENT (30%)
GRADING CRITERIA







ORGANIZATION
(30%)



STYLE/

MECHANICS
(20%)



POINT/COMMENT
Does the main topic/thesis comply
with the assignment?
Is the main topic/thesis supported Total: ______ / 30%
by
specific,
relevant,
and
appropriate details?
Are there supporting details?
Comments:
Does
the
supporting
evidence/argument
form
a
coherent whole?
Are there 2-3 scholarly sources?
Are there quotes from the text?
Does the paper meet the length
requirements (not including the
title page, abstract page, and/ or
the reference page)?
Total: ______ / 30%
Is the paper logically organized?
Do
the
arguments/examples
logically transition from each to
the next, and to they relate to the
Comments:
topic/thesis as a whole?
Does the paper contain a wellstructured
introduction
and
conclusion?
Is the writing free of grammatical Total: ______ / 20%
errors?
Are sentences clearly and variedly Comments:
structured?
Is the student’s word choice
accurate, appropriate, and specific
throughout?
Is this paper written in Standard
English?
21
FORMAT (20%)



Is the paper typed in appropriate
APA style (font, spacing, margins,
headers, page numbers, etc.)?
Is the paper itself clean and
stapled?
Does the paper meet all
assignment directions?
Total:
______ / 20%
Comments:
TOTAL PERCENTAGE:
________%
III. LITERARY RESEARCH PAPER CHECKLIST

Is this paper in APA format?

Is this paper a minimum of 5 pages (not including the title page, abstract page, and
reference page)?

Is there a minimum of 3-5 scholarly sources included in the research paper?

Is there a minimum of 1 accredited website, 1 scholarly journal, and1 book used as
references?

Is the thesis statement clear?

Is the paper free of grammatical errors?

Is the paper a representation of your research and written in your own words? (The
Turnitin report should be under 20%)

Is the paper written in Standard English? (The paper is free of slang words,
abbreviations, or informal language.)

Is the paper written in APA style of citations? (Do in-text citations correspond with
references?)

Is the paper written in APA style of citations? (3rd person is used and the paper is free of
“I think,” “I believe,” and “in my opinion” statements)

Have you submitted the paper to Turnitin?
22
IV. GRADE SHEET
Assignments
Diagnostic:
Writing 1:
Test 1:
Writing 2:
Test 2:
Writing 3:
Writing 4:
Writing 5:
Writing 6:
Writing 7:
Writing 8:
Total=
÷ 11 =
X 30% =
Midterm
X 20% =
Literary Research Paper
X 25% =
Final Exam
X 20% =
Post-test
X 5% =
Add up the numbers in the last blank of each category to get your grade. Final grade=
90-100%
80-89.99%
70-79.99%
65-69.99%
Below 65%





A
B
C
D
F
23
KEISER UNIVERSITY
Course Control Document – Evidence of Understanding
Course: AML1000 American Literature
By signing below, I affirm that I have received, read and understand the information
provided in the above course control document; and the grade which I must achieve to
pass the course.
Print Name: ____________________________________________
Signature: _____________________________________________
Date: __________________________________________________
Instructor: Professor Barletta