ENG 1921
Ken Harmon
Ken HarmonSection 1: MW 11:40-1:35, GWC 408 Office: Fifth floor of Gateway Center,
Office: Fifth floor of Gateway Center, 4.5 Credit Hours Suite 530
Contact Hours: 45 Lecture Hours Office Hours: TR 9:35-11:30
Prerequisite: ENG 1020 or ENG 1920 Office Phone: (980) 598-3218
Winter 2012-2013
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Welcome to Advanced Composition & Communication (The Big Ideas of Science Fiction)!
This is a topic-focused course that will explore the large philosophical ideas of science fiction presented in literature and film. On our journey we’ll explore some of the following familiar sci-fi topics: virtual reality, space travel and time travel, extraterrestrial life and intelligence, artificial life and intelligence, the technological alteration of human nature (e.g., cloning, genetic engineering, cybernetics, transhumanism, posthumanism, and so on), the impact of technology on society, and much, much more. Reflection on these topics will provoke all kinds of fascinating and difficult philosophical questions about the nature of reality, the existence and nature of the divine, the limits of human knowledge, the relationship between mind and body, the meaning of free will, the notions of personhood and personal identity, the nature and foundations of morality, and the meaning of life and death.
As in Expository Writing (ENG 1020/1920), you will read and reread texts and write essay projects through a process of several drafts. The goal in this course is not only to improve your reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, but also to help you enter into various intellectual conversations via argumentative reading, writing, listening, and through the development of a critical understanding of film.
This course is a continuation of ENG 1020 and will build upon the audience and reseach skills developed in that course. All work, both written and oral, is aimed at persuading an audience, and instruction begins with the essential components of a logically constructed and articulated argument. Critical thinking skills will be reinforced thoughout the course, as students develop, peer critique, and present projects to the class. Research and MLA skills are expected of students, and many projects require research from a variety of sources.
This is a reading and writing intensive course.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Required Texts:
Text Required for Everyone:
Corrigan, Timothy. A Short Guide to Writing About Film, eighth edition. USA: Pearson Education, 2012. ISBN: 978-0-205-23639-8. This text is also available as a Kindle electronic text downloadable to any electronic device (laptop, smartphone, tablet, Kindle, etc.)
In addition to the Corrigan text, each student much choose ONE of the following options:
A) Atwood, Margaret. Oryx and Crake. USA: Anchor Books, 2003.
ISBN: 978-0-385-72167-7
-OR-
B) Card, Orson Scott. Ender's Game. New York: Tom Doherty Associates, 1977.
ISBN: 978-0-8125-5070-2
-OR-
C) Gibson, William. Neuromancer. USA: Ace Hardcover; 20th anniversary edition, 2004
ISBN: 978-0444101203
-OR-
D) Option D includes TWO texts:
Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1951.
ISBN: 978-1-4516-7331-9
-AND-
Dick, Philip K. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? USA: Del Ray Books, 1968.
ISBN: 978-0-345-40447-3
Text choice must be approved by me to ensure that all discussion groups have an appropriate number of members.
Recommended Items:
A laptop, a tablet (such as an Ipad), and/or a smart phone. You should bring one of these items to class every day. These will be used to complete in-class course work such as blogging, electronic quizzes, etc.
A basic subscription to Netflix.
COURSE OBJECTIVES AND GOALS
OBJECTIVES
1. To learn to communicate ideas clearly and effectively, with an emphasis on
sound argumentative writing skills.
2. To develop sound analytical processes and use them in reading, writing,
listening, and presenting.
3. Students should become aware of their individual writing voices and how they can be
adapted to fit different audiences and rhetorical situations.
4. To encourage independent thinking.
5. Students will conduct research and examine and compare information
from various sources in order to evaluate reliability, validity, accuracy, authority,
timeliness, and point of view or bias.
6. To support a claim (thesis) with substantial material.
7. To paraphrase and summarize accurately the ideas of others and to use these
ideas to either support or refute a claim.
8. To develop a vocabulary and analytical skills that will allow one to discuss a film within technical and cultural contexts.
within technical and cultural contexts.9. Through service learning, understand more fully how cultural myths create
challenges in Charlotte as well as the broader U.S. culture.
10. Students will observe and understand the converging of science fiction with science
fact.
REQUIREMENTS
Students will:
- Attend class meetings and complete all reading, writing, and editing assignments.
- Read extensively critical essays by peers and experienced writers with attention to audience, purpose, tone, style, grammar, and punctuation.
- Complete daily blog entries and Twitter posts.
- Actively participate in daily reading discussion groups.
- Complete homework as specified during the term. Homework may include exercises, shorter writing assignments, and other work that develops writing skills. Students should expect to write during or after every class. Students will be expected to participate in collaborative activities and class discussions and listen to lectures.
- Demonstrate competence in basic grammar, punctuation, mechanics, sentence structure, paraphrasing, and essay writing as defined through class lecture, model writings, practice, and rubrics.
- Conduct, complile, document, and present a research project.
- Demonstrate competence in oral presentation skills.
- You will be composing three major argumentative writing projects along with some more informal writing assignments. You will also create a group presentation related to your research project. I will be more specific about the assignments as their assignment date approaches.
All written work is to be typed, including most in-class writing. I will explain the paper & presentation assignments when appropriate. All paper assignments will be covered in detail well before they are due. All papers must be typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font, 12pt., with 1” borders on top, sides, and bottom according to MLA format.
The presentations will be graded on the quality of your performance as well as the quality of your content.
Each major written assignment will include planning, drafting, revising, editing, and reflection. You are responsible for turning in all materials related to an assignment. This includes: invention strategies, draft versions, peer critiques, a final version, and a reflection. Failure to submit drafts, peer critiques, or reflections on the due date will affect your grade.
In order to pass ENGL 1020, students must submit a portfolio of written work that includes an annotated table of contents, an earlier piece of writing before the class began, two formal revised essays from this semester and a reflective essay.
You must complete all assignments in order to pass the course. Failure to complete any of the required assignments will result in a final course grade of F.
OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT: Johnson & Wales University is committed to outcomes assessment. Faculty and students are, therefore, part of an ongoing effort to determine and refine the effectiveness of instruction and learning. Names of individual students wil not be used when reporting results. The skills of written communication and critical thinking are measured in this class.
EVALUATION
The following assignments will be graded. You can accumulate 400 points, which are distributed as follows:
CLASS PARTICIPATION (32.5%)
Blog Entries 15% (60 pts.)
Reading Quizzes 15% (60 pts.)
15% (60 pts.)Twitter Posts 2.5% (10 pts.)
PAPERS (67.5%)
Research Topic Proposal 1.25% (5 pts.)
1.25% (5 pts.)Annotated Bibliography 2.5% (10 pts.)
2.5% (10 pts.) Informal Film Response 1.25% (5 pts.)
1.25% (5 pts.)Evaluation Essay (A Film Review) 10% (40 pts)
10% (40 pts)Scene Analysis Matrix 2.5% (10 pts.)
Scene Analysis 20% (80 pts.)
20% (80 pts.)Researched Argument (Collaborative) 15% (60 pts.)
15% (60 pts.)GWR Exam 5% (20 pts.)
Portfolio 10% (40 pts.)
Final Grades:
360 - 400 A
320 - 359 B
280 - 319 C
240 - 279 D
0 - 239 F
MY EXPECTATIONS:
Taking classes is your job here at the university. Thus, you should treat the work and requirements accordingly. In the workplace things such as absences, tardiness, and not doing your work properly have negative consequences. This is the case in my class as well. Many students’ low grades are a result of not following directions or policies as well as not expending enough effort. It is your responsibility to be aware of the policies on this syllabus. If you miss class it is your responsibility to check with your classmates to find out what you have missed. And though you are always welcome to follow up with me if you are absent, do not ask me if you “missed anything important.”
Your grade is dependent on a number of factors that, together and holistically, inform the evaluation and assessment of your performance. In summary, these criteria include attendance, participation, reading responses/journal entries, reading quizzes, discussion questions, a presentation, and the successful completion of any other reading and written assignments.
Note: The reading load is quite heavy and the pace fast. Also, because writing is a means of discovery and a pathway to understanding, it is an important activity in this class in conjunction with the reading. Indeed, you should think of your writing as a mode of reading that will help you begin to understand the literature at hand. When essays, journals, and in-class assignments are considered together you will be doing some kind of writing assignment every week. Be prepared to spend much time carefully reading, considering, discussing, and writing about the texts in the course. If you cannot devote the time necessary to keep up with the assignments, and to do so in a critical manner, you will not do well in this class and may want to consider if this is the right class for you.
PLAGIARISM: All course assignments ask you to write using what you have learned in the course and using your own thinking and writing skills. If you use any ideas, paraphrases, or exact wording from a source other than yourself (including the textbook), you must document the source using MLA parenthetical documentation style (see handbook or ask instructor). Any source used but not documented will be considered plagiarism, for which you will receive a failing grade for the course. You might also be placed on probation or expelled from the university. If you have any questions about plagiarism, ask before you act. Ask me; see Best Practices for Avoiding Plagiarism.
FEW VERY IMPORTANT WORDS ABOUT PLAGARISM
A. Plagiarism, a SERIOUS, academic violation, which can lead to an F for the course, is the use of WORDS, IDEAS, or STRUCTURES of others (published sources, friends, relatives) without acknowledgment. There is no excuse for willful plagiarism.
B. Except where appropriate (quoting or paraphrasing from primary or secondary sources), your work is presumed to be totally your own writing (i.e. original).
C. When you QUOTE OR PARAPHRASE FROM ANY sources, you MUST cite them with appropriate specific documentation (usually author and page number in parentheses + Works Cited list at end). This includes subject matter of the essay. If you quote or paraphrase precisely from a work of literature, you must cite the author of that work.
D. If you do not understand the format for documenting sources, see me for help before turning in an essay. Refer to your handbook for further clarification.
For other questions about plagiarism see http://www.winthrop.edu/english/writingprogram/plagiar.htm
TURNITIN.COM: All major essays written for this course must be submitted electronically to turnitin.com no later than classtime on the date that an assignment is due. Essays that are not uploaded to turnitin.com will not be accepted.
ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to attend all classes and earn credit for complete classes and in-class assignments. You are allowed two absences (excused or unexcused) without penalty. Five absences (excused or unexcused) will result in automatic failure. If you do not attend a student conference, you will be considered absent. After two absences your final grade for the semester will be reduced as shown.
You are responsible for tracking your absences.
AbsencesPoints deducted from final grade
Points deducted from final grade34041005200J&W WITHDRAWAL POLICY
It is the student’s responsibility to initiate procedures leading to a formal withdrawal (“WP” or "WF) in order to avoid a failing (“F”) grade. To receive a WP OR WF grade, a student must withdraw prior to October 12, 2012. In order to qualify for a WP, the student must have an estimated grade of 60 or higher at the time of withdrawal. If the estimated grade is less than 60, the student will be issued a WF, which is entered into the term and cumulative GPA as a failing grade until successul completion of the course at a later date.
TARDIES: If a student is more than 10 minutes late for class or leaves more than 10 minutes before class is over, they are counted absent for the day.
PROFESSIONAL DRESS: You must follow the academic dress policy as it is explained in the Student Handbook (pp. 56-58), including wearing your nametag. Headphones, tennis shoes/sneakers & hats/head coverings are not allowed in the academic building except scarves for religious purposes.
ETIQUETTE: Students are expected to respect their classmates’ time and learning environment. Therefore, show up for class prepared and on time. ALL CELL PHONES SHOULD BE SET TO SILENT BEFORE ENTERING THE CLASSROOM. Each time a cell phone disrupts class the entire class will take a pop quiz. Also, if a student leaves the classroom to answer a call, they will be counted absent for the day and not allowed back in the classroom that day. Other disruptive classroom behavior, defined as anything that would interfere with “an instructor’s ability to conduct the class” or “The ability of other students to profit from the instructional program,” is strictly prohibited.
NO FOOD OR DRINK IN THE CLASSROOM
NOTE: Persons other than registered students are not allowed to attend academic sessions, laboratory classes, computer labs, and other University academically supported areas.
LATE PAPER/ASSIGNMENT POLICY: Turn in all your assignments on their scheduled due dates. You must submit the final drafts of all essays and their associated process work (critique, reflection, etc.) in Blackboard. NO PROCESS, NO GRADE. Keep a duplicate copy of all assignments you turn in and save all of your files in several locations (flash drive, hard drive, email, etc.). I DO NOT ACCEPT LATE PAPERS.
REVISION: You may rewrite one failing essay (original grade of D or F); the rewritten essay may receive no higher than a “C.” Revision must accompany the original graded copy.
STUDENT E-MAIL: Students are required to obtain and use a JWU e-mail account for University communication and to access my public folders. You must obtain your password to do so. Student accounts are created automatically for those who are active and in good standing. Student email addresses are available through link.jwu.edu. Immediately contact the helpdesk at 1-866-598-4357 if you need assistance. Take care of this the first day of class. Students are expected to maintain an email account throughout the semester and check it daily for important information regarding upcoming assignments, course announcements, etc.
IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS: Students will often complete in-class assignments and short writing projects. In-class projects and quizzes are team-based and scheduled for a specific class period and cannot be made up after that class date.
WORKSHOPS: All essays will be critiqued by peer groups in class. Essays without workshop response will drop one full letter grade.
PARTICIPATION: Come to class prepared to discuss the assigned readings. Contribute productively to discussion. Quizzes and in-class writings are usually based on the readings.
SAFE ZONE: The purpose of the Safe Zone Program at Johnson & Wales University is to create an affirming and supportive campus climate through identifying and educating members of our campus community who are open to and supportive of all individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
The Safe Zone symbol (see top of syllabus) is a visible symbol of support and an affirmation of committment by a Safe Zone Ally to fight homophobia and heterosexism at Johnson & Wales University.
CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUPPORT
WRITING CENTER: Located in the academic building, 4th floor, the writing center is open to all Johnson & Wales University students who need help with writing, whether they are taking an English course or not. Students are encouraged to seek assistance with essays, research projects, and related assignments. Students are asked to make an appointment with a Writing Center staff member in order to receive prompt assistance. The center provides 30 minute appointments and is staffed from 8:30-2:30 M-R. Consultants work with students on any part of the writing process -- planning, drafting, focusing, organizing, revising, or editing, and with papers from all disciplines. Please do not hesitate to use the tutor’s assistance. Remember to bring a copy of your assignment and your drafts to any Writing Center conference.
Going to the Writing Center does not guarantee you a good grade because tutors will not proofread your papers. The Writing Center’s goal is to improve your overall writing skills (organization, thesis & supporting paragraphs, audience/assignment issues, as well as teaching punctuation and grammar rules after reviewing big picture issues), which sometimes takes several sessions, depending on your existing writing skills. For more information, you may contact them at [email protected]
You may also visit the Center for Academic Support website at:
ACCOMODATIONS: Johnson & Wales University is dedicated to providing access to education. While maintaining the highest academic integrity, the University strives to balance scholarship with support services which will assist special needs students in functioning in the University's academic environment. Reasonable accommodations are available with proper documentation, and can be discussed with the director of The Center For Academic Support (4th floor of the Academic Building).
Because some programs of study have technical standards and requirements, applicants and students with special needs or physical disabilities should contact the director of the Center for Academic Support to discuss the availability of reasonable accommodations where appropriate. Copies of the technical standards applicable to various programs are available from this office. Once you have arranged accommodations with this office, please tell me so that I am aware of your accommodations well before the first paper/assignment.
A FINAL NOTE: I want you to use your time and effort as positively as possible, to read and write about topics relevant to your personal and academic interests. Whenever possible, I will encourage you to learn and write about all the other subjects you are taking. If at any time you have a question about your writing, please talk to me after class, at my office, or via email.
“If you want to write, you can. Fear stops people from writing, not lack of talent, whatever that is…You’re a human being, with a unique story to tell, and you have every right. If you speak with passion, many of us will listen. We need stories to live, all of us. We live by story. Yours enlarges the circle.”
-Richard Rhodes“Everybody is talented, original and has something important to say.”
-Brenda Ueland“Follow your curiosity and passion. What fascinates you will probably fascinate others.”
-Diane Ackerman“A writer… is someone who has found a process that will bring about new things.”
-William Stafford“Writing and rewriting are a constant search for what one is saying.”
-John Updike
