Graded Assignments -- Any assignments turned in after the time they are due in class will be docked one-half grade from the first day and for each day thereafter up to a zero grade.
 

In-class discussion and questions

For each class meeting you will be given several questions to answer.  You are required to answer questions with an asterisk (*) next to it.  Among the other questions, choose just one to answer. I will collect your answers each class meeting and grade them at midterm and at the end of the semester, so purchase a large manila envelope (9" x 12") and label in black marker in upper right corner: Name, Course. Turn these in by the second week of class.

These questions are meant to help you read and prepare for in-class discussions.  In-class discussions will take place using several formats.  For example, I will either have an open class session with everyone responding to the reading(s) and questions posted, or I will have you work in groups to share answers and then present your responses to the class, or I will choose a few students to discuss the reading(s)/question(s) in front of the class with students in the audience responding or posing questions. 

Poem explication--sample explication

Reading Response

Document Preparation (click here for sample)

Unless otherwise specified, all class products should be typed with 1" margins all around, double-spaced throughout the entire paper, using 12-pt. Times New Roman font ONLY. Papers prepared otherwise will not be accepted and will be marked late.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required to complete and pass this course.  Students are expected to attend all classes. If you must miss class due to a documentable illness or emergency, please call my voice mail and make arrangements to complete assignments during your absence. Students who must miss class because of an approved university activity need to notify me in advance and verify excused absences with official documentation that I will keep in your file. Assignments due on the expected absence date must be turned into me in advance. Unexcused absences will affect your grade as follows:

·         Final Grade will be lowered one full letter with three (3) or more unexcused absences.

·         Students with six (6) or more excused or unexcused absences will not pass this course.

·         Three tardies count as one absence.

·         Leaving early (even with permission) counts as a tardy.

University Regulations and Other Matters

Students are expected to attend class and to complete all assignments. You are responsible for providing evidence to substantiate "authorized absences." If you know in advance you will miss a class, you are responsible for informing me. I take attendance everyday and enter the number of absences on the final roster.

The penalty for all late assignments is deduction of one/half letter grade for every day the paper is late. This applies to all assignments, including homework.  Papers are due, unless otherwise announced, at the beginning of class. If a paper is turned in after roll call, it will be considered late and points will be deducted. Papers must be turned in to the instructor in person (do not leave papers under my office door or email them to me). This policy applies to group projects as well.

On Plagiarism

An experienced English teacher can easily tell the difference between original student writing and plagiarized work. Because you will have to write various exercises in class, I will have an excellent idea of your true writing abilities. Thus, when you turn in longer pieces of writing--although more careful and polished than your in-class work--they will still reflect your abilities. Your writing is like your signature, unique to you. To turn in someone else's writing--published critic, friend, tutor, doofus on the Web--is foolish, easily recognized, an insult to your instructor and fellow students, and a good way to get yourself into serious trouble.

Accommodations for Disability

If you need accommodations in this class related to a disability, please make an appointment to see me as soon as possible. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal antidiscrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Services.