American Literature Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

ENGL-2326-001 American Literature

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: ENGL 1302 or ENGL 2311 - minimum grade of c or Depatment Chair consent

Course Description

A survey of American literature from the period of exploration and settlement to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from among a diverse group of authors for what they reflect and reveal about the evolving American experience and character.

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Department Expectations

Amarillo College English Department Plagiarism Policy, revised Spring 2013

The English Department takes plagiarism seriously.

Plagiarism is defined as the following:  the use of someone else’s exact words that are neither quoted nor cited; paraphrasing someone else’s words without citing them; or using someone else’s research without citing it.

Student plagiarism in the Amarillo College English Department is internally tracked.  To clarify, records will be kept in the Department of those students who have plagiarized.  At the beginning of each new semester, the names of students who plagiarized the previous semester will be sent to all English Department faculty. 

Plagiarism may receive a penalty of a zero.  A subsequent infraction will be deemed a reason for expulsion from the class. At this point, the case will be referred to the Vice President of Student Affairs.

Note: Self-plagiarism will be discussed with the class by each instructor and infractions for such are left up to the individual instructor’s discretion.

All sophomore literature classes will include at least one writing assignment designed to connect the literature being studied to an ethical dilemma, demanding that students communicate their critical thinking as they consider both personal and social responsibility issues.

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Electronic course inside Blackboard.

Supplies

"cardboard" pocket or three ring folder

highlighter

computer access

Student Performance

1. 1. Discuss and interpret works of literature presented in class using appropriate literary terms.

2.  Write analyses of literary works using primary and secondary sources in correct MLA style.

3.  Demonstrate skills in analytical reading, thinking, and writing.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

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In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

The English Department takes plagiarism seriously. Plagiarism is defined as the following: the use of someone else’s exact words that are neither quoted nor cited; paraphrasing someone else’s words without citing them; or using someone else’s research without citing it. Student plagiarism in the Amarillo College English Department is internally tracked. To clarify, records will be kept in the Department of those students who have plagiarized. At the beginning of each new semester, the names of students who plagiarized the previous semester will be sent to all English Department faculty. Plagiarism may receive a penalty of a zero. A subsequent infraction will be deemed a reason for expulsion from the class. At this point, the case will be referred to the Vice President of Student Affairs. Note: Self-plagiarism will be discussed with the class by each instructor and infractions for such are left up to the individual instructor’s discretion All sophomore literature classes will include at least one writing assignment designed to connect the literature being studied to an ethical dilemma, demanding that students communicate their critical thinking as they consider both personal and social responsibility issues.

Grading Criteria

20%   –  In-class assignments

20%   –  Hybrid assignments

40%   Analytical research paper

20%   Final exam

*Your working journal consists of homework assignments, in-class work, research assignments, etc. 

Attendance

This is a hybrid, 8-week condensed course.  In order to meet SACS requirements—and in order to address material covered in a traditional sixteen week semester, we will be meeting two days a week.  The remainder of your work will be “online” and submitted via Blackboard.  It must be submitted per dates assigned.

Students are responsible for completing all assignments—both work assigned in the traditional “in-class” meetings as well as assignments posted online—and for providing evidence to substantiate any in-class absence I consider excusing. Two or more unexcused absences may result in a failing grade.If during the semester you consider dropping, please check with me first for an alternate plan that protects your investment in the course and gives you an opportunity to complete it.Remember that the deadline for drops this semester is OCTOBER 4^th, 2016.

The Texas Education Code stipulates that students atttending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time in fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students hae withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. There are certain exceptions to this policy and petitions for exceptions should be directed to the Registrar.

FERPA guarantees student confidentiality, thereby disallowing me to discuss your grades, behavior, or anything to do with this class with anyone other than you.

Calendar

Additional Information

Additionally, per this course, my personal goals are to have students:

1. Read significant works of American Literature.

2. Understand how the assigned readings impact us today.

 NOTE: DECORUM--

The classroom is not the place for taking care of personal matters. It is the place to learn. In appropriate behavior will not be tolerated.