American Literature Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

ENGL-2326-001 American Literature

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 

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.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Electronic course inside Blackboard.  Students are responsible for printing out assigned literary pieces and bringing them to class!

Supplies

"cardboard" pocket or three ring folder

highlighter

computer access

Student Performance

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.

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.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

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% Online work

20% Class work/homework

40%   Analytical research paper

20%   Final exam

Attendance

HYBRID COURSE ATTENDANCE POLICY   Students should make every effort to attend all class meetings.  All absences must be explained to the instructor who will then determine whether the omitted work may be made up.  When a student reaches that number of absences considered by the instructor to be excessive— in a hybrid course that is three missed classes—the student may receive a grade of F in the course.  Exceptions to this policy may be considered if a medical doctor communicates in writing that a medical leave is necessary.

The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending 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.

Official drop date this semester: May 3rd.

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.

Office hours:  2-3 p.m. M/W and by appointment

Note:  Subject matter may contain adult content.