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English 150: Multicultural America Tuesdays &Thursdays Section 004 (58581): 11 am – 12:15 pm Section 005 (61105): 12:30 – 1:45 pm Merrill Hall 142 About your instructor: Peter Blewett PhD Peter Blewett has taught in the English Department since 1999. He served on the Milwaukee Public Schools Board of Directors for 12 years, including three years as President and three years as Vice-President. A poet, Peter founded the Cardinal Stritch University Writing Program, where he was selected as the 1999 Educator of the Year. Office hours: Send Peter a message at [email protected] or come see him on the first floor of the west wing of the UWM Library on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 2:10 and 3 pm. SUPPLEMENT TO SYLLABUS Note regarding course information & policies: The policies and information contained in the Humanities GER syllabus: English 150 and on the syllabus addenda are in effect for this course. This supplement provides about assignments, assessments, textbooks, and scheduled activities, including due dates, for this section of Multicultural America. This supplement also provides information about resources for learning and includes additional policies about assessment and conduct, both academic and non-academic. The information, policies, schedule, and assignments published here are subject to change, but, in the event of any change, the class will be advised as early as possible. ABOUT SECTIONS 004 and 005

Transcript of ENGLISH 150: Multicultural America Web viewENGLISH 150: Multicultural America. 2017. ENGLISH 150:...

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English 150: Multicultural AmericaTuesdays &Thursdays Section 004 (58581): 11 am – 12:15 pmSection 005 (61105): 12:30 – 1:45 pmMerrill Hall 142

About your instructor:

Peter Blewett PhDPeter Blewett has taught in the English Department since 1999. He served on the Milwaukee Public Schools Board of Directors for 12 years, including three years as President and three years as Vice-President.

A poet, Peter founded the Cardinal Stritch University Writing Program, where he was selected as the 1999 Educator of the Year.

Office hours: Send Peter a message at [email protected] or come see him on the first floor of the west wing of the UWM Library on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 2:10 and 3 pm.

SUPPLEMENT TO SYLLABUS

Note regarding course information & policies: The policies and information contained in the Humanities GER syllabus: English 150 and on the syllabus addenda are in effect for this course. This supplement provides about assignments, assessments, textbooks, and scheduled activities, including due dates, for this section of Multicultural America. This supplement also provides information about resources for learning and includes additional policies about assessment and conduct, both academic and non-academic. The information, policies, schedule, and assignments published here are subject to change, but, in the event of any change, the class will be advised as early as possible.

ABOUT SECTIONS 004 and 005

FINAL EXAMINATION: The final examination for 004 will take place on Tuesday, May 16, from 10 to 12 noon. For 005, the examination will take place on Monday, May 15, from 12:30 – 2:30 pm. The final examination takes place at a time different from our usual class hours, so make arrangements now so that you can attend the final examination.

SERVICE LEARNING: Students are required to perform twenty hours of service outside the classroom. A five-hour service credit will be awarded to students who participate in the “Beyond Service” training on either Wednesday, February 22, or Friday, February 24, from 7:30 – 8:30 pm in Union 280. To receive the five-hour credit, students will attend the workshop and post a critique of the workshop in a D2L discussion forum.

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ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION

Common study: We will achieve the course learning outcomes by pursuing a common course of study. Our study will begin in the classroom, but you will engage in critical conversation about common readings on D2L for the duration of the course. You will be required to submit a minimum of five short essays (700 words) during the semester, often as a discussion post. These essays will establish a framework for understanding our subject matter.

Creating a strong learning community: When you discuss difficult subjects such as privilege, power, and difference, you can expect to arouse strong reactions. Do not make the mistake of thinking that you have less to learn than someone else because your experience or academic preparation has given you greater insight into the subjects that we are studying. What matters more than what you may already know is your willingness to help your peers grow and to learn from them in return. In other words, you have to listen respectfully to your peers.

Individual activities: In addition to participating in class discussions on D2L, you are required to attend and discuss out-of-class events. For example, on February 3, you are required to attend a UWM field trip from 1 – 5 pm, and on March 2, we will attend the Distinguished Lecture Series, featuring Kareem Abdul-Jabbar instead of meeting as a class. You will also attend and discuss one other out-of-class event of your choosing. Most events from the sociocultural programming calendar are appropriate. Other approved events will be posted on D2L, announced in class, or sent via email. Please feel free to make the class aware of events that relate to our course topic.

Service learning: You will complete a service-learning project that builds a stronger Milwaukee community and develops your understanding of the issues that we discuss in the classroom. According to the American Association of Community Colleges, “Service learning combines community service with academic instruction, focusing on critical, reflective thinking and personal and civic responsibility. Service-learning programs involve students in activities that address community-identified needs, while developing their academic skills and commitment to their community.”

Digital narrative: During our final examination, you will present a digital story to the class that tells the story of a significant development of your multicultural understanding during the course.

ASSESSMENT AND GRADES: Since the assessments provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate that you have achieved the learning outcomes for the course, you must successfully complete all assessments in order to earn credit for the course. All written assessments must be submitted on D2L. Except for hard copies of the Service Learning timesheets, paper copies of assignments will not be accepted. Rubrics for the assessments are based on the rubrics on the GER syllabus.

ASSESSMENT DESCRIPTIONS WITH GRADE PERCENTAGEParticipation in class activities, timely completion of five essays, and connecting course work to life outside of the classroom. Ongoing assignments include participating in class and D2L discussions, attending cultural events, and submitting seven essays in which you reflect critically on course readings and activities. These assignments will usually be posted as D2L discussions. This work accounts for 50% of your course grade.

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Designing, implementing, and satisfactorily completing a service- learning project by Thursday, April 20, with a written reflection submitted to the D2L dropbox by the end of Friday, April 28. The service-learning component entails a minimum of 20 hours of service at a site outside of class and provides an opportunity for you to engage with diverse Milwaukee communities Placements are designed and coordinated through the Center for Community-based Learning, Leadership, and Research at UWM.The service-learning project accounts for 25% of your course grade.Producing and presenting your digital storytelling project. Although the digital story will be the focus of the last three weeks of the course, you will incorporate material from course activities throughout the semester into your story. The draft of your digital story is due by the end of Monday, May 8, and you will present your completed story to the class during the final examination. Make arrangements now to attend the final examination, since attendance is required to earn credit for the course!The digital story accounts for 25% of your course grade.

GRADES: Grades will be determined on a point system, with 400 possible points. You must complete all major assignments, including the discussion essays, service-learning project, and digital story, to earn credit for the course.

The grade scale is as follows:A = 371-400, A- = 351-370, B+ = 331-350, B = 301-330; B- = 281-300, C+ = 261-280, C= 231-260, C- = 211-230, D = 171-210, F = Below 171.

Assignment type Number Point value600-word critical essays 5 0-30 points each400-word critical reflections on outside events

2 0-25 points each

Service learning project hours 20 hours 50 points800-word service learning reflection

1 0-50 points

800-word digital story 1 0-100 intsPrinciple of equal treatment: According to UWM policy, no student should receive the opportunity to improve a grade that is not offered to all students.Penalty for late assignments or assignments submitted during class: Unless you show me an incident report from the UWM helpdesk, I will deduct 20% of the point value for assignments that are posted late. Assignments posted during any class meeting will be subject to the 20% penalty. Extensions: If you are up to date with assignments and you are in class on time on the dates that assignments are due, then you have an automatic extension of 48 hours to submit those assignments. The automatic extension does not apply to digital story assignments.Extra credit: You can earn extra points when you critically discuss relevant events, readings, and issues from life outside of the classroom. Discuss items related to our course theme in the “Items related to class” D2L discussion topic. I will offer one extra credit assignment as well. You may not substitute extra credit items for required assignments, so, in order to earn extra credit points, you must, by the end of the course, have submitted all your other assignments.

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COURSE SCHEDULE

Although the dates on this schedule are subject to change, you will be notified of any change at the earliest possible opportunity.

The final examination times are set by the university and can only be changed with prior approval by the appropriate Dean. As the culminating activity of the course, you must be present at the final examination. Note that the time of the final examination differs from our usual class meeting time.

Due dates are less likely to be changed than other course activities.

Note that course credit will not be awarded unless all course requirements, including service learning, have been met.

DATE ACTIVITYJanuary 26 No face-to-face class

D2L discussion of Greg Jay’s “What is Multiculturalism?”

February 2 or 7UWM Library

March on Milwaukee Digital Archives

February 3Student Union, 1-5 pm

Taking it to the Streets: A Tour of Black Activism in Milwaukee

February 17 Essay # 1 on Black Milwaukee dueFebruary 22 Union 280, 7:30–8:30 pm

Beyond Service training: Attend either the February 22 or 24 session to receive the 5-hour service credit

February 24Union 280, 7:30–8:30 pm

Beyond Service training: See above

March 2No face-to-face classAdvance tickets free from the Union Information Center

Distinguished Lecture series:Kareem Abdul-JabbarMilwaukee Theatre500 W Kilbourn Ave7 pm

March 3 Essay #2 on Meet Me Halfway due.March 10 Deadline for D2L post on Ta-Nehisi

Coates and Abdul-JabbarMarch 14 – 16 No face-to-face class: Conferences

West wing of the UWM Library1st floor

March 17* *Students who are up to date on assignments may have an automatic extension until March 24

Essay #3 on immigration due

April 4: Election Day No face-to-face classApril 6No face-to-face class

A tribute to survivalMilwaukee Public Museum800 W Wells St. 9 am – 8 pm

April 14 Essay #4 on respecting First Nation cultures

April 20 Service learning timesheets dueApril 28 Service learning reflection dueMay 5 Essay #5 on Indian Nations of

Wisconsin due.May 8 Digital story draft dueMay 11 Last day of classMay 12 Deadline for D2L post on outside eventMay 15, 12:30 - 2:30 Section 005 final examination May 16, 10 am – 12 noon Section 004 final examination

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LEARNING RESOURCES

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Loew, Patty. Indian Nations of Wisconsin. 2nd ed. Madison: Wisconsin Historical Society. 2013. 978-0-87020-503-3.

Morales, Jennifer. Meet Me Halfway: Milwaukee Stories. Madison: Terrace, 2015. 978-0299303648.

and either of the following:

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 8th ed. Modern Language Association, 2009. 9781603292627.

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th ed. American Psychological Association. 9781433-805615.

Other readings will be made available on D2L.

CENTER FOR COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING, LEADERSHIP, AND RESEARCH (CCBLLR). CCBLLR provides support for service learning, so please address questions about service learning with CCBLLR. Established in 2012, CCBLLR strives to improve the student civic and leadership experience through a holistic and seamless approach to community engagement. Learn more about their leadership development programs, volunteer programs, and academic service learning programs by visiting their website at CCBLLR.

Email: [email protected] Telephone: (414) 229-3161Office: Union WG28, Monday – Friday, 8-5 pm

CAMPUS IT SERVICES (UWM HELP DESK). Memorize this number: 414-229-4040 (toll -free number: 877-381-3459).

If you have any problem with D2L or PAWS, the UWM Help Desk is the only appropriate place to make inquiries about technical issues. I do not accept excuses for missing or late work due to technical issues unless you show me the incident report that the UWM help desk sends out after each query.

Telephone consultation is available from 7 am – 12 midnight, 7 days a week.

Walk-in consultation is available in Bolton 225 or the Library Learning Commons, Monday – Friday, 8 am - 5 pm.

ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCE CENTER (ARC): UWM supports the right of all enrolled students to a full and equal educational opportunity. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Wisconsin State Statute (36.12) require that students with disabilities be reasonably accommodated in instruction and campus life. Reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities is a shared faculty and student responsibility. Students are expected to inform me of their need for instructional accommodations by the end of the third week of the semester, or as soon as possible after a disability has been incurred or recognized. I will work either directly with the you or in coordination with the Accessibility Resource Center to identify and provide reasonable instructional accommodations. Disability information, including instructional accommodations as part of a student's educational record, is confidential and protected under FERPA.

ARC website: ARC ARC office: Mitchell 112Telephone: (414) 229-6287 E-mail: [email protected]

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CULTURES AND COMMUNITIES PROGRAM (CC). CC promotes campus engagement with the Milwaukee community and provides students with an opportunity to earn the UWM Cultures and Communities Certificate. Multicultural America satisfies the Core Course requirement for the CC Certificate. If you take 15 credits of CC courses, you can earn a certificate as part of your General Education Requirements. For more information, visit the CC home page at Cultures & Communities.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT WRITING CENTER: You have a distinct advantage in writing assignments if you take advantage of the Writing Center. More than 43% of the 6000 writers who have visited the Writing Center in the past five years have been advanced undergraduates or graduate students from various disciplines. Whether brainstorming, drafting, or revising, all writers benefit from consulting well-qualified tutors. Writing Center tutors undergo extensive training to serve the entire UWM academic community. The Writing Center offers in-person or synchronous online sessions.

Make appointments 24/7 through the Writing Center website: Writing Center or by telephone at 414-229-4339

Physical locations: Main location: Curtin 127 Satellite office: Library east wing, first floor

Writing Center hours (beginning February 6):Monday-Wednesday 9-7 pmThursday 9-4 pmFriday 9-1 pm

THE UWM LIBRARY has a truly vast collection of learning materials. You can take a tour in person or online. Librarians are available in person and online to answer questions or help with research.The main page allows students to transact library business or to begin their research:UWM Libraries

STUDENT HEALTH AND SAFETY. Everyone who works at this university is here to support you in your academic pursuit. Please visit the Campus Health & Safety website and enroll in the SAFE Alert system to receive emergency-information text message alerts. The SAFE site centralizes emergency and routine safety information and communications.

NORRIS HEALTH CENTER. Excessive stress or other emotional or health problems can get in the way of achieving the learning outcomes. If you are experiencing difficulty with stress or other emotional or health problems, please let me or another staff member know so that we can assist you. For information about managing stress, or for information about maintaining your physical, emotional, and mental health, please contact the Norris Health Center at (414) 229-4716.

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COURSE & UNIVERSITY POLICIESReview the GER syllabus and the UWM policy links on the Course Information module page on D2L.

ATTENDANCE: Your regular attendance at face-to-face course sessions not only helps you meet the learning outcomes for this course but also helps establish a strong learning community. Conversely, irregular attendance demoralizes your colleagues and undermines the creation of a strong learning community. If you are not present, you cannot participate and you cannot contribute to the work of building and sustaining a strong learning community. Cumulative absences of more than two weeks will result in failing the course.

It is your responsibility to find out what you missed if you must be absent. If an emergency forces you to miss class, then you should let me know by email at your earliest convenience and make sure that you know what assignments are due the next class period. It is good to have course buddies who can keep you up-to-date in the case of an emergency. Unless the reason for your absence also interferes with your ability to complete assignments, you are expected to complete assignments on time. Absence from class does not give you an extension to complete assignments.

Sometimes the campus may be closed due to inclement weather or other emergencies. You can find out if classes are cancelled by calling the UWM SAFE line (414) 229-4444.

PARTICIPATION: The value of the course depends on your full participation. Participation means that you help create and sustain a strong learning community. How do you build a strong learning community?

Here are some ways to strengthen your learning community:

attending and being prepared for classposting and responding to D2L discussions in a timely mannerlistening respectfully and responding critically to peersconnecting course themes to life outside the classroomsharing those connections with your peers doing all that you can to challenge yourself and to helping others learn

In short, full participation means that you come prepared to class, listen respectfully and critically to others, and present your own ideas thoughtfully.

Some behaviors undermine a learning community:Cell phones and laptops need to be turned off during class . If you are peering into the screen of a laptop, then you are not making eye contact and engaging with other members of the class. Texting distracts you and people around you.Arriving after class has started. Although it is better to come late than not to come at all, it is best to be on time. If you arrive in class on time, you are given an automatic 24-hour extension for any assignment. If you arrive late to class, you forfeit the automatic extension.Engaging in distracting behaviors, such as side conversations.Asking off-topic questions, such as asking about your performance or asking to go the bathroom. You may ask me questions about your performance or attendance or other items pertaining only to you before or after class or during a break. Appropriate questions are those that pertain to all members of the class, such as questions about course policies.

POSTING AND SHARING OF GRADES: Posting lists of students’

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names and grades is not allowed. Social security numbers, student ID numbers, or any part of those numbers, may not be used to identify final course grades, or exam or assignment grades.University policy states, “under no circumstances, may individual student grades be shared with other students, nor should grades be emailed to students.”

ACADEMIC CONDUCT: The Humanities GER syllabus discusses academic misconduct, but I would like to take the opportunity here to emphasize that academic misconduct, including cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, and mischaracterization will not be tolerated in this course. If you have a question about when or how to cite sources, please ask me and I will provide you with assistance. Library media specialists and writing center personnel are also available to answer questions that you may have.

Some definitions:

Plagiarism occurs whenever a student uses another person's words, thoughts, or ideas without giving that person credit.Fabrication occurs whenever someone invents or falsifies information. An example of fabrication would be if scholars indicate that they have consulted research that they did not consult or when if researchers falsify results.Fraud occurs when someone claims credit for something they did not do. For example, a student who signs the name of an absent student on an attendance sheet would be culpable of fraud, as would the absent student if he or she consented to the act. Mischaracterization: It is unethical to attribute ideas or opinions to people that they do not hold, especially if those ideas or opinions would be offensive to the person. You

must therefore be careful when you represent a person’s ideas or language to do so in an appropriate context.Submitting the same work for credit in more than one class: I presume that any work turned in for credit in this class has not been turned in for credit in any other class. The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association discusses using previously published work and self-plagiarism in detail. It is not acceptable to use one assignment to earn credit for more than one class (1.09-1.10).

NONACADEMIC CONDUCT: If you feel distressed about another student’s behavior, please let me know immediately. If you believe there is an immediate threat, please call the University Police at 9-911 from campus phones or 414-229-9911 from cell phones.

To maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning, the following policies are in effect for this course:

Harassment of any type will not be toleratedWeapons are not permitted in any building on the UWM campusBehavior that poses a risk to others will not be tolerated. Such behavior will be reported to UWM’s Behavior Review Team, which works collaboratively to evaluate the overall risk and determine the most appropriate steps to protect the person and the UWM community in a caring fashion.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

The Wisconsin Idea: The state of Wisconsin recognizes the importance of your education to its future, which is one reason the state capitol is located down the street from the Madison campus of the University of Wisconsin. That close proximity symbolizes the connection between education and our state, whose motto is “Forward.” That link between education and the governance of Wisconsin is sometimes referred to as the Wisconsin Idea.

The Mission of the University of Wisconsin: Our university, as part of the UW system, shares in the UW system mission, which reads in part:

Inherent in this mission are methods of instruction, research, extended education, and public service designed to educate people and improve the human condition. Basic to every purpose of the system is the search for truth.

As you engage in the search for truth during this semester, I hope that you will enjoy learning new things and meeting new people. Please remember three things as we undertake our search for truth:

The truth is not always easy to discern or to accept,

I am here to help you engage in that search, and

As a member of an academic community, you are responsible not just for your own learning but for the growth of the entire academic community, in this particular case, your colleagues enrolled in the course. THANK YOU for reading this supplement to the course syllabus.