Introduction to Literature – EGL 102Literature & Life: Exploring The World Through Written Language Tuesday & Thursday 2:00-3:15pm Spring 2011- Instructor: Jennifer Mignano-BradyOffice Hours – Tues & Thurs – 3:30-4:30pmKnapp Hall /Writing CenterEmail:bradyj@farmingdale.eduBlog: http://literatureforthesoul.blogspot.com/

Course Description: Students will be introduced to numerous authors by reading a variety of short stories, plays and poetry. The course encourages students to explore the many facets of life that contribute to diverse themes read and discussed within the text. There will be a distinct focus on interpretation and in- depth discussion of the literature. Students will begin analytical reading and writing throughout the semester. Literature and Life: The World Through Written Language, will enhance critical thinking, analytical and interpretive skills. This class is an introduction to literature and therefore class participants will be introduced to a variety of authors, playwrights and poets. A strong emphasis will be placed on critical thinking. College writing standards will be strongly emphasized in addition to creative thinking and writing. Students will be asked to write academic papers that reflect the concepts explored in class and in the text. Literature and Life will touch upon some of the classics as well as some contemporary works.

Objectives/Goals:

Evaluate and analyze literary themes, devices and elements. Analyze and discuss the author’s purpose, audience and point of view. Identify, explore and appreciate form and structure. Examine and discuss the time period as it relates to a particular text. Critically think about concepts that are communicated in the literature as well as

introduce new concepts. Compare, contrast, make connections, inferences and predict outcomes based on

the literature. Communication: Participate in debates, presentations, group discussions, group

projects and creative writing. Read, analyze, discuss and write about poetry and poets. Participate in a writing community by reading, discussing and responding to other

writers on the blog and in class. Participate in an online discussion of ideas based on the literature. (See Blog) Cultivate a love of literature that allows you as an active participant in your

education to construct ideas, create ideas and contextualize them. Acquire the skills necessary to develop into an active member of a learning

community of readers and writers.

Reading: You will be asked to read selections from the text in addition to related materials on the blog. On occasion, you will be asked to download materials, print them and bring them to class the following day. Reading assignments will be given at the end of each class and/or blog. It is important that you read the selections so that you can participate in class discussions, workshops, fishbowls, homework assignments and group projects. You will have the opportunity to obtain

information about reading selections and due dates in class and on the blog. I may post weekly reading assignments and due dates on the blog. However, the best way to get information is to be in class. Arbitrarily, I will post a reading selection on the blog and ask the class to write a written response on the blog. The class will be notified of any online written assignments in advance. * The first step to effective writing and critical thinking is READING. It is imperative that you take the time to read the selections in order to participate in class discussions and writing workshops.

Writing: Congratulations on all of your hard work! If you are in this class you have completed all of the requirements of EGL 101. This class will require you to write about literature as it relates to the world we live in. This will include themes, devices, time periods, authors and purpose. You will be encouraged to think critically about the literature and write about characters and concepts analytically on an academic level. MLA format is required. All papers should be written in MLA format. You will be asked to incorporate quotes and use in -text parenthetical citation. You may want to purchase a folder. This will serve as a writing portfolio. Keeping a portfolio is an excellent way to organize, edit, reflect and revise your written work. I have set aside some time for creative writing both on the blog and in class. In addition to analytical writing you will have the opportunity to write poetry. *My goal is to facilitate in the process of encouraging all students to develop a love of literature that transcends the classroom.

Materials: Notebook, Folder, Pocket Dictionary

Motto: “ Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm” -Ralph Waldo Emerson Essayist & poet (1803 - 1882)

“The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.” -Arthur C. Clarke

Required Text:

Booth, Allison, and Kelly J. Mays. The Norton Introduction to Literature. Portable 10th ed.

New York, London: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2011,2006. Print.

Assessment:Participation – 15% (Attendance/ All Classwork/ Socratic Seminar and Literature Circles)Paper 1 – 10% Paper 2 – 15% - Paper 3- 15%Midterm – 15% - In Class EssayFinal – 20% Additional Assignments – 10% (Homework Assignments/Projects/ Creative Writing)

Note: Papers will be anywhere between 2-5 pages.

Attendance/ Late Policy: Due to the intense nature of this course. It is critical that you maintain a good attendance record. You should not miss more than 3 classes before your grade is threatened. Failure to make up missing work will greatly affect your grade. Try not to be late. If you are late three times it will count as one absence. Attending class on a regular basis and on time is paramount to your success both in this class and as a college student. Students are responsible for notes and assignments. It is your responsibility to make up the work you missed should you be absent. Teacher may post some assignments on the blog.

According to Farmingdale State College, plagiarism is the dishonest use of the work of others. It is using another person's ideas or expressions in your writing without acknowledging the source. You want to do everything possible to avoid plagiarism.

“Plagiarism is: Using ideas without acknowledging the source Paraphrasing someone else's argument as your own Presenting someone else's line of thinking in the development of an idea as if

it were your own Presenting the entire paper or a major part of it developed exactly on

someone else's line of thinking or arrangement of ideas even though you acknowledge the source(s) in parentheses” (www.farmingdale.edu).

Rules for Revising: In order to be fair and reasonable, the rules for revising are as follows:

If you receive a grade lower than a B you have the opportunity to revise your paper and hand it in the subsequent class.

For example, you must receive a B- or less to be given the opportunity to revise. You may not revise your paper if you receive a B.

The highest grade that you can receive once you have revised your paper is a B.

This ensures that students who receive a B on the first draft are graded fairly. A papers are exceptional papers. A papers go above and beyond. A grades are

given to students who show exceptional and exemplary work. The grading system is designed so that all students have the opportunity to

progress and therefore the grading scale reflects percentages that allow for such progression.

If you are interested in handing in your paper early and would like to go over it with me ahead of time, you are more than welcome to do so.

*Note- Participation is worth 15% of your overall grade. If you are a B or B+ student, you have the opportunity to receive an A in the class just by showing up everyday and bringing something to the table. More Importantly, Have Fun! It is my goal to ensure that you have a genuinely engaging and fulfilling experience this semester.

Writing Calendar: Spring 2011- Attached