22 Jul 2010 [ Prev
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5. Course Requirements
The class format will be a seminar, with lots of discussion and some lecture.
Reading and Writing
In this class, we will not first read "the right answer" from a textbook (or hear it in lecture) and then write it down for points. Rather, we will read and write in order to discover and explore an interpretive problem, and we will read and write more in order to devise a solution.
Re-reading and Re-writing
Complex understanding develops over time. As with any complex skill, meaningful progress comes only with practice.
Since LA101 is a prerequisite for this course, you will already know how to quote from text in order to support your own original interpretation of that text, and how important revision is for the development of intellectual complexity.
This class will build upon the skills you learned in LA101, as we practice critical close reading (not just skipping to absorb content, but paying close attention to the author's literary technique, reading deeply, explorationally and critically) and writing the academic essay (a multi-stage process which involves prewriting, drafting, peer review, revision, and polishing).
General Requirements
Reading and Writing
In this class, we will not first read "the right answer" from a textbook (or hear it in lecture) and then write it down for points. Rather, we will read and write in order to discover and explore an interpretive problem, and we will read and write more in order to devise a solution.
Re-reading and Re-writing
Complex understanding develops over time. As with any complex skill, meaningful progress comes only with practice.
Since LA101 is a prerequisite for this course, you will already know how to quote from text in order to support your own original interpretation of that text, and how important revision is for the development of intellectual complexity.
This class will build upon the skills you learned in LA101, as we practice critical close reading (not just skipping to absorb content, but paying close attention to the author's literary technique, reading deeply, explorationally and critically) and writing the academic essay (a multi-stage process which involves prewriting, drafting, peer review, revision, and polishing).
General Requirements
- Keep up with the readings. Read the week's assignments before class. (The first day of classes is an exception of course.) Reflect on the readings before coming to class, and help sustain an active, positive learning environment.
- Please keep copies of rough drafts of papers; that is, instead of saving overtop of your old files, save each new version with a new name "Exercise 1 - Aug 30," "Exercise 1 - Sep 3." (I may want to talk with you about your rough drafts before recording a grade.)
- I will often send out class e-mails to the addresses on file in GriffinGate. (If you don't use your student email account, use SHU's email forwarding service so that you don't miss important updates.)
- In-person attendance and face-to-face interaction are crucial components of the course. Online materials are required components of the class, but they are meant to amplify the in-class experience, not replace it.
This course expects you to use various learning tools. Just as
students in generations past learned to carry an extra inkhorn and spare
lamp wicks, there are certain common-sense strategies that will help
you do the necessary work.
- Patience, and a positive attitude, will help you make the most of your learning environment. Our technology won't work 100% of the time.
- Download or print out a copy of the course syllabus and the online readings, so that can work on the readings even if the internet happens to be down.
- Get in the habit of emailing drafts to yourself, so that you can retrieve them from your archives if you lose your thumb drive. (Or consider a free service such as DropBox or Google Docs, that lets you store all your files online.)
- Unless the homework assignment specifically mentions a printout, you should assume that I don't
want a hard copy. (The exercises and papers will be submitted to
Turnitin.com, and there will be regular activities on GriffinGate.)
- We will use the library website and blogs.setonhill.edu. We will spend some class time familiarizing ourselves with these and other tools, and I am always happy to meet with you during my office hours if you'd like additional help.
