Course+Description+and+Requirements

Askew 304 Dr. Combest (EricC@westminster.net)
 * English 12: Endings and Beginnings ** Fall 2011

English 12 has been reimagined this year by the English department and by each instructor teaching it. This class, therefore, is a work in progress. Below I have tried to give you a sense of how I have conceptualized the course so far, realizing that there will be adjustments along the way; I have also set forth general expectations, policies, and course requirements.
 * __ Course Description __** : We will spend this year exploring the broad idea of “endings and beginnings” in the American experience, specifically considering the themes of identity, transition, becoming, and the relevance of social-historical context, both in the works we will engage and in your own lives. Our focus will be on American literary nonfiction of various forms but will also include novels, poetry, drama, and film. Our aim will be to become better critical thinkers, asking what texts say, how they say it, and what they //mean//—what insights we can glean about our own lives and the way of the world. Some writing assignments will help you to hone your descriptive, analytical, and argumentative skills; others will help you to develop your own voice, as you reflect on your past, present, and future.


 * __ Fall Semester Topics __** : Although we will mix things up once in a while (or “go rogue,” to quote a famous Alaskan not encountered by Chris McCandless,), our work first semester will fall mainly into the following categories.

We will explore this major theme of American culture in a number of works, including John Krakauer’s //Into the Wild//, Henry David Thoreau’s //Walden//, selected poems, and selections from //Best American Essays// and //The John McPhee Reader//.
 * I. ** **Communing with Nature**

Another big American theme, which we will encounter in Cormac McCarthy’s //All the Pretty Horses//, in selections from //Best American Essays//, and in Western film.
 * II. Myths and Realities of the West **

There is no single American experience or story; we will consider some examples in Edwidge Danticat’s //Brother, I’m Dying// and in selections from //Best American Essays// and //The John McPhee Reader//.
 * III. Memoir and Biography **

(*__Please note__: we will save //Pudd’nhead Wilson//, //Their Eyes Were Watching God//, and //The Crucible// for second semester.)


 * __ Course Wiki __** : All further information, including daily assignments, will appear on the course Wiki. It is your responsibility to check the Wiki on Mondays and Fridays (and when announced in class) for updates.

1. **Come to class prepared**—most class periods will involve extensive discussions, the sharing of student work, and in-class writing, all of which depend upon the regular completion of homework assignments on time. Please don’t make me lecture and give quizzes. Plan to __take notes during class__ in a notebook or on a laptop. 2. **Be engaged**—mull things over, participate (offer comments, respond to others), listen carefully, move things forward. 3. **Be open-minded**—you don’t all have to agree with each other or with me, but you do need to listen thoughtfully and respectfully. 4. **Be kind**—you will read aloud from your own writing in class and comment on one another’s work. Try to be honest in your criticism but gentle in your delivery. At the same time, try to leave your ego at the door—remember that no one piece of work or critical comment defines you. 5. **Respect the Honor Code**.
 * __ Rules for the Road __** : Let’s face it: this isn’t your first barbeque. You know what most of the rules are already, but let’s go over some of them again anyway:

1. __Do not go on Facebook, e-mail, YouTube, etc. during class__—or you will be thrown into the Askew Dungeon. 2. __Keep your cell phone in silent (non-ringing and non-vibrating) mode__—if it goes off or appears in your hand during class, I will confiscate it and jump up and down on it with maniacal glee. 3. __No food or open drinks (water bottles are fine)__—except for Very Special Occasions to be determined by your Instructor. 4. **__Late assignments will be penalized__**—assignments are due in hard copy __at the beginning of class__. (If you desperately need an extension, talk to me before the assignment is due—you will find me to be understanding the first time, less so the second.)
 * __ Heinous Policies __** :

Below is a list of other anticipated assignments. Your semester grade will be based on the percentage of total points earned: a. Long essays (4 pages—100 pts. each)—roughly 200 pts. total b. Short essays (2 pages—50 pts. each) and brief essays (1 page—25 pts. each)—roughly 250 pts. total c. Collected assignments (10 pts. each)—roughly 100 pts. total d. Class participation and completion record—100 pts. e. Final exam (20%)—between 150-175 pts.
 * __ Written Work and Grades __** : In addition to longer essays, this class will include frequent short writing assignments in and out of class. These should be done on loose-leaf paper or typed and printed on hole-punched paper, for easy organization in a binder or folder. I will check all homework writings for completion and factor this into your participation grade. Once a week or so I will collect a homework writing to evaluate on a 10-point scale.