College Writing II: Writing and Literary Study
Entering the Literary Conversation
WRIT106-##
Instructor:
Email:
Office Hours:
Classroom:
In-Class Meetings:
Welcome
Welcome to WRIT106-##, Writing and Literary Study, the second half of Montclair State’s writing requirement! I’m
thrilled to be spending this semester with you and sharing literature that will—I am sure—make you think, wonder,
question, and feel deeply. The subtitle of our course, “Entering the Literary Conversation,” reveals the relationship we
will have with each other and with the writers and critics we encounter in the course. We will read texts from a fairly
diverse group of writers and from three major genres: fiction, poetry, and drama, and we will discuss them with each
other through classroom conversations, online chats, as well as through our writing about them. You will be entering a
conversation about literature that has been going on for a very long time and will gain confidence in your ability to make
intelligent and thoughtful contributions to that conversation. More specific information follows!
Required Texts and Supplies
1. The Seagull Reader: Literature 3rd ed. (ISBN 978-0-393-93810-4). This is a three-volume collection by Joseph Kelly from W.
W. Norton & Co. This will be available in the bookstore, W.W. Norton, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. You can buy
new, used, or may rent from some sellers.
2. Handbook – you may use the handbook you purchased for ENWR105 or another MLA handbook. I am expecting that
the handbook you have may not contain the newest 2016 MLA updates so don’t worry about that. I will present pertinent
updates in class.
3. You will also need: a notebook of your choice, computer paper, flash drive or other back-up tool, pens, and access to a
printer.
The Specifics—Course Aims, Expectations, and Outcomes: What we will do in this course
Read, think, reread, rethink, write, reflect, write, think….you get the picture! Since the course is both an introduction to
literature and a composition class, think about the work of the class as a way to practice and enhance existing writing
skills for even greater writing power and to acquire more sophisticated writing moves, while employing critical thinking
about literature. Course work will include, but not be limited to, reading and annotation of literary works as well as
theoretical/critical articles, short written homework assignments such as guided reaction papers and literary analysis,
written elements of academic arguments—proposals, annotated bibliography, essays, reflections, peer reviews, and a final
portfolio. I expect, as this is the second course in the sequence, that you have facility with the basics of writing in English
such as grammar and mechanics. There is a list in the Introductory module of our Canvas course site of common
conventions and issues I expect you to have in your wheelhouse. Check it out and note what personally needs your
attention and seek help from me for clarification.
By the completion of our course, you should be able to:
o Analyze literature critically and offer intelligent and compelling insights
o Create claims based on your inquiries about the literature that engage with complexity
o Produce strong arguments with focused and convincing evidence, organized logically
o Understand and have facility with common MLA practices
o Make strong connections between literature and human experience.
Internet/Web Expectations
This course uses Canvas, MSU’s LMS, extensively for its course documents and online discussion forums. You must have
reliable and open access to the Internet. This means that you cannot rely on using Internet service at work, for example,
as that limits the hours of access. You must also have a “Plan B” in place for those times when your Internet stops
working if you are off campus. See the Introductory module on Canvas for links to helpful videos and guides.
Submission of work on Canvas: Type all assignments as Word.doc/docx and upload (Do not cut and paste) through the
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proper assignment link. If you submit work in any other format, my computer will not be able to open it properly, and I
will not be able to read it. For discussion posts, you may type directly into the text box.
Class Etiquette/Netiquette/Rules of the Road
For this brief semester, we will form a community of writers, and while it may seem that there are a lot of rules,
communities function best when there are clear guidelines and policies that enforce fairness and promote a comfortable
environment. Please do not expect exceptions to the rules of our class. They are in place to provide equal opportunity to
all. If, however, you have circumstances that indicate or necessitate accommodations, speak to me immediately.
Our classroom should be a model for how we would like the world to work. How we treat others demonstrates our
respect for them. Our classroom and our shared Canvas site are collaborative spaces and the home of our writing
community. In all communication with each other, respect is the order of the day. We will often disagree with one another
but always respect the right of the other to hold a different opinion. However, even as regards opinions, no form of
intolerance or hostility is allowed to enter our environment. Silence and put away all electronic devices. We will not use
laptops/tablets/cell phones during class unless specified in advance. This is not optional. If you cannot live with this
policy, consider an alternative course. Texting or reading texts in class indicates that you are not present. If you choose
to text or scroll on your phone, you will receive a zero for class citizenship for the day. If it happens three times, you
will be charged with absence of a single class. If you have an emergency that necessitates your being available for
contact, please see me at the beginning of the class, not after.
Classroom Policies
The following policies are in place to keep our space safe and foster an atmosphere of intellectual growth and curiosity:
o Food is not allowed in the classroom unless you bring enough for everyone to share or unless it is announced in
advance. If you wish to bring water or coffee/tea –fine, but make sure you clean up after yourself.
o Arriving late to class is disruptive. If you feel you cannot make it to class on time given your other obligations
(classes, transportation, etc.), please find a section that is better suited to your schedule. Three late arrivals equal
an absence. If you have to leave in the middle of a class, do so with as little disruption as possible. Students who
leave for extended times will be penalized.
o Always come to class prepared to discuss the readings and take an active part in the work of the class. This
means having your course text, notebook, and other required materials with you (pen/pencil/highlighter, peer
review sheets, handouts, etc.). The unit schedules list the anticipated class activities for the day and any extra
required items outside of your text and notebook. You will not be able to get full credit for attendance if you are
unprepared.
o Know the names of your classmates! We will practice in the beginning but, if you find you do not know some
names, please make the effort to find out. We will address each other by name in class.
o Use Canvas message to contact peers to find out what happened in class if you were unable to be present. I
cannot respond to emails asking what was missed.
o Emails to me must contain your last name and subject in the section line (Example: Timberlake, Canvas Issue).
They must also demonstrate the respect we will always show each other: a salutation, which can be informal
(Hello,” “Dear Prof.,” etc.) and your name as signature. Beginning or ending an email without these conventions
is rude.
o Don’t converse with neighbors while someone has the floor; it is disrespectful and boorish.
o Do not pack up before our class has ended.
Grading
Breakdown of Grades Grades on essays include invention work, drafts, and HW assignments scaffolding the essays.
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2 Unit Essays
(E1=15%; E2=20%)
Documented Essay
Annotated Bibliography
Portfolio
Class Citizenship
35%
25%
5%
25%
10%
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Note: In order to be considered for a passing grade in the course, students must submit all three final drafts and the
portfolio.
Homework (Baseline Expectation)
Homework is due, even when you must be absent from class. Late homework assignments will not be accepted—no
exceptions. I keep to a strict schedule in order to read or comment on work, because I consider that a huge part of my
responsibility, and submissions are downloaded at the deadline. I do not go back and look for late work. To have your
work considered as fulfillment of an assignment, make sure you pay attention to length or word minimums. Written
homework will not be individually graded, but that does not mean it does not count! It is part of the invention work of the unit, which
culminates in the final draft of the essay. If your homework assignments meet the expectations for length and complexity,
you back up whatever you say with evidence, and they are clearly written, they will be considered complete.
“Incomplete” indicates that the assignment fell short of one of the criteria and that you received partial or no credit
towards the essay grade. The Canvas grading system doesn’t allow me to indicate whether there is zero credit or partial
credit, but I will attach a note that will help you to know how to improve for the next assignment. Use these assignments
to try out ideas for writing that you might explore more fully in the unit essay. Work must be submitted in the manner
indicated on the assignment: written in your notebook, submitted through a Canvas assignment link, posted on a
discussion forum, and/or a hard copy in class. Do not email assignments to me directly unless I have given you
permission. Make sure you read the schedule to know what you must have with you in class. Every typed HW
assignment, including discussion posts, must contain your verification of the word count. You need to include this
information at the bottom of the work.
Homework pass: Because life is unpredictable and sudden emergencies arise, you are allotted one homework pass. When
you are using it, please let me know. Homework passes cannot be used on essay draft or annotated bibliography
assignments.
Unit Papers (60%)
You will write three papers, plus a reflective essay, varying in length but totaling 6000 words of revised prose over the
course of the semester. Individual essay assignments will provide all the details for each assignment. I will offer feedback
on one of the drafts in each unit. Late final drafts: final grade drops one level (Example: B- to C+) for every class the essay
is late. I reserve the right to excuse penalties if, for special circumstances, a request is made in advance for an extension.
The grade on the essay represents the quality of the final draft but also any work in the unit such as homework and earlier
drafts. For example, if you received “complete” on all homework assignments but one of the drafts was short or simply
weak, you should expect the final grade on the unit essay to be affected. Example: Final grade on the essay = 88 (B+) but
there is a missing, late or incomplete draft, expect a deduction of up to 3 pts. For a missing, late, or incomplete HW
assignment, expect a deduction of up to 2 pts.
Drafts
Drafting and revision are critical to success in this class, and to that end, you must keep all drafts and feedback from
classmates and me, as you will need these for work on your portfolio. Keep hard copies in a folder dedicated to this
course and back up all drafts on a flash drive or other backup tool. You are responsible for all work returned to you.
Work missing from your portfolio will affect your grade. It’s a really good idea to email finished work to yourself so it
resides in a place other than your computer. Substantial work between drafts must also be evident. If you were given
notes during a peer review, or comments from me, their effect on your writing should be apparent. It’s your obligation to
access your comments on Canvas, read them, and make revisions based on suggestions as well as your own continued
thinking on the subject. Mere corrections in mechanics and grammar, format changes, or addition are not enough to
constitute a new draft. For a draft to receive full credit, it must meet the requirements for the specific draft outlined on the
essay assignment (length, complexity, format, sources, etc.). Drafts are part of the invention work of the unit essay.
Missing, incomplete, or short drafts will result in a deduction to the essay grade.
Annotated Bibliography (5%)
The annotated bibliography is an important research tool and method of organization for sources for your portfolio
essays. You will be working on your annotated bibliography throughout the semester, beginning with the return of E1.
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Extensive and detailed instructions are on the “AB” assignment in the Portfolio module.
Portfolio (25%)
The portfolio assignment is a major project that entails the rewriting of essays one and two using outside sources. In
addition, you will be required to write a two to three page reflective essay. The portfolio will turned in during the exam
period and takes the place of an in-class exam in ENWR106. You can see from the weight of this grade how important
revision is to the process of writing and in what regard the FYW Program and I hold it. The complete portfolio
assignment is in the Portfolio module.
Class Citizenship (10%)
To be actively engaged in the classroom means being on time and prepared to discuss the day’s reading by having
annotated the texts and having all necessary materials in class. In order to meet the requirement, you must contribute to
class discussion, peer review, group work, or whatever the in-class activity is for the day. Texting or consulting your cell
phone takes you out of the class and negates participation for the day. If you are absent, you cannot get participation
credit for that day, obviously. Contributions both in the classroom and online must be thoughtful and meaningful. Your
participation is what will make our classroom meetings dynamic, interesting, and illuminating. Additionally, completion
of the course evaluation contributes to this grade. Ten percent may not seem like much but the difference between an “A”
in participation and a “C-“ really is a considerable number of points.
Office Hours and Conferences
Regular office hours are listed on this syllabus, and no appointment is needed. These are open hours for you to drop in to
Dickson 125 to discuss a piece of writing, your progress and concerns, or the course in general. You are encouraged to
come as often as you like. Typically, most office visits last about fifteen minutes. If you are coming to talk about a specific
piece of writing, you must either bring two copies of that piece OR a laptop with the specific piece posted on Canvas so
we can read together. I will not be able to read an entire essay during an office visit so you will want to be prepared with
specific questions that I can address. I encourage you to arrange a brief conference for every paper. Typically, students
who attend office hours do better overall in the course. One of the insights students consistently offer at the end of the
semester is that they wished they had taken better advantage of this opportunity to meet.
Class Cancellation
If a class must be cancelled due to an emergency, you will be contacted through a Canvas announcement and email; an
online assignment will be substituted. Make sure that you empty your MSU mailbox frequently to avoid missing
important emails. Once it is full, it will not accept further email and you may miss important announcements, not only
from our class but also from the University in general. Even if a class is cancelled by the University due to bad weather,
there will always be an online assignment. Hoo-ray for the Internet—right?
Live Lit
Most ENWR106 classes attend one Live Lit event during the semester. More details to follow on this.
Standard FYW Policies
The important policies and practices that apply to all FYW courses are contained on the standardized section of our
syllabus, found under “Syllabus” on the left nav menu of our Canvas home page. We will go over them in detail at our
initial class meeting, and you are as responsible for the information contained there as you are for all information on our
class syllabus. The specific items contained in this section include:
Attendance policy
Plagiarism policy
Completion of course evaluation information
Accommodations information
CWE information
Links and URLs to campus resources and support sites
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Syllabus Caveat
This syllabus is our contract with each other. Please read it very carefully and bring questions to class regarding the
information contained here. You are responsible for all information contained here and on the Syllabus page of our
Canvas site. I reserve the right to make changes to the course schedule or policies that do not affect grading. Any changes
will be reflected in the copy of the syllabus residing on our course Canvas site.
Tips for Doing Well in this Class
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Stay connected: Come to office hours, know classmates’ names, and contact a classmate any time you are absent
to get up to speed on that day’s class.
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Be present: When you are in class make a difference with your presence: add your voice to make class discussion
dynamic and interesting; be fully “there” by having prepared and thought about the topic for discussion. Be
punctual and treat an absence as an emergency situation, not a holiday.
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Yell for help: At this point, you should know when you need help of some kind. Seek what you need by
contacting me, visiting the CWE, spending time in the library, reaching out to CAPS, seeing your advisor. Be
proactive and avoid delays that cost you time and grade points. Do not wait until “zero hour” to do something about
a troubling situation.
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Remember that deadlines are crucial: They are not in force to annoy you but rather to allow me to return all
work in a timely fashion and keep the work of our class moving on schedule.
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Take chances: Don’t always go for the “safe” answer, probably the one you have previously heard. Take some
risks with your thinking. Trust yourself, your brain, and your ideas.
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Avoid tools that tell you how to think: Specifically avoid sites like SparkNotes, Ask.com, eNotes, CliffsNotes,
and the like that shut down your own thinking with their “this means that” structure. Literature is important for
what it means to you, not them, and how it changes you. That will not happen if you are merely absorbing some
formula.
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Think “like a lawyer”: Back up your opinions and insights with strong evidence; put forth and maintain your
integrity through your actions—how you represent yourself is clear through how you act towards others and
how you handle your responsibilities.
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Be a good colleague: Treat your peers as deserving of your respect and act in a way that engenders respect.
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READ!!!! Read all instructions carefully. Read assignments thoroughly well before any deadline and ask
questions about anything you do not understand. Read and annotate all assigned texts, always being cognizant of
what occurs to you during the process. You—the reader—are integral to the process of making meaning of
literature. Read the syllabus, the assignment, and the schedule before contacting me with a question. About
95% of the questions students have can be answered by careful reading of one of these documents.
Do We Have your Name Right?
If the name you go by is different from how your name is listed on Canvas, please use the following link to update to
your preferred name in HawkSync. Please also inform me of any changes.
Help!
Help for many issues is available to you via the links on the standardized section of our syllabus on Canvas.
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And, finally….
Please know that I am so very happy—ecstatic really—to be sharing this semester with you and excited to hear your
reactions, insights, questions, and ideas about literature and life. If you have a personal issue with the course that you
want to discuss, please come to office hours, send an email, or speak with me after class and we can arrange a time to talk.
Semester Schedule
The following table offers a summary view of the schedule for the course. The unit schedules, located in each module, list
the details: assignment particulars, submission information, and important dates in the semester.
All reading assignments and location of readings are also on the schedules, but assume all readings are from The Seagull
Reader: Literature, within the particular volume, unless otherwise noted. Essay assignments are located at the bottom of
each unit schedule. This schedule is subject to change so always consult your unit schedule for the most up-to-date info.
Bring to each class: appropriate text and/or printout; hard copy of HW / draft; notebook.
Class
Class Topics and Activities
Homework due for Next Class
Reminders/Notes
Pre
Sharpen your pencils and get ready!
1
Due: Questions!
Introduction to course
Strategies for reading literature
Practice with annotation
2
Due: HW1 / printout
Introduction to elements of fiction;
concentration on: character / point of view /
theme
Discussion of homework reading
Reading of “The Flowers” and in-class
writing.
Due: HW2
Concentration on form and structure, plot,
setting, and symbol.
Discussion of homework readings.
Quick review of grammar/mechanics
expectations.
Due: HW3
Overview of argument; concentration on
claim.
Review of common grammar issues.
Discussion of homework reading.
Due: HW4
Overview of drafting process; concentration
on plagiarism and revision.
Conventions of writing about short fiction
Discussion of homework reading.
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4
5
Read syllabus and documents in the
Introductory module
Post introduction to Discussions (link in
Introductory module)
Upload picture to Canvas.
Jot down questions about syllabus & course.
Read: “The Use of Force” (Unit 1 module) and
annotate.
Write: HW1. See U1 schedule for details. This
will be the practice for all written HW
assignments.
Read: “Introduction” (xi to xxxii in Seagull) and
“Everyday Use” (469-78)
Write: HW2
Read: “A & P” (460-7) and “Araby” (212-18).
Write: HW3
Read: “The Things they Carried” (333-51).
Read: E1 assignment (Bottom of U1 schedule).
Write: HW4
Read: “The Yellow Wallpaper” (150-67).
Write: HW5
Buy The Seagull
Reader: Literature
and supplies and
locate your
handbook.
Bring notebook and
appropriate text to
each class. Bring
copy of HW1 to
class and printout
of “The Use of
Force,” annotated.
Bring Seagull:
Stories to class and
copy of HW2.
Text, notebook,
copy of HW3.
Going forward,
bring appropriate
text, notebook and
hard copy of HW.
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6
7
8
Due: HW5
Strategies of invention: brainstorming and
clustering.
Discussion of homework readings.
Pesky grammar questions
Due: E1-1, 3 hard copies
How to provide effective peer review
Workshop: Small group conversational peer
review.
Discussion: using feedback for revision.
Due: E1-2, 2 hard copies
Workshop: Focused peer review in pairs.
Discussion: Effective revision /
proofreading strategies
Read: “Shitty First Drafts” (Canvas U1 module).
Read: “The Writing Process” (xxxi-xxxviii).
Write: E1-1 (See assignment for specifics).
Bring your most stubborn grammar issue to
class!
Submit draft
through Canvas
link and bring 3
hard copies to
class.
Write: E1-2. (See assignment for specifics).
Submit draft
through Canvas
link and bring 2
hard copies to
class.
Bring volume of
Seagull: Poems to
class.
Write: E1-3 (Due in Class 10)
Read: “Introduction” (Seagull: Poems, xxi-xl).
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Introduction to poetry: elements,
instruction in reading, accounting for
reactions.
Reading and discussion of selections from
our text.
Read: “I Am Offering This Poem” (20-21), “To
My Dear and Loving Husband” (36), “She Walks
in Beauty” (48), and “Sonnet” (Canvas, U2
module).
10
Due: E1-3
Symbol and metaphor
Discussion of homework poems
Pesky grammar questions
11
Due: HW6
Imagery and theme
Compelling analysis
Discussion of homework poems
Due: HW7
Workshop: claim and organization
Read: “Facing It” (193-94), “Dulce et Decorum
Est” (237-38), “The Death of the Ball Turret
Gunner” (Canvas, U2 module), and “Here Dead
We Lie” (Canvas, U2 module).
Write: HW6
Read: “How Do You Write about Poems?”
(XLVIII-LXVI)
HW7
12
13
14
15
16
17
Write: E2-1 (See assignment for specifics)
Due: E2-1
Introduction of annotated bibliography
assignment
Workshop: Peer review
Due: E2-1A (3 hard copies)
Group conferences Dickson 125
Write: Annotation of E2-1 [E2-1A] (See
assignment for example of this draft).
Due: E2-2
Development and evidence
Workshop: peer review
Live Lit
Write: E2-3 (See assignment for specifics). Due in
Class 18
Write: E2-2 (See assignment for specifics)
Write: E2-3
Read: Read through E1 returned copy to
determine a direction for revision. Bring clean
copy to class with notes.
Write: Live Lit reflection (Canvas link)
E1-3 due in Class
10
Submit through the
link on Canvas and
bring a hard copy
to class.
Sign up for
conference through
Canvas calendar
Submit E2-1
through the link
and bring 3 hard
copies to class.
Submit through the
link and bring 3
copies to
conference.
Bring 2 copies of
E2-2 to class.
E2-3. Submit
through Canvas
and bring 1 hard
copy to class.
Copy of E1 with
notes.
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18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
Due: E2-3
Introduction to documented essay.
Research methods and practices
Workshop on annotated bib. for E1. Bring
laptops/tablets to class.
Due: HW8
Introduction to drama / A Doll House
Discussion of Trifles
Read: Trifles (Seagull: Plays, 253-68)
Write: HW8
Bring Seagull: Plays
to class.
Read: A Doll House (181-218)
Write: HW9
Make an
appointment for a
conference in Class
23.
Due: HW9
Acting out ADH based on HW9
Discussion of context
Introduction to literary criticism
Due: HW10
Discussion of ADH continued
Read: Remainder of ADH
Write: HW10
Due: Proposal / printout of source
Speed dating proposals
Practice with incorporating sources
Due: E3-1
Groups conferences in DI125
Write: E3-1 (see assignment for specifics). Submit
to Canvas and print 3 hard copies
Due: E3-1A
Workshop on revision.
Plagiarism quiz and refresher
MLA style refresher: parenthetical citations
and format of draft
Due: Rough draft of AB (2 copies)
Workshop on annotated bib
MLA workshop on Works Cited page
Due: E3-2 (2 copies)
Workshop: Peer Review
Editing and proofreading
27
Due: E1 and sources (2 copies of draft)
Portfolio workshop
E1 with sources
28
Due: E2 and sources (2 copies of draft)
Portfolio workshop
E2 with sources
Portfolio due in hard copy
Exam
Period
Write: Proposal
Research: Review sources in files on Canvas.
Find one to present as it fits into your proposed
idea for E3
Bring hard copy of
proposal to class
Bring
laptops/tablets to
class and copy of
your chosen source.
Bring 3 copies of
E3-1
Research sources and create annotation of E3-1
[E3-1A] with source(s) added. Submit one copy
through Canvas and bring 2 copies to class.
Construct: rough draft of AB. Bring 2 hard copies
to class and submit through the link in the
Portfolio module.
Bring 2 copies of
E3-1A to class.
Write: E3-2 (see assignment for specifics). Bring 2
hard copies to class.
Bring 2 copies of
E3-2 and submit
through link on
Canvas
Bring 2 copies of E1
and sources you
plan to use for this
revision.
Bring 2 copies of E2
and sources you
plan to use for this
revision.
Write E3-3 (see assignment for specifics). Due in
Class 28.
Prepare: clean copies of E1
Write/Proofread E3-3.
Prepare: clean copies of E2
Proofread annotated bib. Submit final copy
through the link on Canvas by midnight of the
day of Class 28.
Bring 2 copies of
rough AB to class.