Eng.

112- Composition II: Writing About Literature

Fall 2015
Prof. Gina Gennari
Phone:
Office:
Office Hours:

610.359.5059
4313
T: 1:45-3:45 (Marple)
MW: 10-11a (Exton)
Virtual Hours: M: 8-9 pm
(please email me to
set up a chat)
Email:
[email protected]
Course Competencies: Composition II is a writing course with emphasis on
both literature and research. The course develops critical thinking through the
study of literature, the use of advanced research techniques, and the writing of
analytical/critical and researched essays. Upon successful completion of this
course, students should be able to:

Formulate an analytical/argumentative thesis.

Express ideas logically and clearly in a coherent essay with sound,
supportive data.
Compose original, analytical/critical essays in response to literature.
Analyze the short story, poetry and drama using the elements of literature
such as plot, setting, character, point of view, form, tone, style, symbolism,
and theme, from different critical perspectives.
Access and evaluate source material using current information literacy
skills.
Summarize, paraphrase, quote and synthesize source material using MLA
documentation.
Apply research skills by composing a multi-source paper that proves a
scholarly thesis and is free of plagiarism.
Revise, edit, and proofread to produce polished, final drafts with a
minimum of errors in grammar, mechanics and diction.

Methods: You will be exposed to many writing assignments and exercises,

library work, group work and class discussions throughout the course of the
semester. Class discussions are particularly important because sharing ideas
helps sharpen our analytical thinking skills.

Materials:
John Green. Looking for Alaska.
Tennessee Williams. A Streetcar Named Desire.
Assignments: During the course of the semester, you will encounter short
stories, poetry, drama, and prose that will require critical reading and careful
analysis. Every reading assignment is mandatory because it will lead into
concepts that you will address in your writing assignments; it is imperative that
you approach each reading assignment with a critical eye. Be sure that your
reading assignments are completed prior to the date listed for discussion in the
course schedule.
This semester, you will write a total of four essays: three critical essays and a
research paper. For each essay, we will first read and analyze literature from the
text or from outside sources. Then, you will write a short response (see Critique
assignment on following page) which we will use as a jumping off point for our
class discussions. These discussions will lead you into each writing assignment,
so it is vital to be an active and engaged member of our community. There will be
a great emphasis on class discussions because the sharing of ideas through this
activity will only strengthen the outcome of your writing assignments.
Each essay submitted for a grade should be word-processed and should adhere to
the MLA guidelines. Your papers must be at least three typewritten pages long
(unless otherwise noted) and should have a well-developed introduction with a
clearly stated thesis. Your papers should contain an adequate number of coherent
body paragraphs that support the thesis and should have a conclusion that
summarizes, evaluates and interprets the body paragraphs.
Each paper should also be original, imaginative and appropriate for the
assignment while displaying an awareness of the intended audience. All papers
must follow Standard Written English (SWE) guidelines. Be sure to proofread
your work before submission. (FYI: Specific guidelines for the research paper
may differ and will be discussed later in the semester).
You may utilize college resources such as the Writing Center or SmartThinking to
help aide in your growth; however, this does not guarantee an A grade on your
paper. Papers may be rewritten for a higher grade only at my suggestion.
Critiques: For each text we read, you will compose a critique. Each of
these assignments should be about 250 words in length (equal to one
full type-written page) and should focus on the strengths and
or/weaknesses of the text.
Each critique should:

Begin with a one-sentence statement that expresses what you believe to be

the main idea of the text (or the authors main message/reason for writing
the text).
Focus on aspects of the text that you find intriguing, startling, important,
disturbing, confusing, enlightening etc. If you are having difficulty
understanding the text, write about it. What doesn't work for you? Where
did you lose interest? Do you disagree with the author's point of view?
Be open about your thoughts and feelings, but avoid profanity or
statements like, "I don't like this," or "I can't relate to this."
Be thoughtful, and be original.

Your writing must be yours; do not consult or use outside sources when
constructing your posts. Your critique may only be submitted on the day that the
story is due, meaning the day it is listed on Web Studylate submissions will
not be given credit.
By the end of each week, you should have responded to at least three
of your classmates critiques. Again, avoid superficial comments like:
I agree or I felt the same way. Instead, try to further the
discussion with your ideas and responses. Though you may also
respond to my statements, please be sure to comment on three others
by the due date. Your participation grade in this course will be
determined by the amount and the quality of your comments. If you
fail to participate in forums or are only making superficial comments,
your final participation grade will be affected.
Late or Lost papers will not be accepted: All papers must be submitted
to me by the date and time posted on Web Study. I will give a late pass on one
assignment (final research paper and final exam not included). If you use the late
pass, just remember that your essay is due within a week from the original due
date. You must contact me in advance of the due date in order to use the late
pass. You will still be expected to complete all assignments on the timeline and to
follow the guidelines that are set forth in the class. A late pass does not allow you
to replace a grade or to miss an assignment without penalty. In all other cases,
late papers will not be accepted.
Please remember to attach the correct file before you submit the
assignment. Submitted assignments containing partial papers will not be
considered. I will attempt return all papers with within two weeks of the due date.
If you need help with your paper, please make arrangements with me before it is
due! Missing a paper may seriously impact your final grade.
Written Work Criteria: The following criteria will apply for each assignment
(your research project will have separate requirements, and a

handout will be provided); in order to receive a grade for a given assignment,

each essay should:
1.
2.

Be word processed and adhere to the MLA guidelines

Be at least three (full) typewritten pages. The documented research paper
must be at least six (full) typewritten pages plus the Works Cited
page.
3.
Have an introduction with a clearly stated thesis
4. Have at least three unified, coherent, fully-developed body paragraphs to
support the thesis
5. Include specific citations from the text at hand in order to help prove the
thesis/main point of the paper.
6.
Have a conclusion that summarizes and evaluates the body paragraphs
7.
Make effective use of transitions
8. Be appropriate to the assignment, addressing all parts of the assignment
9.
Display creativity and originality
10. Have clear grammatical sentences and correct spelling and punctuation
I will post some hints and strategies to help you as you begin your first paper.
Please read all materials carefully.
Scoring Guide:
A papers: These papers demonstrate superior quality and creativity. They have a
clearly articulated thesis, address all parts of the assignment and develop the
thesis logically and convincingly throughout the paper. All material included is
relevant and necessary to the main idea. SWE errors are non-existent or
negligible.
B papers: These papers have a thesis, address all parts of the assignment and
show competent handling of the subject. They are not scored higher because they
are not organized/ developed fully and may contain minor or infrequent SWE
errors. Students may consider focusing on style and creativity to improve their
grades.
C papers: These papers will address the subject and have a thesis, but the thesis
may lack development and support. SWE errors may interfere with the
audiences ability to interpret the writers message.
D papers: This grade will be given to papers which, though they address the
assignment, do not convey a main idea or make a conclusive statement about the
subject at hand. The thesis may be undeveloped and unsupported by specific
examples in the essay, or the paper may not fully explore the given topic. The
essay may contain numerous SWE errors and may not be organized effectively or
logically.
F papers: This grade will be given to papers which do not in any way address the

given assignment or which are impossible to grade because of problems with the
writers critical thinking or writing skills. Papers that contain plagiarism will
receive an F.
Withdrawal Policy: Please be aware of recent changes to the College
Attendance & Withdrawal Policy. Attendance is expected at all class meetings.
Students who do not attend and/or log in to class during the first three weeks of
class or who only attend the first day of class and/or log in once WILL BE
ASSIGNED THE REGISTRATION CODE OF 'NS' (NO SHOW) as of the 4th week
of classes. Instructors will NOT withdraw students for non-attendance. Students
will be responsible for withdrawing themselves from their courses and may do so
until the semester Student Withdrawal date (see your student handbook for
information). Students who wish to be withdrawn from a class after the Student
Withdrawal date will need to meet with the appropriate administrator. Please
refer to the Student Handbook for more details on this policy.
Please note: Professors may have attendance policies that impose academic
penalties on students who do not attend class.
Academic Honesty: I will expect that each assignment you submit is written
by you and contains your original ideas. Any information from a source MUST be
cited correctly (using MLA format). If you submit a paper containing plagiarism,
I will follow the college policy outlined in the Student Handbook. Please
familiarize yourself with this policy.
Participation and Diversity Statement: You are expected to participate in
classroom/course activities. This course requires students to see, discuss, read
and write effectively in all activities and assignments. It is expected that each
student will work individually and collaboratively with questions, comments and
reactions. Each student must be prepared for class assignments, must be
responsible for what s/he expresses in class discussion, and must learn to
participate in class discussions while being mindful of different perspectives
others hold.
Contacting your Professor: I will be happy to return all emails within 36
hours (Monday Friday). If you email me after 5pm on Friday evening, please
be aware that I will not read it until Monday morning.
Grades: Your grades will be calculated in the following manner:
Writing Assignments (3)
Research Project
Final Exam
Critiques
Quiz (as necessary)

100 points each

200 points
100 points
approximately 8 points
each
approximately 25 points each

Participation

approximately 1.5 points

each