My Syllabus

Discussion Section Goals:

In my section, you will acquire two principle skills:

· Close Reading: is a set of skills fundamental to analyzing and interpreting texts. Literary scholars use close reading to gain insight into the meanings within a text, oftentimes beyond the interpretations of authorial intent. Throughout the semester, I will assist you with acquiring and practicing this valuable skill.

· Developing Thesis Statements and Arguments: Thesis statements and arguments are essential components of literary analysis. While successful thesis statements focus our ideas succinctly, successful essay argumentation forces us to write logically, persuasively, and concisely. In my section, I will assist you in developing both of these tools.

All of your assignments are designed to improve these two skills. My discussion sections will give you opportunities to practice these skills in groups through a variety of methods. Improving these skills will not only assist you in obtaining a well-rounded liberal arts education but will also assist you in acquiring a strong grade in this course.

Guidelines

• Be Prepared: I expect students to come to class prepared for discussion. This includes completed assignments, attending lectures, and active participation. Bring your books, lecture notes, and any questions you may have to class.

• Be Punctual: I always begin class on time. Please be punctual and ready to participate at the start of class.

• Read the Assignments: The minimum requirements of every assignment will be listed on the assignment sheet.

• Turn in Assignments on Time: Students will be expected to turn in all assignments on time. Late work will suffer a severe penalty. If you are aware of an issue concerning a paper’s due date, you must speak with me prior to the due date.

• Backup Your Files: Please make multiple backups of your files to ensure that you do not lose your essays or any of your homework assignments.

· Be a Critic, Not a Jerk: The content and conduct of this course involves the exchange of ideas. It is quite possible that at some point you will hear opinions from your classmates with which you don’t agree. I respect each student’s right to her or his beliefs; however, I will not allow behavior or language that is purposefully hostile or violates another student. Criticism must be handled with tact. You are allowed to disagree but appropriately.

· Be Polite, Not Rude: When any student is speaking, you are required to grant that student with respect by paying attention and by allowing the student to speak his/her mind without interruption. The consequence for refusing to follow these rules of decorum is the expulsion from the classroom during that specific period. If you are not willing to listen to others, why should anyone listen to you?

Attendance

All students receive one free absence. More than one absence may have serious consequences towards your discussion section grade. More than 4 absences will result in failure of the course. You will be held responsible for the material that you miss in an absence, so be sure to keep in contact with your fellow classmates.

Free Services for You

· Writing Center: The Writing Center is amazing. It is a free service provided to all university students, and I highly recommend scheduling at least one appointment this semester. The Writing Center can help you conceptualize writing assignments across any curriculum. Please see http://www.wisc.edu/writing/AboutUs/DoForYou.html for more information on what the Writing Center can do for you. Please contact the Writing Center by phone at 263-1992, or in person at Helen C. White room 6171, or online at http://www.wisc.edu/writing/.

· GUTS: The University of Wisconsin also provides a free tutorial service called GUTS. GUTS provides tutorial services for specific courses and teaches study habits. For more information, please see http://guts.studentorg.wisc.edu/index.html or call 263-5666.

· McBurney: Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the McBurney Disability Resource Center at 263-2741, online at http://www.mcburney.wisc.edu/, or in person at the W.S. Middleton Building (1305 Linden Drive, Room 1305) as soon as possible to better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

Plagiarism

Students who copy from other students, submit the work or ideas of another student/person, paraphrase or submit the ideas of a professional is considered plagiarism. The majority of assignments in this course are designed to discourage and prevent plagiarism. Most students do not plagiarize. However, if there happens to be a temptation or urge at some point to plagiarize, try the following first:

· Learn how to avoid plagiarism and the consequences of plagiarism. This university has a variety of wonderful sources, including:

o http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/QPA_plagiarism.html

o http://www.library.wisc.edu/libraries/WomensStudies/plag.htm

o http://www.wisc.edu/students/amsum.htm

· Contact me first. If you happen to be struggling with a deadline, we may be able to work something out.

· Accept the consequences of not turning in an assignment. These consequences are considerably less punitive than if I catch you plagiarizing.

Consequences of plagiarism can include the following:

· Failure of the assignment and of the course

· A referral to the Dean of Students

· Academic suspension or expulsion

These consequences are relatively mild considering that plagiarism is an abomination. Take this warning seriously! Do not plagiarize!