LIT 2090 
Ken Harmon
Ken HarmonSection: 1 Office: Fifth floor of Gateway Center, Suite 530
Office: Fifth floor of Gateway Center, Suite 530TR 2:00-3:15 Office Hours: TR 11:00-12:00
3 Credit Hours & by appointment
Spring 2021 Office Phone: (980) 598-3218
Welcome to Multi-Ethnic Literature!
LIT 2090 gives students knowledge of the ethnic diversity of American literature at the same time they improve their skill in reading and interpreting literature and in writing. Although multiethnic literature reaches back to even before the founding of the United States to the country's colonial period, we will primarily focus our efforts on an examination of twentieth century and contemporary works by African American, Asian American, Native American, and Latino writers with a goal of understanding how these authors, through the creation of their works, reorient our understandings of American identity. Readings for the course will consist works of short fiction, a novel, a graphic memoir, and poetry.
NOTE: The content of this course will aide you in developing competence in communication, critical and creative thinking, and the ability to evaluate, integrate, and apply knowledge from multiple perspectives when making decisions and solving problems. This is also an attempt to develop an awareness of ethical responsibility and cultural/ global diversity, to live and work collaboratively as contributing members of society all of which are guiding principals of the university mission statement.
This is a reading and writing intensive course.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye. Vintage International Reprint, 2007. ISBN:
978-0307278449
2018. ISBN: 978-1419718786
Other course readings provided in Ulearn in course readings folder or linked from course schedule.
RECOMMENDED COURSE MATERIALS:
A laptop, a tablet (such as an iPad), and/or a smart phone. You should bring one of these items to class every day. These will be used to complete in-class course work such as blogging, electronic quizzes, etc.
COURSE GOALS AND REQUIREMENTS
COURSE OBJECTIVES
To successfully complete LIT 2090, students should be able to::
1. Discuss a wide diversity of cultural outlooks, customs, and myths through reading literature of different groups.
2. Identify, analyze, and explicate the distinguishing characteristics of short fiction, poetry, and novels of various ethnic groups as these characteristics have been introduced in class.
3.Develop competence in interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating literature.
Develop competence in interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating literature.4.Form viewpoints of their own from discovering ideas found in the various works and, therefore, find meaning in literature from their own vantage point.
Form viewpoints of their own from discovering ideas found in the various works and, therefore, find meaning in literature from their own vantage point.REQUIREMENTS:
1.Write reader responses of about a page or so for many of the assigned readings (one-two per week, but no more than 10 for the semester). These typically answer a specific question posed about the reading, demonstrate a clear familiarity with the content of the text, must include one quote, and must be submitted on time.
Write reader responses of about a page or so for many of the assigned readings (one-two per week, but no more than 10 for the semester). These typically answer a specific question posed about the reading, demonstrate a clear familiarity with the content of the text, must include one quote, and must be submitted on time.2.Participate actively in class discussions (to include group informal presentations or discussion leadership).
Participate actively in class discussions (to include group informal presentations or discussion leadership).3.Write four literary critical analysis essays in the range 3-6 pages each, typed, double-spaced, 12pt. font, Times New Roman, and following the Modern Language Association (MLA) style format and documentation (as necessary). [
Write four literary critical analysis essays in the range 3-6 pages each, typed, double-spaced, 12pt. font, Times New Roman, and following the Modern Language Association (MLA) style format and documentation (as necessary). [The ideas contained in your papers should belong to you and only you. Outside sources should not be used. I will not accept a paper that is not accompanied by a series of rough drafts (each draft should be numbered) and invention work. Papers that do not follow these guidelines will receive a grade of zero.
You must complete ALL major assignments in order to pass the course.
You must pass the final exam in order to pass the course.
EVALUATION
You can accumulate 400 points, which are distributed as follows:
Participation (40%)
Reader Responses 50 (10%) = 5pts. each
Blog Posts 20 (7.5%) = 2 pts. each
Reading Quizzes 50 (12.5%) = 5 points each
Flipgrid Discussions 40 (10%) = 10 points each
Papers (60%)
Essay 1 40 (10%)
Poetry Explication 20 (5%)
Essay 2 80 (20%)
Final Exam 100 (25%)
Final Grades: 360 - 400 A 320 - 359 B 280 - 319 C 240 - 279 D 0 - 239 FSYSTEM OF RECORD FOR ACADEMIC GRADES:
Official academic grades can be accessed via jwuLink. Grades maintained in the Ulearn course management system are for tracking purposes only and may not reflect all of the criteria considered with calculating a student's final grade.
MY EXPECTATIONS:
Taking classes is your job here at the university. Thus, you should treat the work and requirements accordingly. In the workplace things such as absences, tardiness, and not doing your work properly have negative consequences. This is the case in my class as well. Many students’ low grades are a result of not following directions or policies as well as not expending enough effort. It is your responsibility to be aware of the policies on this syllabus. If you miss class it is your responsibility to check with your classmates to find out what you have missed. And though you are always welcome to follow up with me if you are absent, do not ask me if you “missed anything important.”
Your grade is dependent on a number of factors that, together and holistically, inform the evaluation and assessment of your performance. In summary, these criteria include attendance, participation, reading responses/journal entries, reading quizzes, discussion questions, a presentation, and the successful completion of any other reading and written assignments.
Note: The reading load is quite heavy and the pace fast. Also, because writing is a means of discovery and a pathway to understanding, it is an important activity in this class in conjunction with the reading. Indeed, you should think of your writing as a mode of reading that will help you begin to understand the literature at hand. When essays, journals, and in-class assignments are considered together you will be doing some kind of writing assignment every week. Be prepared to spend much time carefully reading, considering, discussing, and writing about the texts in the course. If you cannot devote the time necessary to keep up with the assignments, and to do so in a critical manner, you will not do well in this class and may want to consider if this is the right class for you.
NOTE ABOUT ATTENDANCE, PARTICIPATION, AND REMOTE CLASSES:
Remote classes are scheduled at particular times and take place in Zoom. All students are expected to be present and actively participate in all course activities (no exceptions). This means you are to be properly dressed and groomed just as you would be for an on campus course and all cameras are to be on during break out sessions. The expectation is that each student will have a working camera. You can access Zoom on your laptop or from any smartphone or tablet. See your app store for free Zoom app.
All attention must be solely devoted to what is taking place in the Zoom meeting (and nothing else), and you should be prepared for the day's class meeting. This means all assignments should be completed beforehand. Not being prepared for class, or not actively participating, will negatively affect your grade. This active participation is solely your own responsibility. Every student is expected to contribute to class discussions.
MY AVAILABILITY
I'm available to answer questions or address your concerns between 10am and midnight 7 days a week. You will find my cell number under the "Professor Info" link in Ulearn. Please feel free to text if you have a question that needs an immediate answer. Quite often questions don't occur until one sits down to work on assignments. You may also contact me via email. If I don't answer right away, I'm busy with other things, but I will respond as soon as I'm free. Don't assume I'm ignoring your message. You also shouldn't wait to ask questions right before an assignment deadline.
NOTE: IF YOU ARE UNCERTAIN ABOUT AN ASSIGNMENT OR HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE COURSE FOR ANY REASON, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO COMMUNICATE THAT TO ME IMMEDIATELY.
I will respond to most texts immediately, but within several hours at most. I typically quickly respond to emails; however, at most it should never be longer than 24 hours.
If I don't respond within these stated time frames, please message/email me again.
A NOTE ABOUT ZOOM RECORDINGS
While a Zoom recording of each class session will be available in Ulearn, these are not a substitute for being present and participating in class activities. A great deal of learning takes place as a result of group activities inside of the breakout rooms, and this is not recorded. YOUR PRESENCE AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN CLASS WILL HELP YOU GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING OF COURSE MATERIAL. WRITING PRACTICE AND PRACTICE ANALYZING TEXTS THAT TAKES PLACE IN BREAK OUT SESSIONS ARE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU TO LEARN SKILLS WITHOUT THE SPECTRE OF A LARGE GRADE AND LEAD UP TO LARGE ASSIGNMENTS WHERE YOU ARE EXPECTED TO DEMONSTRATE YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF WRITING AND ANALYSIS (AND ARE ASSOCIATED WITH HEAVILY WEIGHTED ASSIGNMENTS).
COURSE POLICIES
A FEW VERY IMPORTANT WORDS ABOUT PLAGIARISM
A. Plagiarism, a SERIOUS, academic violation, which can lead to an F for the course, is the use of WORDS, IDEAS, or STRUCTURES of others (published sources, friends, relatives) without acknowledgment. There is no excuse for willful plagiarism.
B. Except where appropriate (quoting or paraphrasing from primary or secondary sources), your work is presumed to be totally your own writing (i.e. original).
C. When you QUOTE OR PARAPHRASE FROM ANY sources, you MUST cite them with appropriate specific documentation (usually author and page number in parentheses + Works Cited list at end). This includes subject matter of the essay. If you quote or paraphrase precisely from a work of literature, you must cite the author of that work.
D. If you do not understand the format for documenting sources, see me for help before turning in an essay. Refer to your handbook for further clarification.
For further info, see "Correct Use of Borrowed Info" link in Ulearn.
TURNITIN.COM: All major essays written for this course must be submitted electronically to turnitin.com no later than classtime on the date that an assignment is due. Essays that are not uploaded to turnitin.com will not be accepted.
SMARTTHINKING TUTOR: Students are required to submit each draft of an essay assignment to the Smartthinking tutor a total of two times per essay for feedback and are expected to use that information to revise each essay assignment. If a student fails to do so, they will lose one letter grade per each assignment not submitted to the tutor. See the SmartThinking link in Ulearn for submission details.
SUBMITTING COURSE ASSIGNMENTS: You are required to electronically submit all assignments to Ulearn or a blog for this course. Assignments not submitted in the manner will not be accepted. Any items sent by email will be deleted.
ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to attend all classes and earn credit for complete classes and in-class assignments. You are allowed two absences (excused or unexcused) without penalty. Five absences (excused or unexcused) will result in automatic failure. If you do not attend a student conference, you will be considered absent. After two absences your final grade for the semester will be reduced as shown.
You are responsible for tracking your absences.
Absences Points deducted from final grade
3 40
4 100
5 200
J&W WITHDRAWAL POLICY
It is the student’s responsibility to initiate procedures leading to a formal withdrawal (“W”) in order to avoid a failing (“F”) grade. To receive a W, a student must withdraw prior to February 16, 2021.
TARDIES: If a student is more than 10 minutes late for class or leaves more than 10 minutes before class is over, they are counted absent for the day.
ETIQUETTE: Students are expected to respect their classmates’ time and learning environment. Therefore, show up for class prepared and on time. ALL CELL PHONES SHOULD BE SET TO SILENT BEFORE ENTERING THE CLASSROOM. Each time a cell phone disrupts class the entire class will take a pop quiz. Also, if a student leaves the classroom to answer a call, they will be counted absent for the day and not allowed back in the classroom that day. Other disruptive classroom behavior, defined as anything that would interfere with “an instructor’s ability to conduct the class” or “The ability of other students to profit from the instructional program,” is strictly prohibited. This includes texting while the professor is lecturing or during group work when students should be focused on completing the task at hand.
NO FOOD OR DRINK IN THE CLASSROOM
NOTE: Persons other than registered students are not allowed to attend academic sessions, laboratory classes, computer labs, and other University academically supported areas.
LATE PAPER/ASSIGNMENT POLICY: Turn in all your assignments on their scheduled due dates. You must submit the final drafts of all essays and their associated process work (first draft, critique, reflection, etc.) in Blackboard. NO PROCESS, NO GRADE. Keep a duplicate copy of all assignments you turn in and save all of your files in several locations (flash drive, hard drive, email, etc.). I DO NOT ACCEPT LATE PAPERS.
REVISION: You may rewrite one failing essay (original grade of D or F); the rewritten essay may receive no higher than a “C.” Revision must accompany the original graded copy.
GRADED ESSAYS: All essays for this course are graded electronically. Please see the Turnitin Grademark Feedback video for instructions to obtain the comments and grading rubric for your essay.
STUDENT E-MAIL: Students are required to obtain and use a JWU e-mail account for University communication and to access my public folders. You must obtain your password to do so. Student accounts are created automatically for those who are active and in good standing. Student email addresses are available through link.jwu.edu. Immediately contact the helpdesk at 1-866-598-4357 if you need assistance. Take care of this the first day of class. Students are expected to maintain an email account throughout the semester and check it daily for important information regarding upcoming assignments, course announcements, etc.
IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS: Students will often complete in-class assignments and short writing projects. In-class projects and quizzes are team-based and scheduled for a specific class period and cannot be made up after that class date.
WORKSHOPS: All essays will be critiqued by peer groups in class. Essays without workshop response will drop one full letter grade.
PARTICIPATION: Come to class prepared to discuss the assigned readings. Contribute productively to discussion. Quizzes and in-class writings are usually based on the readings.
CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUPPORT
WRITING CENTER: Located in the academic building, 4th floor, the writing center is open to all Johnson & Wales University students who need help with writing, whether they are taking an English course or not. Students are encouraged to seek assistance with essays, research projects, and related assignments. Students are asked to make an appointment with a Writing Center staff member in order to receive prompt assistance. The center provides 30 minute appointments and is staffed from 8:30-2:30 M-R. Consultants work with students on any part of the writing process -- planning, drafting, focusing, organizing, revising, or editing, and with papers from all disciplines. Please do not hesitate to use the tutor’s assistance. Remember to bring a copy of your assignment and your drafts to any Writing Center conference.
Going to the Writing Center does not guarantee you a good grade because tutors will not proofread your papers. The Writing Center’s goal is to improve your overall writing skills (organization, thesis & supporting paragraphs, audience/assignment issues, as well as teaching punctuation and grammar rules after reviewing big picture issues), which sometimes takes several sessions, depending on your existing writing skills. For more information, you may contact them at acadsupport.clt@jwu.edu
You may also visit the Center for Academic Support website at:
ACCOMMODATIONS: Johnson & Wales University is dedicated to providing access to education. While maintaining the highest academic integrity, the University strives to balance scholarship with support services which will assist special needs students in functioning in the University's academic environment. Reasonable accommodations are available with proper documentation, and can be discussed with the director of The Center For Academic Support (4th floor of the Academic Building).
Because some programs of study have technical standards and requirements, applicants and students with special needs or physical disabilities should contact the director of the Center for Academic Support to discuss the availability of reasonable accommodations where appropriate. Copies of the technical standards applicable to various programs are available from this office. Once you have arranged accommodations with this office, please tell me so that I am aware of your accommodations well before the first paper/assignment.
CAMPUS-SPECIFIC STUDENT POLICIES:
All students are required to read, understand, and abide by the provisions of the Catalog and Student Handbook applicable to their campus, which can be found at http://academics.jwu.edu/catalogs/.
In particular, students should be aware of the following university policies:
General Information and Policies
Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment
Withdrawal
University Holds
Academic Policies:
Academic Integrity/Academic Integrity Review Process/Turnitin Notification
Attendance
Occupancy in Class
Outcomes Assessment
Student Affairs:
Student Code of Conduct
Student Services:
Center for Academic Support/Services/Students With Disabilities
A FINAL NOTE: I want you to use your time and effort as positively as possible, to read and write about topics relevant to your personal and academic interests. Most of the members of this class are not English majors, so I am not expecting that you become literary critics. Whenever possible, I will encourage you to learn and write about all the other subjects you are taking. If at any time you have a question about your writing, please talk to me after class, at my office, or via email.
