1
Queensborough Community College/CUNY
Department of English
1
English 102
Professor John D. Yi
Section: B24C/22C
Date & Time: 8:10am – 10am, Tues (C205)/Th (H405)
Webpage: www.English102QCC.pbworks.com
Office Contact Information:
Room: H417/Mailbox H428
T & TH: 12 – 2pm & by appt.
Phone/text: (917)232 – 7874
1
Required Texts:
Backpack Literature (fourth edition), available in QCC’s bookstore
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Signet) by Ken Kesey
Course Description & Objective:
Literature is news that stays news – Ezra Pound
That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you're not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong – F. Scott Fitzgerald
He knew everything there was to know about literature, except how to enjoy it – Joseph Heller
The purpose of literature is to turn blood into ink – T.S. Eliot
English 102 is the second course that makes up the first-year writing requirement. The primary objectives of the course are as follows: (1) to continue building upon the academic writing skills learned in EN 101 and (2) to introduce students to various literary genres: poetry, drama, and fiction. In the course, students will also learn appropriate literary terminology to aid them in discussing and writing intelligently about literature as well as techniques for finding, evaluating, and incorporating secondary sources into their essays. Students will gain an awareness of the ways in which the human condition is treated in literature while continuing to hone their critical reading and writing skills.
A major question we will attempt to address and answer in this course is: What is literature and in what ways can we use literature as a way of seeing the world from perspectives different than our very own?
We will have the opportunity to read fascinating texts in different modes, genres; as well as read a novel by the end of the semester. We will have a lot of opportunity to explore, discuss and share our thoughts via reader responses, class discussion, group work and so forth. Please be advised that since this course is highly participatory and discussion-driven, I expect that you will be ready to actively engage in discussion and partake in the classroom activities as much as possible.
*Grading:
1
2 Projects: 30% (15% each)
Class Participation: 30% (includes attendance & participation)
Reader responses: 20% (approx. 10-12 responses)
Midterm: 10%
Presentation: 10%
Total = 100%
1
*(We will discuss each component of the grading policy in much greater detail throughout the semester.)
Attendance:
You probably already know that QCC has an attendance policy, see page 41 of the academic catalog. If you miss more than 15% of course hours, or 8 hours of our course, you will fail – no exceptions. You should know that I enforce this policy strictly. There are very limited reasons for an “excused” absence, and the same is true about being late. I realize that we ALL have complicated schedules, and I know that issues with work, children, health, traffic, or family sometimes make it hard to get here on time. Lateness is also factored into your absences and “can be considered as an absence as well” (41). Please be aware that each minute of lateness is counted as two minutes of absence. Finally, keep in mind that being absent is the WORST excuse for missing an assignment. Arrive early and/or on time.
Mobile Device Policy:
Mobile device use of any kind – voice, texting, mp3, etc… is prohibited during class. These devices include headphones, laptops, iPads and tablets. Phones must be rendered inaudible (either turn them off completely or at least set them not to make noise) during class time. Be courteous & respectful by shutting them off before class begins.
Academic Integrity:
According to the 2013-2014 Queensborough Handbook, “academic dishonesty is prohibited in The City University of New York. Penalties for academic dishonesty include academic sanctions, such as failing or otherwise reduced grades, and/or disciplinary sanctions, including suspension or expulsion” (38). Please see pages 38 – 40 in the latest Queensborough Academic Catalog. Plagiarism, or “the act of presenting another person’s ideas, research or writings as your own” either intentionally or unintentionally, is an example of academic dishonesty. I expect that you are aware of this and are guided by your own integrity and honesty as a student.
Classroom Civility:
Queensborough Community College is committed to the highest standards of academic and ethical integrity, acknowledging that respect for self and others is the foundation of educational excellence.
Civility in the classroom and respect for the opinions of others is very important in an academic environment. It is likely you may not agree with everything which is said or discussed in the classroom, yet courteous behavior and responses are expected. Therefore, in this classroom, any acts of harassment and/or discrimination based on matters of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and/or ability are not acceptable.
Whether we are students, faculty, or staff, we have a right to be in a safe environment, free of disturbance, and civil in all aspects of human relations. I expect everyone to follow the Golden Rule each time we meet as a community of learners. That is, we must treat others as we’d like to be treated, first and foremost.
Assistance & Accommodations:
It is college policy to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. Any student with a documented disability who may need accommodations in this class is requested to speak directly to the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities in the Science building, Room 132, (718)631-6257 to coordinate reasonable accommodations for you if you have a documented disability. All discussions will remain confidential.
Extra Credit:
There are two ways in which to earn extra in the class. First, there is the excellent student bonus incentive. Students who have (near) perfect attendance (0-2 absences), submit all work on time, and participate actively in classroom discussion will receive anywhere from 10 to 15 bonus points to be added to their lowest grade. Second, students may choose to learn one of the poems (at least 14 lines) and recite it either in my office (maximum of 15 bonus points) or in class during the recitation hour (maximum of 20 bonus points). Students who are in line to receive the student extra credit are also allowed to do the recitation.