Required Texts:
The Autobiography of Malcolm X (as told to Alex Haley)
The L B Handbook (LATTC edition)	The Merchant of Venice William Shakespeare
Writing About Literature Janet E. Gardner

Objectives:

In this course we will use the critical reading of fiction and non-fiction as a catalyst for argumentative and analytical writing and class discussions.  Each 1-5 page writing assignment is designed to help students not only improve critical thinking skills but to also discover and develop their own unique style and “voice.”  By the end of the term students should be able to engage in collegiate level discourse in the form of formal essays and oral presentations culminating in the composition of one MLA formatted 8-10 page research paper, a draft of which must be presented to the class for discussion.

Grading System:
At the end of the semester each student will receive a final letter grade corresponding to the amount of points earned during the semester.  Point values are listed below:

Assignments:   Formal essays are to be typed, double spaced and submitted on the date listed on the syllabus.  Handwritten work is accepted only when in-class writing is assigned. All topics are instructor-generated.  The Writing Center in C-100 offers assistance in essay preparation and research, and their hours are very flexible.  Note: Each essay must always be properly cited.  Any phrasing borrowed from an outside, source that is not properly documented is considered plagiarism.  Plagiarized papers will receive an F thus jeopardizing your standing in the class.

Common Final:  This is a department mandated pass/fail exam given to measure your composition skills upon exiting English 101. You must take this essay exam in order to receive a final grade for the course. (See week 15).

Attendance:  Roll is taken at the beginning of each class period.  Each student is allowed three absences during the term.  After three absences 5 points will be deducted from the participation grade for each additional absence.  Doctor’s notes, court documents, family deaths, etc. will not alter the attendance policy.  Excessive absenteeism will result in exclusion from the course.

Course Schedule

Week One
2/6       Writing sample; read Gardner’s Writing About Literature (3-9)
2/8       Writing About Literature (54-57) in-class reading Anderson’s “Hand’s”

Week Two
2/13     Autobiography of Malcolm X (intro and “Nightmare”)
2/15     Writing about Literature  pp.15-20; group work (Malcolm X chapters 2, 5 & 6)      

Week Three
2/20     No-Class Washington’s Birthday
2/22     Malcolm X chapters 7 & 9;  blue book essay

Week Four
2/27     Malcolm X chapters 10 & 11; extended writing (essay standards)
3/1       Malcolm X chapters 12, 13, & 14

Week Five
3/6       Film Screening in LRC
3/8       Essay #1 due; quiz

Week Six
3/13     Shakespeare fact and fiction; Writing about Literature (84-86)
3/15     Merchant of Venice Act One

Week Seven
3/20     Merchant of Venice Act Two
3/22     Group Quiz/one-page analysis; extended writing options

Week Eight
3/27     Merchant of Venice Act Three
3/29     Film Screening in LRC

Week Nine
4/3       Essay #2 due; Exam review
4/5       Midterm Exam

Week Ten
4/10     No Class - SPRING BREAK
4/12     No Class - SPRING BREAK

Week Eleven
4/17     peer review assignment/ Complete Merchant  of Venice
4/19     Research Requirements; Writing about Literature (102-107)

Week Twelve
4/24     Research requirements; Writing about Literature (108-128)
4/26     sample research papers

Week Thirteen
5/1       LRC tour
5/3       Works Cited Workshop

Week Fourteen
5/8       LRC presentations
5/10     prep for common final

Week Fifteen
5/15     Common Final
5/17     rough draft workshop

Week Sixteen
5/22     oral presentations of research
5/24     oral presentations of research

Research papers are due Friday, June 2, 2006  - No Exceptions!

**Students with disabilities who need any assistance or accommodations should contact the instructor
**Please silence all electronic devices during class.  Your compliance is appreciated.
 

 Send mail to amsill@yahoo.com   (Angel Macias) with questions or comments

about Ms. Shakir's web site.