COURSE NUMBER

 ENGL 215

COURSE TITLE

Writing Matters: English Literature and Academic Interpretation II

NAME OF INSTRUCTOR

Philip Mingay

CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION

credits 3 (hrs lect 3 - hrs sem 0 - hrs lab 0)

COURSE DESCRIPTION  

Writing Matters: English Literature and Academic Interpretation I & II strategically build students’ skills as critical readers and writers through the discipline of English. Students learn to be sophisticated readers of literature, and to examine the assumptions and implications of a wide array of texts as well as culture. The courses develop students’ sensitivity to language use and their appreciation of the relationship between form and content. Students will learn about the range of literary genres, periods, and geographic locations, as well as specific terms and devices for reading narrative poetry, short stories, and two long works (novel or drama). Assignments in ENGL 214 will introduce stages one and two of a cumulative research paper methodology, with stages three and four completed in the complement course ENGL 215. Through interpretative practices, we are able to examine the literary foundations of our worldviews and look on the world, ourselves, and others anew.

REQUIRED TEXTS

• The Nature of Writing Website

• Chevalier, Tracy. The Girl with the Pearl Earring. Penguin. 

• Wilde, Oscar. The Importance of Being Earnest

MARK DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT

You will write 2 essays over the semester with a focus on thesis, paragraphing, and documentation of primary and secondary sources. 

**IMPORTANT** If you do not properly complete the research requirements as outlined in the assignment, you will receive a failing grade. The details for a research essay are available in the ESSAY RUBRIC.   

Essay #1 (15%) will continue your research skills from ENGL 214

• 4-5 pages in 12-point font (1000 words)
• in-text citations from primary and secondary sources using MLA Style
• includes 2 scholarly articles (one assigned by me; one generated by student research)

Essay #2 (25%) will be a critical dialogue on a longer text

• 5-6 pages in 12-point font (1500-1750 words)
• requires primary and secondary in-text citations and paraphrases using MLA style
• includes a research component of 2 to 3 scholarly, peer-reviewed articles
• students are responsible for finding these resources

Quizzes (15%)

• 6 online quizzes worth 3% each. I will count toward your final grade your best 5 quizzes.
• Quizzes will be multiple choice or short answer, and may include literary terms, grammar, documentation, and textual analysis.

Writing and Grammar Assignment (15%)

• one 50-minute online assignment that will include identifying literary terms, sentence and documentation correction, and paragraph length responses to texts (10%).
• one online submission of your research and thesis for essay #2 (5%).

Participation (5%)

• contributions to class discussions, as well as their level of sophistication.
• contribution to online forums and assignments. 
• writing improvement over the course of the semester.

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Students must complete all essay assignments to qualify to write the final exam. Failure do so will result in a failing grade in the course even if the grade is mathematically a pass.
• All assignments must be submitted by the last day of classes.
• Any rescheduling of the final exam must be formally requested by the student through Registry. 
• I do not accept rewrites of essays or additional assignments for credit. However, I am happy to assist you with any of your assignments to improve your grades.

COURSE OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES

Students will ...

• Remember and apply an expanded vocabulary and analytical skills to textual study: including narrative structures, rhetorical devices, and literary theory.
• Analyze, critique and construct interpretations of texts through engagement in academic dialogue.
• Develop and demonstrate independent research, writing, and argumentative skills.
• Recognize and examine imaginative constructions of reality in various genres.
• Invite, acknowledge, and respond to diverse worldview assumptions and points of view with respect.
• Examine, discern and express the interdependency of beliefs, values, and theories that inform the writing and reading of texts.

One of the principle aims of this course is to introduce students to the discipline of English literature and how scholars read and discuss literary texts. However, the language and narrative of literature often extends to other areas of culture such as film, news, advertising and politics. Therefore, the critical readers of literature can apply their skills to their various disciplines and interests, as well as their Christian experiences.   

This course also provides extensive writing instruction—including grammar—to help you prepare to write the two analytical, critical essays about the literary works we will read. Both essays include a mandatory research component, and you will learn how to construct arguments using evidence from primary and secondary sources. All essays must conform to MLA Style. 

To benefit truly from this course, you must be prepared to think and ask questions about the material both in and out of class. Remember, not only can your participation improve your grade, it is also essential to the intellectual progression and stimulation of the class. I suggest you attend class regularly and be prepared to examine the texts in detail. Regular attendance also ensures you will be aware of any changes to the syllabus which may take place over the course of the semester. 

** Laptops and other electronic devices must be used appropriately. Please, no texting during class. Such behaviour disrupts the learning experience of your classmates, and affects my ability to lecture effectively. Please help cultivate a classroom of respect, and feel free to discuss with me any situations that are disrupting your learning experience. 

COPYRIGHT AND PRIVACY 

Under the law, a lecture is classified as a “public performance” which means three important things:

• your instructor legally owns the lecture including any notes / materials / slides / presentation / recordings; if these include other published works (in full or in part), they are covered by educational agreements of usage or under “fair dealing” principles.
• you may not re-post lectures (in full or in part) on any media
• you may not record lectures (even for personal use) unless you have written permission from your instructor

ATTENDANCE POLICY
The University expects students to attend all classes, seminars and laboratory periods. Part of a student's responsibility in contributing to the community of the University is his or her contribution to and participation in each class. Students should note that some classes (e.g., physical activity courses, Choir) have minimum attendance requirements. Students auditing a course must attend at least 80% of the lectures. The classroom is a collaborative space where each member contributes to the intellectual progression and stimulation of the class. Be present; be prepared; be professional or we are all lesser for it.

***As per The King's University guidelines, I will only make online classes available to those who have COVID-related issues. Please note that these lectures may not necessarily be recorded. Car issues, weather, etc, are not considered valid reasons for not attending class in-person. I also remind you of King's COVID protocols currently in place. 

DEADLINES   

All grades will be assigned using The King's University alpha scale below (A+ - F). You will upload your essay to Turnitin by the designated due date.

Late paper assessment will follow standard Department of English late policy: one alpha grade-step deduction per day (excluding 12am to 11:59pm on Sundays and statutory holidays) to a maximum of five steps. If extenuating circumstances arise, contact your instructor in writing to arrange a plan for completion of the paper. Unless a written extension has been granted in advance, essays will not be accepted more than TWO weeks past the due date, and no assignments can be accepted after the last day of classes. 

BOTH essays must be completed to qualify for the final exam, and must meet the minimum requirements for the assignment, including research and passable word count. Failure do so will result in a failing grade in the course even if the grade is mathematically a pass. The submission of only a title page, or a few hundred words, does not constitute an essay.

Please note that although late marks are not deducted for Sunday, you will still lose marks if the essay is not submitted on the weekend. For example, if the essay is due Friday, it will lose two grade points if it is submitted Monday.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic integrity measures will be used in this course, including screening all essays for originality through Turnitin. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence with potentially disastrous consequences, and I intend to hold you to the highest academic standards. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with University policies regarding scholarly ethics and academic integrity (see current King's calendar).

There is a zero tolerance policy and multiple incidents may affect your academic record. Stiff penalties apply for offenders.

• First offense = automatic zero on the assignment.
• Second offense = automatic failure of the course.
• Subsequent offense = convening of Discipline Committee with power to recommend penalties up to and including expulsion from the University.

Academic Honesty
The University disciplinary code defines the following as offenses. Committing these or aiding another student in committing these is academic misconduct.

Cheating includes: obtaining or providing information or material from or to others during an exam; allowing another student to observe answers during an exam; or possessing or attempting to acquire or distribute unauthorized material relating to an exam.

Plagiarism includes: representing another's work in whole or in part as one's own in an exam or paper, knowingly including a false statement or reference as if it were true, or submission by the student of the work prepared for a different course without the express consent of the instructor.

Other offenses are: tampering or attempting to tamper with examinations, class work, grades or class records; failure to abide by instructor directions regarding the individuality of work; impersonation of another student in an examination or other class assignment; falsification or fabrication of lab reports; the non-authorized recording of lectures; failure to obtain approval, permission, or to otherwise follow procedures, as required by the University as outlined in the University Calendar.

The first occurrence of plagiarism in any course results in a zero for the assignment, test, or exam; the second case in any course results in a zero for the course; and the third case in any course results in academic suspension. Occurrences of plagiarism will also be noted on the student’s academic record. For more information see the King’s Calendar.

Academic integrity applies to every aspect of the classroom – from testing to our relationship with peers. Major assignments will be vetted by TurnItIn; students will also sign and submit an Academic Integrity Agreement detailing our shared understanding of professional practices and conduct.

***Please (PLEASE!) discuss with me any concerns you may have regarding your research or other matters. I will also address plagiarism and proper citation methods throughout the semester, and post information on our website.

Student Support Services

Students with disabilities or medical conditions who require academic accommodations in this course must contact a Coordinator in the Student Support and Accessibility Office (SSAO) to complete a registration form and receive the necessary Letters of Accommodation.

After registering with the Student Support and Accessibility Office, students must present their Letter of Accommodation and discuss their needs with their professor as early in the term as possible.

Please note that more information including deadlines for the submission of documentation and completed forms to Student Support and Accessibility Office are available on the website:

https://www.kingsu.ca/current-students/student-support-and-accessibility

Tutoring Services

Students can access tutoring help through the Tutoring Registry in the Academic Enrichment Centre in the Library, which allows students to hire a tutor at $15/hr. Students will also be able to apply to become a tutor through this Registry.

The Writing Centre, also housed within the Academic Enrichment Centre in the Library, will be offering weekly group tutorials for English as well as individual tutoring in writing. Some academic departments offer weekly group tutorials in the areas of Math, Chemistry and Biology. There is an Academic Support Assistant, who can share effective study techniques and time management skills. Book appointments by emailing academic.support@kingsu.ca

Mental Health Supports

• Counselling Services: Available Monday-Friday. Book a free, confidential appt online through kingsu.janeapp.com. Rm A142

• Wellness Room: N112. Open with your ID card if locked.

• Campus Minister: Rev. Julianne Gilchrist A141

• Prayer Room: L117

• Spiritual Mentor and Life Coach: Bob Foo (Robert.Foo@kingsu.ca)

• Work Out Center: 7 am—11 pm G106

Department of English