Section:                  HA: TR 10:00-11:15

Professor:              Dr. Kelli Lyon Johnson
                               217 Rentschler Hall
                               785-3036
                               johnso58@muohio.edu

Office Hours:         TTh 8:00-10:00; MW 9:30-11:30; and by appointment

Course Web Site:  www.muohio.edu/johnso58

Course Description: Introduction to the multiplicity of voices in American culture as expressed in literary texts written in and about America from 1945-present.

Course Texts:      Baym, The Norton Anthology of American Literature, Volume E, American Literature since 1945
                              Kesey, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Course Requirements
Papers. Throughout the course of the semester, I will assign three short analytical essays. Papers are due at the beginning of class. Late papers (turned in after 10:10 a.m.) will be penalized 10% each day that passes after the due date. All papers must conform to stated guidelines. Electronic submissions will not be accepted.

Short Writings. Throughout the semester, I will assign fourteen short writings (one paragraph in length), based on readings or lectures, to be typed in advanced and brought to class. Short writings should conform to paper guidelines. In addition to writing practice, these assignments offer you the opportunity to focus your ideas and comments before coming to class. The short assignments will be collected at the end of class. Your best ten scores on the fourteen assignments will count in the calculation of your final grade. Electronic submissions will not be accepted. You must be in attendance for the entire class period in order to turn in a short writing for credit.

Evaluation of short writing assignments will be based on the following guidelines:
10 =   Demonstrates superior familiarity with the material as well as analytical and critical thinking; points are clearly articulated and easy to follow
8 = Demonstrates basic familiarity with the material; points are raised but not developed or supported; or provides a solid summary of material but little analysis or reflection
6 = Demonstrates only passing familiarity with material; analysis is absent or simplistic; points are poorly articulated or hard to follow; or provides only crude summary of material
4 = Turns in assignment, but demonstrates no significant familiarity with material or analysis of material
0 = Does not complete assignment

Exams. There will be an in-class final examination.

Group Work. At the beginning of the semester, I will assign you to a group with whom you will work all semester. Groups will collaborate on in-class assignments and small-group discussion. Your participation in group work will be calculated into your participation grade.

Class Participation. You will be graded on your active and positive participation. You may choose to participate by completing homework, participating in group work, and volunteering during class discussion.

Participation in these areas will be graded on the following criteria:
A =  Regular active participation demonstrating superior understanding and analysis of assigned material; willingness to engage theories, perspectives, and group members
B =  Frequent discussion participation that demonstrates accurate and thoughtful familiarity with the material; participation in group interaction
C =  Contributions are infrequent and/or demonstrate little familiarity with the material; or contributions are not relevant to material being discussed
D =  In attendance but does not participate in discussion
0= Not in attendance

Course Policies
Paper Guidelines. All papers will be word processed and double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman with standard 1”- or 1 ¼”-inch margins. You may use either Word or WordPerfect. Papers may not be typed. If you do not have a computer, please take advantage of the campus computer labs, which I will be happy to show you at any time during the semester. You are expected to use MLA citation style, but if you are more familiar or comfortable with a different style (e.g. APA), please let me know.

Attendance. Attendance will be taken at each class meeting. Regular attendance is expected. Students may miss up to three classes without penalty. No explanation is required, and these first three absences are considered “excused.” After the third missed class, your final course grade will be lowered ten percent.

Information for Students with Disabilities. If you have a disability or any other special circumstance that may have some impact on your work in this class, and for which you may require exam and/or other types of accommodations, please contact me early in the semester so that appropriate accommodations can be made in a timely manner. The Office of Disability Services at Hamilton, located in Rentschler Hall, is the designated office on campus to provide services and accommodations to students with disabilities. For more information, contact the Mary Vogel, Coordinator of Disability Services, by telephone at 513-785-3211 (TTY/TDD accessible) or via email at vogelmm@muohio.edu.

Plagiarism. Academic honesty is expected and required. All cases of plagiarism will be referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs. Miami University’s policy in plagiarism can be found in your student handbook and on-line at  http://www.miami.muohio.edu/documents_and_policies/handbook/academic_regulations/acadregspv.cfm

For information about how to avoid inadvertent plagiarism, visit this web site:
http://www.lib.muohio.edu/inet/instruction/subj.php?category=Plagiarism

Course Grading
Analytical Essays           60%
Short Writings               10%
Participation                  10%
Final Examination          20%
 

By remaining in this course, you are agreeing to the terms of this syllabus.