English 2220: US Literature and Culture
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REQUIRED Materials
Other Materials
- a pack of 3x5 index cards
- a college-level dictionary
Course description and Objectives
The WMU catalog (ambiguously) describes this course as:
Through study of literary works (and, when possible, other artistic achievements or cultural artifacts) by members of the varied cultures which comprise the United States of America, this course considers the perspectives and sustaining values of these cultural groups and considers the challenges, problems, and opportunities of a pluralistic American society.
There are no prerequisites for this class. This class fulfills Area III distribution requirement: US Culture.
Through study of literary works (and, when possible, other artistic achievements or cultural artifacts) by members of the varied cultures which comprise the United States of America, this course considers the perspectives and sustaining values of these cultural groups and considers the challenges, problems, and opportunities of a pluralistic American society.
There are no prerequisites for this class. This class fulfills Area III distribution requirement: US Culture.
History is about to crack wide open.
In Tony Kushner's Angels in America, the character Ethel Rosenberg tells Roy Cohen, "History is about to crack wide open. Millennium approaches." The millennium approached and history has cracked wide open. Writers have reimagined past events in American history. From the responses to 9/11 in this millennium to the 'discovery' our nation in the sixteenth century, writers are reimagining the past to tell new stories not told in history books.
Through our readings, discussions, and class activities we will explore how writers and pop culture attempt to crack history open by (re)imagining the past. We will look at two novels, two films, and one drama. Rather than studying broadly, we will look at three case studies and go deeply into African American and Native American revisions and interruptions of historical narratives. At the end of the semester we will simultaneously examine reimaginings of the past as we also consider imaginings of the future in Angels in America.
In Tony Kushner's Angels in America, the character Ethel Rosenberg tells Roy Cohen, "History is about to crack wide open. Millennium approaches." The millennium approached and history has cracked wide open. Writers have reimagined past events in American history. From the responses to 9/11 in this millennium to the 'discovery' our nation in the sixteenth century, writers are reimagining the past to tell new stories not told in history books.
Through our readings, discussions, and class activities we will explore how writers and pop culture attempt to crack history open by (re)imagining the past. We will look at two novels, two films, and one drama. Rather than studying broadly, we will look at three case studies and go deeply into African American and Native American revisions and interruptions of historical narratives. At the end of the semester we will simultaneously examine reimaginings of the past as we also consider imaginings of the future in Angels in America.
The Big Questions
- What does it mean to be an American? A United Statesian?
- How do minority groups interrupt history through textual intervention?
- What is the role of (re)memory in cracking history wide open?
- How do these (re)imaginings of the United States' past engage with existing ideas about culture and identity?
- How does our existing culture already (re)imagine the past as a collective?
Truth Bomb: A Note on Content
This course will discuss topics that some may consider controversial. Topics can and will include religion, profanity, nudity, violence, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality—to name a few. If these topics or the thought of discussing them in an open forum makes you uncomfortable, I encourage you to switch sections during the first week of classes. I will not be offended. While these topics are unavoidable in the texts and discussions we will have, our goal is not simply to expose them, but to examine and to discuss them constructively and critically within the framework of our safe and respectful classroom. I am happy to discuss any concerns you may have in the first week of class. I am not willing to negotiate alternative readings or assignments.
This course will discuss topics that some may consider controversial. Topics can and will include religion, profanity, nudity, violence, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality—to name a few. If these topics or the thought of discussing them in an open forum makes you uncomfortable, I encourage you to switch sections during the first week of classes. I will not be offended. While these topics are unavoidable in the texts and discussions we will have, our goal is not simply to expose them, but to examine and to discuss them constructively and critically within the framework of our safe and respectful classroom. I am happy to discuss any concerns you may have in the first week of class. I am not willing to negotiate alternative readings or assignments.
Course Policies
Attendance
You are expected to attend every class. You are given four absences to use as you wish, including illnesses and catastrophes. You will fail this course after four absences regardless of what grades you have earned on your other assignments. I do not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences other than institutionalized activities, which must be documented with me in advance. While I do not mind if you notify me ahead of time of your absences, please do not provide the reason that you will miss class.
If for some reason you must miss class, you cannot make up in-class activities. You are responsible for turning in any assignments due that day before our scheduled class time. You are also responsible for any material covered or changes to the syllabus.
If you are more than fifteen minutes late for class you are considered absent. You will be marked late if you arrive less than fifteen minutes late to class. Two late arrivals constitute one absence. Late arrivals count toward your four absences!
Communication
I urge each of you to take advantage of the opportunity to introduce yourself to me, to ask any questions you may have, to discuss future or current assignments, or to seek private instruction on specific problems with which you might be grappling. I also encourage professional communication through e-mail. Please do not use e-Learning/Blackboard/D2L (or whatever we are calling it these days) to contact me. I do not respond to unprofessionally written e-mails or any text (essays included) that use “text-speak.” I am legally and ethically not permitted to discuss your grades by e-mail, therefore if you have questions about your grade and/or assignment please come to office hours or make an appointment to speak with me.
Cell Phones, Etc.
When you come into our classroom, I ask that you please disconnect from the outside world so that you may authentically and physically connect in our classroom with your classmates, the instructor, and the content. With this in mind, I ask that you turn your cell phone to vibrate, silent, or off (gasp!). Texting is strictly prohibited. Anyone caught using their cell phone—even to “check the time”*—will be asked to leave class immediately and counted absent for the day.
I do permit laptops and tablets for those of you who prefer this method of note taking. Should you use your laptop or tablet during class, please only use it for the class. You may take notes. You may look at assigned readings that may be on your screen. You are not permitted to e-mail, Facebook, tweet, seek revenge on pigs with angry birds, or anything else that does not pertain to our class topic of the day. If I see that you are not paying attention, I will ask you to put your device away and you will not be permitted to use it for the rest of the semester.
*I highly encourage you to wear a watch if you feel the need to watch the time fly in our class. I am personally a fan of the Timex Weekender because of its sporty design, large numbers, and versatility.
Writing Center
In order to assist you in the writing process, the WMU Writing Center on campus is available to offer help with your assignments. The Writing Center is not a proofreading service—that is your responsibility. I encourage writers at any level to take advantage of this resource. The Writing Center is staffed with many qualified undergraduate and graduate students to help you. The Writing Center is located in 1343 Ellsworth Hall and appointments can be made online at www.wmich.edu/casp/writingcenter
Athletics
If you are involved in a university athletic program and will miss class because of it, you must bring in a written excuse from the athletic department in advance of your absence. Please provide me with a complete schedule within the first week of class of the days you will be missing. You are responsible for any announcements and/or class notes that you miss.
Students with Disabilities
Any student with a documented disability (e.g., physical learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact Ms. Beth Denhartigh at 387-2116 or at [email protected] at the beginning of the semester. A disability determination must be made by this office before any accommodations are provided by the instructor.
The Head-in-the-Microwave Clause
Students who present others’ work as their own do not understand the point of education and will, at least, fail the assignment without an option for revision. You are responsible for making yourself aware of and understanding the academic policies and procedures in the Undergraduate or Graduate Catalogs that pertain to student rights and responsibilities. These policies include cheating, fabrication, falsification and forgery, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity, and computer misuse. If there is a reason to believe you have been involved in academic dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. You will be given the opportunity to review the charge(s). If you believe you are not responsible, you will have the opportunity for a hearing. You should consult with me if you are uncertain about an issue of academic honesty prior to the submission of an assignment or test. I am happy to clarify whenever possible. I reserve the right to use plagiarism detection software, such as Turnitin. Any student caught cheating will be punished to the fullest extent possible—ranging from failure of the course to expulsion from the university.
Contingency Clause
Keep in mind that this syllabus and calendar are tentative. I reserve the right to change them at any time to fit the needs of our class. It is your responsibility to make sure you know about any changes in the syllabus. I will keep the most up-to-date syllabus and course calendar on our course website.
You are expected to attend every class. You are given four absences to use as you wish, including illnesses and catastrophes. You will fail this course after four absences regardless of what grades you have earned on your other assignments. I do not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences other than institutionalized activities, which must be documented with me in advance. While I do not mind if you notify me ahead of time of your absences, please do not provide the reason that you will miss class.
If for some reason you must miss class, you cannot make up in-class activities. You are responsible for turning in any assignments due that day before our scheduled class time. You are also responsible for any material covered or changes to the syllabus.
If you are more than fifteen minutes late for class you are considered absent. You will be marked late if you arrive less than fifteen minutes late to class. Two late arrivals constitute one absence. Late arrivals count toward your four absences!
Communication
I urge each of you to take advantage of the opportunity to introduce yourself to me, to ask any questions you may have, to discuss future or current assignments, or to seek private instruction on specific problems with which you might be grappling. I also encourage professional communication through e-mail. Please do not use e-Learning/Blackboard/D2L (or whatever we are calling it these days) to contact me. I do not respond to unprofessionally written e-mails or any text (essays included) that use “text-speak.” I am legally and ethically not permitted to discuss your grades by e-mail, therefore if you have questions about your grade and/or assignment please come to office hours or make an appointment to speak with me.
Cell Phones, Etc.
When you come into our classroom, I ask that you please disconnect from the outside world so that you may authentically and physically connect in our classroom with your classmates, the instructor, and the content. With this in mind, I ask that you turn your cell phone to vibrate, silent, or off (gasp!). Texting is strictly prohibited. Anyone caught using their cell phone—even to “check the time”*—will be asked to leave class immediately and counted absent for the day.
I do permit laptops and tablets for those of you who prefer this method of note taking. Should you use your laptop or tablet during class, please only use it for the class. You may take notes. You may look at assigned readings that may be on your screen. You are not permitted to e-mail, Facebook, tweet, seek revenge on pigs with angry birds, or anything else that does not pertain to our class topic of the day. If I see that you are not paying attention, I will ask you to put your device away and you will not be permitted to use it for the rest of the semester.
*I highly encourage you to wear a watch if you feel the need to watch the time fly in our class. I am personally a fan of the Timex Weekender because of its sporty design, large numbers, and versatility.
Writing Center
In order to assist you in the writing process, the WMU Writing Center on campus is available to offer help with your assignments. The Writing Center is not a proofreading service—that is your responsibility. I encourage writers at any level to take advantage of this resource. The Writing Center is staffed with many qualified undergraduate and graduate students to help you. The Writing Center is located in 1343 Ellsworth Hall and appointments can be made online at www.wmich.edu/casp/writingcenter
Athletics
If you are involved in a university athletic program and will miss class because of it, you must bring in a written excuse from the athletic department in advance of your absence. Please provide me with a complete schedule within the first week of class of the days you will be missing. You are responsible for any announcements and/or class notes that you miss.
Students with Disabilities
Any student with a documented disability (e.g., physical learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact Ms. Beth Denhartigh at 387-2116 or at [email protected] at the beginning of the semester. A disability determination must be made by this office before any accommodations are provided by the instructor.
The Head-in-the-Microwave Clause
Students who present others’ work as their own do not understand the point of education and will, at least, fail the assignment without an option for revision. You are responsible for making yourself aware of and understanding the academic policies and procedures in the Undergraduate or Graduate Catalogs that pertain to student rights and responsibilities. These policies include cheating, fabrication, falsification and forgery, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity, and computer misuse. If there is a reason to believe you have been involved in academic dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. You will be given the opportunity to review the charge(s). If you believe you are not responsible, you will have the opportunity for a hearing. You should consult with me if you are uncertain about an issue of academic honesty prior to the submission of an assignment or test. I am happy to clarify whenever possible. I reserve the right to use plagiarism detection software, such as Turnitin. Any student caught cheating will be punished to the fullest extent possible—ranging from failure of the course to expulsion from the university.
Contingency Clause
Keep in mind that this syllabus and calendar are tentative. I reserve the right to change them at any time to fit the needs of our class. It is your responsibility to make sure you know about any changes in the syllabus. I will keep the most up-to-date syllabus and course calendar on our course website.
Assignments and Workload
Participation
You must come to class having read and thought about the assignments carefully. While I do not expect everyone to be enthusiastic about every reading, I do expect a high level of engagement with the materials (primary texts, lectures, prefatory readings) to be reflected in relevant, vigorous discussions. Because active, actual participation, which is not the same thing as simply showing up, is necessary to the goals of the course, a student who comes to class and never says a word cannot receive an A, even if that student’s other grades are all As. Students will respect each other and the instructor. The instructor will respect the students. Any student who does not respect his or her classmates or the instructor will be asked to leave the classroom immediately. Consequently, the student will be counted absent for the day.
Exams
For this course you will have both a midterm and a final exam. The midterm exam will cover everything from the beginning of the semester. The final exam will focus on the material from the midterm to final, but will be comprehensive. Exams will be in class and during the scheduled time for the exam (see course calendar). I will provide more information and answer any specific questions one week before the exams.
Quizzes
You will have a quiz on nearly every day on which a new reading is due. You must take quizzes on a 3 x 5 index card, ask politely for bonus questions, and be in class when the quiz begins to be eligible for repeated questions. I do not allow extra time for students who arrive late during the quiz. Quizzes may not be made up, no exceptions. At the end of the semester, I will drop a calculated percentage of your lowest quiz grade(s). Typically, this calculates to one or two quiz grades dropped. I do not accept cards smaller than 3 x 5 or larger than 3 x 5. You will get a zero if your card is not 3 x 5!
You must come to class having read and thought about the assignments carefully. While I do not expect everyone to be enthusiastic about every reading, I do expect a high level of engagement with the materials (primary texts, lectures, prefatory readings) to be reflected in relevant, vigorous discussions. Because active, actual participation, which is not the same thing as simply showing up, is necessary to the goals of the course, a student who comes to class and never says a word cannot receive an A, even if that student’s other grades are all As. Students will respect each other and the instructor. The instructor will respect the students. Any student who does not respect his or her classmates or the instructor will be asked to leave the classroom immediately. Consequently, the student will be counted absent for the day.
Exams
For this course you will have both a midterm and a final exam. The midterm exam will cover everything from the beginning of the semester. The final exam will focus on the material from the midterm to final, but will be comprehensive. Exams will be in class and during the scheduled time for the exam (see course calendar). I will provide more information and answer any specific questions one week before the exams.
Quizzes
You will have a quiz on nearly every day on which a new reading is due. You must take quizzes on a 3 x 5 index card, ask politely for bonus questions, and be in class when the quiz begins to be eligible for repeated questions. I do not allow extra time for students who arrive late during the quiz. Quizzes may not be made up, no exceptions. At the end of the semester, I will drop a calculated percentage of your lowest quiz grade(s). Typically, this calculates to one or two quiz grades dropped. I do not accept cards smaller than 3 x 5 or larger than 3 x 5. You will get a zero if your card is not 3 x 5!
Facebook Group
I have set a Facebook group up for this course as another way for us to communicate. Often students have reported that they check Facebook more than their WMich email. With this in mind, I would like to meet many of you where you already are by integrating this class into your daily existence. The Facebook group is optional, but highly recommended. Feel free to use the Facebook group for any reason you see appropriate. I wil
Grading
In-Class Activities & Assignments Quizzes Midterm Exam Final Exam |
25% 25% 25% 25% |
I use the following grade scales to determine your course grade. These are the grades that will also be used for all official reporting, including mid-terms, finals, and athletic reviews.
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Grade scale for all graded work in the class.
A
A- B+ B B- |
93 percent and above
90 percent to 92 percent 87 percent to 89 percent 84 percent to 86 percent 80 percent to 83 percent |
C+
C D+ D E |
77 percent to 79 percent
70 percent to 77 percent 67 percent to 69 percent 62 percent to 67 percent 61 percent and below |