Summer 2008 Course Requirements and Policies
- Daily contributions to the discussion area (50% total). Go here for discussion guidelines.
- A 10-12 page research paper (50%). In this paper the student will either use one of the critical or theoretical approaches we've studied this semester and use it to analyze a work of literature, or critique one of those critical or theoretical approaches by developing an argument that draws on other literary criticism as well as an analysis of specific literary works. Students should thoroughly research the relevant secondary literature and make their own arguments in the context of that secondary literature--a survey or synthesis of the secondary literature alone is not acceptable.
Other information on papers: Go here to learn about MLA format (but note that this style sheet is not comprehensive--you may need to consult the MLA Handbook on some formatting issues). Papers that do not quote and cite verse (and prose, for that matter) properly will be returned for reformatting. Please include your e-mail address on your paper. See my handouts for information on writing about literature. See the Longwood University Style Manual for other formatting issues.
POLICY MATTERS
Written assignments handed in late will lose one letter grade for each class day late. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of intellectual dishonesty will result in an F for the course and referral to the Longwood University Judicial system. For details on Longwood University's honor code and judicial system, direct your web browser to: http://www.longwood.edu/judicial.
Attendance: Failure to submit responses to a forum by the deadline will result in a grade of zero, and will be treated as an "absence" for the purposes of attendance. The Longwood University attendance policy in the 2004-2005 Undergraduate Catalog will be the attendance policy for this course. Your grade will be lowered by one letter grade if you miss 10 percent of the scheduled class meeting times (i.e., the daily forums, each of which is the equivalent of one week of work in a regular course) for unexcused absences. You will receive an F for the course if you miss a total (excused and unexcused) of 25 percent of the scheduled class discussion deadlines. Absences can be excused, and Exams can be made up only under the most grave circumstances, and with documentation from an MD or a Longwood University official. If you foresee a conflict, I expect you to discuss it with me beforehand. Written assignments submitted late will lose one letter grade for each class day late. A technology failure is not a good excuse for missing a discussion deadline, especially if it extends beyond a single day. Have a backup plan in case your technology fails. Remember that most public libraries provide Internet access. Go here to find a wireless network near you.
Note: the syllabus may be changed at any time if necessary, though I'll try to give you as much advance notice as possible. Please check the web page regularly for updates. In case of inclement weather, please continue with the scheduled assignments and consult the web pages for announcements.
Check your Longwood e-mail account regularly--this is the address I will use to contact you if I need to.
Please read the Course Plagiarism Policy and take this Plagiarism Self Assessment until you get 100% of the answers correct. Then e-mail the instructor, and indicate that you have read the Course Plagiarism Policy and have taken the Plagiarism Self Assessment.