English 110 --- Spring 2009 Calendar   

                                        Weeks 1 – 19 (January 20th – May 26th)   

 


Explanation of homework layout:  All activities listed next to the date (not in bold) is what we will do in class on that day.  All assignments which follow the abbreviated letters signifying homework (HW) will be due the following class. 

 

 

                   WEEK 1:  Introduction to the course and readings


January 20th – Tues:  Introduction to class and each other:  syllabus, policies, presentations,
                        texts, plagiarism contract, and student introductions. 

HW: Purchase the course materials: Course reader, Mexican Poetry, The White Tiger, Chekov: The Essential Plays, and Arab Women Writers.

In Mexican Poetry, read “Introduction to the History of Mexican Poetry” (23-44).  Then read the poems of the following poets:
Miguel de Guevara (61-64), Luis de Sandoval y Zapata (72-76),
Juana de Asbaje (78-92), Justo Sierra (112-114), and Manuel Acuna (114-118).  Please note:  there is a brief and helpful bio on each author in the back section under “Notes” pages 199-213.

 

 

January 22nd – Thurs:  Setting up the three class presentation teams (page 21 in reader)             

Introduction to Writing Guidelines: Top 20 Ways to get an “A” and to Become a Stronger, More Confident Writer (pages 4-10 in reader).
Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion

Going over the upcoming homework: "Creating Your Own Thesis Statement" p. 47

HW: In Mexican Poetry, read the poems of the following poets:
Salvador Diaz Miron (118-126), Manuel Gutierrez Najera (133-140), Enrique Gonzalez Martinez (160-169), Ramon Lopez Velarde (172-187), and Alfonso Reyes (187-196).

Do the following in preparation for Paper #1—due Tues 1/27:

Complete the “Creating Your Own Argument (Thesis) on a Topic” sheet: do the brainstorm, create questions, answer them and
“so what?” them (p. 47 in reader and see a model on p. 46). 

Prepare for a quiz on Tues on Writing Guidelines: Top 20 Ways to get an “A” and to Become a Stronger, More Confident Writer (pages 4-10 in reader).


** Getting Prepared:  Paper #1 (2-4 pages) is due Tuesday, Feb 3rd


                                   WEEK 2:  Mexican Poetry


January 27th – Tues:  Quiz on Writing Guidelines: Top 20 Ways to get an “A” and to Become a Stronger,
                        More Confident Writer (pages 4-10 in reader)
                        Going over Writing Guideline #1: Paper Topics, pages 11-13.
                        Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion
                        Going over the homework and possible thesis statements for Paper 1                     

HW:  In Reader, begin reading about Writing Guideline #3: The Writing Process, pages 23-32.

Create a formal typed outline for Paper #1 with a thesis statement at the top—due next class (see pp. 33-35 in reader on outlining).

 


January 29th – Thurs:  Workshopping outlines and thesis statements —write on your peers’

outlines and focus on the three areas discussed on page 36 of the reader.

Going over Writing Guideline #19: Workshopping, pages 177-181.

HW:  In Reader, read the last parts of “The Writing Process,” pages 37-41.

Complete Paper #1 (2-4 pages), due next class: 

                        (1) Bring 4 copies of your completed, typed, double-spaced paper to class on Tues.      

                        (2) Read and follow Writing Guideline #6: Paper Formatting (pages 59-60)

                        (3) Students without papers will be asked to leave. 

                        (4) Each workshop day counts as 2 absences 

            (5) If you do not turn a paper in on this due date, you cannot turn in the revised
                  version, due a week later, for a grade.  You cannot pass the class if you miss  
                  one of the papers.


                               

                              WEEK 3:  Workshopping & Presentation

 

February 3rd – Tues:  Paper #1 due (2-4 pages)

In Class: Workshopping (a double absence day if missed)

HW:  Read the advice in Writing Guideline #2: Reading Strategies (pages 14-20)

Begin The White Tiger, read “The First Night” (1-36).


February 5th – Thurs:  Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion of the reading
                        Writing Guideline #6: Paper Formatting (pages 59-60)
                        Writing Guideline #7: Paper Titles (pages 61-63)
                       

HW:  In The White Tiger, read “The Second Night” (37-78) and
“The Fourth Morning” (79-95).

 

Revised Paper #1 due 2/10.  Please include the following:

(1) Use MLA formatting for your title—be creative (61-63 in reader) and for the page numbering (66-68 in reader).  If you used outsides sources, use proper citation and a Works Cited page (84-86 in reader)

(2) Peer evaluations stapled to back
(3) Must be typed, double-spaced, have 1” margins, have 12 sized font, and be 2-4 pages in length.  Please note:  10 pts are removed for each page the paper is under  the required minimum length and 5 pts for half a page under.  Don’t go solely by word count but by actual length.  See Paper Formatting (59-60 in reader).
(4) Properly use author names and text titles (64-66 in reader)
(5) Review Writing Guideline #20: Grading, page 186.
(6) Complete an “Essay Checklist” (page 41).  Staple this to the back of your revised paper.


 

                              WEEK 4:  The White Tiger  by Aravind Adiga

 

February 10th – Tues:  Revised Paper #1 due (2-4 pages)

Possible quiz on the reading

Writing Guideline #11: Quoting and Paraphrasing (pages 74-83)

HW:  In The White Tiger, read “The Fourth Night” (97-145).

     **Team presenters on Aravind Adiga and The White Tiger  prepare to present next class.

 

 

February 12th – Thurs:  Team presenters on Aravind Adiga and The White Tiger.

                   HW:  In The White Tiger, read “The Fifth Night” (147-166) and “The
                   Sixth Morning (167-189).

 

    ** Reminder: the last day to drop a course without it appearing on your record is 2/17 **


                             WEEK 5:  The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga


February 17th – Tues:  Possible quiz on the reading and discussing The White Tiger
                        Continued: Writing Guideline #11: Quoting and Paraphrasing (pages 77-83)

                       

                   HW: In The White Tiger, read “The Sixth Night” (191-247).

February 19th –  Thurs:  Possible quiz on the reading
                        Brainstorming possible paper topics for Paper 2 on The White Tiger
                        Writing Guideline #2: Questioning Circles (pages 51-52)
                        Writing Guideline #13: Thesis Statements (pages 87-92)
           
                        HW: Finish The White Tiger, read “The Seventh Night (249-276).
 
                   Do the following in preparation for Paper #1—due Tues 2/24:

Complete the “Creating Your Own Argument (Thesis) on a Topic”  sheet: do the brainstorm, create questions, answer them and
“so what?” them (p. 47 in reader and see a model on p. 46). 



                                  WEEK 6:  Outlines for Paper 2


February 24th – Tues:  Possible quiz on the reading
                        Writing Guideline #16: Paragraphs (pages 104-111)
                        Going over the homework and possible thesis statements for Paper 2

                           

HW:  Create a formal typed outline for Paper #2 with a thesis statement at the top—due next class (see pp. 33-35 in reader on outlining).  To consider: you want to include one outside source in your paper to support your argument.

 

February 26th – Thurs:  Workshopping outlines and thesis statements —write on your peers’

outlines and focus on the three areas discussed on page 36 of the reader.

 

Complete Paper #2 (3-5 pages), due next class: 
(1) Bring 4 copies of your completed, typed, double-spaced paper to class on Tues.      

                        (2) Read and follow Writing Guideline #6: Paper Formatting (pages 59-60) and 
                              Writing Guideline #8: Text Titles and Author Names (pages 64-66)

                        (3) Students without papers will be asked to leave. 

                        (4) Each workshop day counts as 2 absences 

                        (5) If you do not turn a paper in on this due date, you cannot turn in the revised
                             version, due a week later, for a grade.  You cannot pass the class if you miss  
                             one of the papers.
                        (6) You need to include at least one outside source in your paper and a Works Cited 
                              page.  In the reader, see Writing Guideline #12: Research, etc (pages 84-86)

 

 

                           WEEK 7:  Workshopping & Presentation


March 3rd  – Tues:  Paper #2 due (3-5 pages) 

In Class:  Workshopping (a double absence day if missed)

 

HW:  Review Writing Guideline #3: Revising & Editing (pages 39-40)

                    **Team presenters on Anton Chekhov prepare to present next class.

 

March 5th – Thurs:  Team presenters on Anton Chekhov and his plays


                        HW:  In Chekhov: The Essential Plays, read “Introduction”
                   (pp. xii-xviii) and begin The Seagull,  Acts 1 & 2 (1-30).

                   Revised Paper #2 due 3/10.  Please include the following:

(1) Use MLA formatting for your title—be creative (61-63 in reader) and for the page numbering (66-68 in reader).  If you used outsides sources, use proper citation and a Works Cited page (84-86 in reader)

(2) Peer evaluations stapled to back
(3) Must be typed, double-spaced, have 1” margins, have 12 sized font, and be 2-4 pages in length.  Please note:  10 pts are removed for each page the paper is under  the required minimum length and 5 pts for half a page under.  Don’t go solely by word count but by actual length.  See Paper Formatting (59-60 in reader).
(4) Properly use author names and text titles (64-66 in reader)
(5) Review Writing Guideline #20: Grading, page 186.
(6) Works Cited page with a minimum of one outside source.  In the reader, see Writing Guideline #12: Research, etc (pages 84-86)
(7) Complete an “Essay Checklist” (page 42).  Staple this to the back of your revised paper.

 

                                  WEEK 8: Plays by Anton Chekhov

 

March 10th – Tues:  Revised Paper #2 due (3-5 pages) 

                   Possible quiz followed by a discussion of the reading

Writing Guideline #14: Introductions (93-96)

HW:  Finish The Seagull, Acts 3 & 4, pages 31-58.

         

March 12th – Thurs:  Possible quiz followed by a discussion of the reading
                        and Writing Guideline #15:  Topic Sentences (97-103)

 

HW:  Begin Uncle Vanya, Acts 1 & 2, pages 59-88.

 

 

                             WEEK 9:  Plays by Anton Chekhov


March 17th – Tues:  Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion
                        Writing Guideline #17:  Conclusions (112-115)
                       
                   HW:  Finish Uncle Vanya, Acts 3 & 4, pages 89-114.


** Also, start thinking about a partner for Paper #4:  you can choose someone,

we can compare schedules to find matches that way, or you can have me pair 

you.  We’ll assign partners on Thurs, March 26th **

 

March 19th – Thurs: Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion
                       

HW: Begin The Cherry Orchard, Acts 1 & 2, pages 191-226.



                              WEEK 10: Plays by Anton Chekhov


March 24th – Tues:  Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion

HW:  Finish The Cherry Orchard, Acts 3 & 4, pages 227-251.

Next class, signing up collaborative writing partners for Paper 4.

 

March 26th – Thurs:  Sign-up partners for Paper #4: exchange phone #’s, schedules etc. (p. 183)

Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion
Creating midterm practice essay questions

                   HW:  Prepare for open-book, closed note essay exam on Thursday,
                   April 2nd on 3 assigned Chekhov plays. If you handwrite the exam, 
                   bring lined paper, and if you type it, bring a disk. 

           

 

                                 WEEK 11:  Midterm Exam


March 31st – Tues:  Workshop: Timed Writing (pp. 54-58 in reader)

                   HW:  Review the 3 assigned Chekhov plays (The Seagull, Uncle
                   Vanya, and The Cherry Orchard) in preparation for the Midterm
                   tomorrow.  Meet in the Computer Lab (bottom floor of building 2--one
                   floor below Student Services).  If you handwrite the exam, bring lined
                   paper, and if you type it, bring a disk. 

 

April 2nd – Thurs:  Midterm Examination (75 minutes—12:35-1:50pm)—open book, closed note
                     **  Meet in the Computer Lab of Building 2 (bottom floor) in room 2117A


HW:  Begin Arab Women Writers, read “Introduction” (1-28)

**Team presenters on Arab Women Writers prepare to present next class.



                                       WEEK 12:  Spring Break


April 6th through April 10th:  No classes 

 

 

                                 WEEK 13:  Arab Women Writers


April 14th - Tues:  Team presenters on Arab Women Writers

                   HW:  In Arab Women Writers, read “Let’s Play Doctor” (38-40), “The
                   Slave” (55-58), “The Picture”—3 stories with the same title (60-78),
                   and “My Mother’s Friend” (81-82).

           ** Next class, meet in the Library, 2nd floor of building 5 **                          

 

April 16th - Thurs:  Library Tour  (2nd floor of building 5) 
                     
                   HW:  For Tues, you and your partner are responsible for bringing in a
                   minimum of 3 possible outside texts you could use in your paper to
                   support/strengthen your argument.  The texts cannot be all from the
                   same type of source. 

                   In Arab Women Writers, read “The Cat” (92-96), “A Virgin Continent”
                   (101-105), and “An Old Couple” (106-110).                   

 

                            WEEK 14:  Arab Women Writers

 

April 21st – Tues:  Checking off research and discussion of outside research
                        Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion


HW:  In Arab Women Writers, read “My Wedding Day” (120-126), “Sun, I Am the Moon” (133-140), and “The Dreadful Sea” (141-146).

 

April 23rd – Thurs:  Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion

HW:  In Arab Women Writers, read “Half a Woman” (181-185), “Heir Apparent” (186-188), and “The Newcomer” (189-191).

 


** Reminder:  The last day to withdraw from a course is 4/30 **



                                WEEK 15:  Arab Women Writers


April 28th – Tues:  Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion

                   HW:  In Arab Women Writers, read “International Women’s Day”
                   (194-198), “The Filly Became a Mouse” (199-204), and “I Will Never
                   Forfeit My Right” (210-213)

 

April 30th – Thurs: Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion
           
                        HW:  In Arab Women Writers, read “Misfortune in the Alley” (227-231),
                   “Questioning” (232-234), and “The Future” (248-253)  


                       WEEK 16:  Make-Up Quiz & Preparing for Paper 4


May 5th – Tues:  Discussion of the reading and possible paper topics
                       
                        HW:  In Arab Women Writers, read “The Breeze of Youth” (258-264),
                   “In Need of Reassurance” (270-274), and “The Beginning” (280-284).

Also, prepare for the Make-up Quiz next class on Thurs 5/7
(this quiz score will replace your lowest quiz score).

 

May 7th – Thurs:  Make-Up Quiz on the reading

                   HW:  Do the following in preparation for Paper #4 with your partner—
                   due Tues 5/12: Complete the “Creating Your Own Argument (Thesis) 
                   on a Topic”  sheet: do the brainstorm, create questions, answer them
                   and “so what?” them (p. 49 in reader and see a model on p. 46).   

 

          ** Looking Ahead:  Paper #4 (4-6 pages) is due Tuesday, May 19th


    

                               WEEK 17: Outlines for Paper 4


May 12th – Tues:  Going over brainstorms and possible paper topics
                        Working with partners on outlines

                       

HW:  Create a formal typed outline for Paper #4 with a thesis statement at the top—due next class (see pp. 33-35 in reader on outlining).

                   If you haven't already, visit the library and secure your research to 
                   support your arguments for Paper #4 (two outside sources are
                   required and you must include a Works Cited page at the end of your
                   paper—see pages 84-86 in reader).  The librarians are very friendly
                   and knowledgeable so take advantage of their assistance! 

May 14th – Thurs:  Workshopping outlines and thesis statements with partners —write on your
                        peers’ outlines and focus on the three areas discussed on page 36 of the reader.

Complete Paper #4 (4-6 pages), due next class: 

(1)  Bring 7 copies of your completed, typed, double-spaced paper to class on 
      Tuesday.

 (2)  Students without papers will be asked to leave and workshop days are
        two (2) absences.

            (3)  If you don’t turn a paper in on this due date, you can’t turn in the revised
                 version, due a week later, for a grade.  You can’t pass the course if you miss
                 turning in a paper.

(4) You will need to include a minimum of two outside sources in your paper.  To
      review quoting advice to integrate these sources smoothly, see pp. 74-83. 
      You must also include a complete Works Cited page (see pages 84-86 for a
      model) and you need to properly format each entry according to MLA formatting
      (see pp. 66-68 in reader).

                  
   *Bring a self-addressed stamped envelope, to get a full printout of your grade *



                      WEEK 18:  Workshopping & Preparing for Final Exam


May 19th – Tues: Paper #4 due (4-6 pages)
                        In Class:  Workshopping in pairs (a double absence day if missed)

 

 HW: Fill out “Evaluating the Members of the Team” in the Course Packet, pp. 184-185.  Papers cannot be graded without having both evaluations turned in.  You and your partner must both complete an evaluation of yourself and your partner to be turned in Tues 5/26 (to be turned in separately--do not staple to Paper #4). 


May 21st – Thurs: No class—use the time to meet with your partner to revise Paper #4.  Also review
                        all course texts and practice timed writing in preparation for the final on May 26th.

 

HW:  Revised Paper #4 due 5/26.  Please include the following:

(1) Use MLA formatting for your title—be creative (62-63 in reader) and for the page 
      numbering (68 in reader). 

(2) You must use a minimum of two outside sources and include a Works Cited page
      (85-86 in reader).

(3) Peer evaluations stapled to back
(4) Must be typed, double-spaced, have 1” margins, have 12 sized font, and be 4-6
     pages in length.  Please note:  10 pts are removed for each page the paper is
     under  the required minimum length and 5 pts for half a page under.  Don’t go
     solely by word count but by actual length.  See Paper Formatting (59-60 in
     reader).
(5) Properly use author names and text titles (64-66 in reader)
(6) Review Writing Guideline #20: Grading, page 186.
(7) Complete an “Essay Checklist” (page 43).  Staple this to the back of your revised
      paper.


Review all the texts we have read for this course in preparation for the 2 1/2 hour final essay exam.  Recommended:  create possible final exam questions for yourself which connect the works we have read through a common theme (look again at the course theme: “Crossing Countries, Crossing Cultures”) and take at least one practice essay exam before the actual final exam.  Review the advice on "Timed Writing" (pp. 53-58 in reader).

 

**  Meet in the Computer Lab of Building 2 for exam **

                    If you handwrite the exam, bring lined paper, and if you type it, bring a disk. 

 

 

  * If you haven’t already, bring a self-addressed stamped envelope to get  

                   your course grade



                                       WEEK 19:  Final Exam

 

May 26th – Tues:  Revised Paper #4 due (4-6 pages)
                   Turning in "Evaluating Members of the Team" sheets (p. 184-185)

English 100 Final Exam: 11:10-1:40pm
         in Computer Lab: bottom floor bldg 2, room 2117A

                  Closed note, open book, 2 ½ hour essay exam