..............English 800 --- Spring 2001 Calendar

Weeks 1 - 19: January 17th - May 25th

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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 (HM) will be due the
following class.

WEEK 1

WEEK 7

WEEK 13

WEEK 2

WEEK 8
WEEK 14
WEEK 3

WEEK 9

WEEK 15
WEEK 4
WEEK 10
WEEK 16
WEEK 5
WEEK 11
WEEK 17
WEEK 6
WEEK 12
.....WEEK 18......

Paper 1
Paper 4
Paper 2
Paper 5--Final
Paper 3--Midterm

.............................


WEEK 1: Introductions
January 17th - Weds: Introduction to class: syllabus, policies, textbooks

HM: Get textbooks and a computer usage card from the Bookstore.

January 19th - Fri: Student Interviews

HM: In Language Awareness, read "The Writing Process" pp. 1-14.


WEEK 2: The Writing Process
January 22nd - Mon: Introduction to The Writing Process

HM: In Language Awareness, read "Writing from Experience" pp. 15-23.

January 24th - Weds: The Writing Process continued

HM: In Language Awareness, read "Writing from Reading" pp. 25-35.

January 26th - Fri: The Writing Process continued

HM: In Language Awareness, read "Coming to an Awareness of Language" pp. 63-68 and "The Day Language Came into My Life" pp. 69-73. Be prepared for a possible quiz on the reading on Monday.


WEEK 3: Unit One-Discovering Language

January 29th - Mon: Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion
Paper Topics for Paper #1 to be handed out in class

HM: In Language Awareness, read "Talking in the New Land" pp. 74-85.

January 31st - Weds: Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion

HM: Select one of the paper topics from the list handed out in class and produce the following--due Friday:
(1) one page minimum of freewriting on your topic
(2) A minimum half page of brainstorming (See "The Writing Process" packet for examples).

February 2nd - Fri: Discussing and sharing the freewrites and brainstorms for Paper #1 and creating rough outlines and thesis statements

HM: Type up a formal outline for Paper #1 with your thesis statement at the top and your supporting points underneath followed by evidence for each of your points (See "The Writing Process" packet for examples).

** Getting Prepared: Paper #1 (2-3 pages) is due Wednesday, February 7th


WEEK 4: Workshopping

February 5th - Mon: Workshopping the outlines for Paper 1

HM: Complete Paper #1 (2-3 pages), due next class:
(1) Bring 4 copies of your completed, typed, double-spaced paper to class for Wednesday.
(2) Don't put extra spacing between paragraphs; double-space throughout the paper and indent 5 spaces at the beginning of each paragraph.
(3) Remember: titles of short works such as essays and poems go in quotes and longer works such as books and plays are either underlined or italicized.
(4) Those without papers will be asked to leave.
(5) Reminder: Workshop days count as 2 absences
(6) 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 can't pass if you miss one of the required papers.

February 7th - Weds: Paper #1 due (2-3 pages)
In Class: Workshopping (a double absence day if missed)

HM: Continue feedback on "Peer Response" sheets. Bring these sheets, your paper and your group members' papers on Friday to continue workshopping.

Reminder: the last day to drop a course without it appearing on your record is 2/9

February 9th - Fri: In Class: Workshopping (a double absence day if missed)

HM: In 11 Essentials to Effective Writing, read "Introduction" pp. xii-xvi and begin Chapter 2 pp. 29-35 and do Exercise 2.1 (p. 35) 1-7.

** Getting Prepared: The Revision for Paper #1 (2-3 pages) is due Wednesday,
February 14th

Paper #1 due February 7th (2-3 pages)
The overall topic for Paper #1 is THE POWER OF LANGUAGE as revealed in the articles we read. Select one of the following essay topics:

(1) "Coming to an Awareness of Language" by Malcolm X (p.63):
Analyze the purposes and power of language that Malcolm X discusses in his article. Why is Malcolm X so determined in his "homemade education" and what does he gain? What connections does he see between language, power and even race? What do you think of Malcolm X's observations? What do you feel about the significance of language?

(2) "The Day Language Came into my Life" by Helen Keller (p. 69):
Helen Keller explains that she felt no remorse when she shattered the doll. Why does she only feel repentance and sorrow once she understood that things have names? What connection between language and emotion and language and thought is Keller revealing? What do you think Keller is revealing about the power and significance of language for human beings?

(3) "Talking in the New Land" by Edite Cunha (p. 74):
Examine how language played a role in the culture clash/shock Cunha experienced. How is her name connected with her identity? How is language and naming connected to her identity, sense of self-worth, and relationship with her family? What can be understood from her reactions to the events she described? What do you think they reveal about the power of language?


WEEK 5: UNIT-The Nature of Prejudicial Language

February 12th - Mon: Go over exercises in 11 Essentials of Effective Writing p. 35, Ex 2.1
Creating Titles, Title Pages and Review Paper #1 packet

HM: In Language Awareness, read "Simplicity" pp. 155-158 and "The Maker's Eye: Revising Your Own Manuscripts" pp. 161-165. **Bring your 11 Essentials of Effective Writing to class on Weds.

Revise Paper #1 due Weds, 2/14. Please include the following:
(1) A title page using MLA format:
..........(a) Title of paper centered about a third from the top of page--be creative with this-draw your reader in-.......,,,,,,...win the title contest!
.......... (b) Your name centered in the middle of the page
.......... (c) Course, instructor's name and date centered near the bottom of page.
(2) Peer evaluations stapled to back
(3) Must be typed, double-spaced, have 1" margins, have 12 sized font, and be 2-3 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.

February 14th - Weds: Revised Paper #1 Due (2-3 pages)
Discussing 11 Essentials of Effective Writing: Chapter 1 and complete Chapter 2

HM: In Language Awareness, read "The Language of Prejudice" pp. 243-254 and "The Meanings of a Word" pp. 272-277.


February 16th - Fri: No Class: President's Day


WEEK 6: UNIT-Language, Race, and Gender

February 19th - Mon: No Class: President's Day

February 21st - Weds: Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion

HM: In Language Awareness, read "Words with Built-In Judgements" pp. 255-263 and "The Borders of Words" pp. 264-271.

February 23rd - Fri: Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion

HM: In 11 Essentials of Effective Writing, read Chapter 3, pp. 55-74 and do Exercise 3.1 (p. 71) 1-17-identify which rule or rules each sentence violates and rewrite the sentence.


WEEK 7: UNIT-A Mosaic of Cultures in Language

February 26th - Mon: Going over 11 Essentials of Effective Writing exercise 3.1

HM: In Language Awareness, read "I'll Explain it to You: Lecturing and Listening" pp. 278-294 and "Gender Wars in Cyberspace" pp. 295-301.

February 28th - Weds: Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion

HM: In Language Awareness, read "Black Children, Black Speech" pp. 338-347 and "Endangered Languages" pp. 348-353.

March 2nd - Fri: Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion

HM: In Language Awareness, read "The Language We Know" pp. 354-364 and "The Dilemma of Black English" pp. 365-370.

** Getting Prepared: Paper #2 (3-5 pages) is due Monday, March 12th


WEEK 8: UNIT-A Mosaic of Cultures in Language

March 5th - Mon: Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion

HM: Complete the following for Weds:
(1) one full page of freewriting for each of the articles you have selected for Paper 2
(2) Complete the "Brainstorm for Paper #2" sheet in the Paper #2 packet
(3) Complete the "Creating Thesis Statements" sheet in the Paper #2 packet complete with brainstorm, questions and answers.

March 7th - Weds: Freewriting, brainstorming and outlining for Paper #2

HM: Create a typed, formal outline using block style or point by point for Paper 2. Write your thesis statement at the top in a sentence or two. Your thesis needs to LINK the two essays with a statement of your opinion about we can learn or what is significant about looking at these essays together. Be sure there is a clear SO WHAT in your thesis.

March 9th - Fri: Going over the outlines

HM: Complete Paper #2 (3-5 pages), due next class:
(1) Bring 4 copies of your completed, typed, double-spaced paper to class on Monday
(2) Students without papers will be asked to leave and workshop days count as 2 absences.
(3) If you don't turn a paper in on this date, you can't turn in the revised version, due a week
for a grade, and you can't pass the class if you miss one of the required papers.


WEEK 9: Workshopping

March 12th - Mon: Paper #2 due (3-5 pages)
In Class: Workshopping (a double absence day if missed)

HM: Continue feedback on "Peer Response" sheets. Bring these sheets, your paper and your group members' papers on Wednesday to continue workshopping.

March 14th - Weds: In Class: Workshopping (a double absence day if missed)

HM: In 11 Essentials of Effective Writing, read Chapter 4 pp. 75-92 and do Exercise 4.1 (p. 88) number 1, a-d only.

March 16th - Fri: Going over 11 Essentials of Effective Writing exercise 4.1

HM: Revise Paper #2 due Mon, 3/18. Please include the following:
(1) A title page using MLA format:
.........(a) Title of paper centered about a third from the top of page--be creative with this-draw your reader in
......... (b) Your name centered in the middle of the page
......... (c) Course, instructor's name and date centered near the bottom of page.
(2) Peer evaluations stapled to back
(3) Must be typed, double-spaced, have 1" margins, have 12 sized font, and be 3-5 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.


Topics for Paper 2 - due March 12th - 3-5 pages
Paper #2 will be a compare/contrast essay and you will select two of the following essays to compare.
Important elements in this type of paper:

· Establish a clear LINK between the essays you've selected

· Create an ARGUMENT based on the link which clearly contains your opinion. Remember, a thesis cannot be merely a factual statement of what the essays have in common.

· Be sure to SO WHAT your argument to ensure that you're making an important point worth writing about and which probes beyond the obvious.

Select two of the following essays to compare:
(1) "The Language of Prejudice" pp. 243-254
(2) "The Meanings of a Word" pp. 272-277
(3) "Words with Built-In Judgements"
(4) "The Borders of Words" pp. 264-271
(5) "I'll Explain it to You: Lecturing and Listening" pp. 278-294
(6) "Gender Wars in Cyberspace" pp. 295-301
(7) "Black Children, Black Speech" pp. 338-347
(8) "Endangered Languages" pp. 348-353
(9) "The Language We Know" pp. 354-364
(10) "The Dilemma of Black English" pp. 365-370


WEEK 10: The Language of Advertising

March 19th - Mon: Revised Paper #2 due (3-5 pages)
In Class: Examining Ads

HM: In Language Awareness, read "The Hard Sell: Advertising in America" pp. 565-577. Examine ads on pages 579-583.

March 21st - Weds: Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion

HM: In Language Awareness, read "Weasel Words" pp. 584-596 and "What's Natural about Our Products?" pp. 597-601. Examine ads on pages 602-608.

March 23rd - Fri: Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion

HM: In 11 Essentials of Effective Writing, read Chapter 5 pp. 93-119 and do exercise 5.1 (107) 1-7 and do exercise 5.2 (114) 1-13.


WEEK 11: Language and the Media

March 26th - Mon: Going over 11 Essentials of Effective Writing exercises 5.1 & 5.2

HM: In Language Awareness, read "Selection, Slanting, and Charged Language" pp. 399-408.

March 27th - Weds: Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion

HM: In Language Awareness, read "Read All About It!" pp. 409-414 and "The Bias of Language, the Bias of Pictures" pp. 415-425.

March 29th - Fri: Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion

HM: In 11 Essentials of Effective Writing, read Chapter 6 pp. 120-130 and do exercise 6.1 (128) 1-4. Also, read Chapter 7 pp. 131-154 and do exercise 7.1 (144) 1-2.


WEEK 12: The Language of Politics

April 2nd - Mon: Going over 11 Essentials of Effective Writing exercises 6.1 & 7.1

HM: In Language Awareness, read "Propaganda: How Not to Be Bamboozled" pp. 525-536.

April 4th - Weds: Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion

HM: In Language Awareness, read "Politics and the English Language" pp. 539-553.

April 6th - Fri: Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion

HM: In 11 Essentials of Effective Writing, read Chapter 8 pp. 155-171 and do exercise 8.1 (169) number 2 only. Read Chapter 9 pp. 173-185 and do exercise 9.1 (181) -write 2 different conclusions for "Security and Privacy on the Internet" only.


WEEK 13: Spring Break

April 9th - April 15th: No Class

** Getting Prepared: The Midterm Exam is on Monday, April 23rd (50 minutes)


WEEK 14: The Third Life of Grange Copeland by Alice Walker

April 16th - Mon: Going over 11 Essentials of Effective Writing exercises 8.1 & 9.1

HM: In Language Awareness, read "The Declaration of Independence" pp. 554-559 and "I Have a Dream" pp. 302-306.

April 18th - Weds: Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion

HM: Begin The Third Life of Grange Copeland by Alice Walker, read Chapter 1

April 20th - Fri: Workshop: Timed Writing

HM: Prepare for Monday's in-class Midterm Exam

** Reminder: The last day to withdraw from a course is 4/26


Midterm Examination - Mon, April 23rd - 50 minutes

Know the following readings for the in-class midterm essay exam.
The exam will be 50 minutes and open book, closed note:

The Language of Advertising Unit:
"The Hard Sell: Advertising in America" pp. 565-577
"Weasel Words" pp. 584-596
"What's Natural about Our Products?" pp. 597-601

Language and the Media Unit:
"Selection, Slanting, and Charged Language" pp. 399-408
"Read All About It!" pp. 409-414
"The Bias of Language, the Bias of Pictures" pp. 415-425

The Language of Politics Unit:
"Propaganda: How Not to Be Bamboozled" pp. 525-536
"Politics and the English Language" pp. 539-553
"The Declaration of Independence" pp. 554-559
"I Have a Dream" pp. 302-306


WEEK 15: The Third Life of Grange Copeland

April 23rd - Mon: In Class: Midterm Exam (50 minutes)-open book, closed note

HM: In The Third Life of Grange Copeland, read Chapters 2-10.

April 25th - Weds: Possible quiz on reading followed by a discussion of the novel

HM: In The Third Life of Grange Copeland, read Chapters 11-20.

April 27th - Fri: Possible quiz on reading followed by a discussion of the novel

HM: In The Third Life of Grange Copeland, read Chapters 21-30.


WEEK 16: The Third Life of Grange Copeland

April 30th - Mon: Possible quiz on reading followed by a discussion of the novel

HM: In The Third Life of Grange Copeland, read Chapters 31-37.

May 2nd - Weds: Possible quiz on reading followed by a discussion of the novel

HM: In The Third Life of Grange Copeland, read Chapters 38-43.

May 4th - Fri: Possible quiz on reading followed by a discussion of the novel

HM: In 11 Essentials of Effective Writing, read Chapter 10 pp. 186-198 and do exercise 10.1 (196) 1-5 only. Read Chapter 11 pp. 199-216 and do exercise 11.2 (208) Roman Numeral I, A-D only.

Also, in The Third Life of Grange Copeland, read Chapters 44-46.

** Getting Prepared: Paper #4 (4-6 pages) is due Monday, May 14th **


WEEK 17: The Third Life of Grange Copeland

May 7th - Mon: Going over 11 Essentials homework

HM: Finish The Third Life of Grange Copeland, read Chapters 47-48 plus the Afterward. Also do the following to turn in:
(1) TWO pages of freewriting on a specific theme or issue in the novel of your choosing
(2) Complete the "Creating Thesis Statements" sheet complete with brainstorm, questions and answers
(this sheet is in the Paper #4 Packet ).

** Prepare for Make-Up Quiz

May 9th - Weds: Make-Up Quiz on the end of the novel (Chapters 47-48 plus Afterward)
Going over freewriting and rough thesis statements

HM: Create a typed, formal outline for Paper 4. See your Paper #4 Packet for reminders on how to create formal outlines-bring this packet to class Fri.

May 11th - Fri: Going over the outlines for Paper #4

HM: Complete Paper #4 (4-6 pages), due next class:
(1) Bring 4 copies of your completed, typed, double-spaced paper to class on Monday
(2) Students without papers will be asked to leave and workshop days count as 2 absences.
(3) If you don't turn a paper in on this date, you can't turn in the revised version, due a week for a grade, and you can't pass the class if you miss one of the required papers.

** Also, if you go to a writing tutor in The Learning Center for Paper #4, you can get 3 points of extra credit. Students enrolled in English 853 can see any tutor besides myself to earn the extra credit. Attach a tutor receipt to the front of the final draft of the revised paper due for the 11am class: Monday May 21st and for the 1pm class: Friday, May 25th. **


WEEK 18: Workshopping

May 14th - Mon: Paper #4 due (4-6 pages)
In Class: Workshopping (a double absence day if missed)

HM: Continue feedback on "Peer Response" sheets. Bring these sheets, your paper and your group members' papers on Wednesday to continue workshopping.

**I'm teaching the "Timed Writing" workshop on Weds 5/16 10:10-11am in 2108f, bldg 2 if you want to review the timed writing tips we went over for the midterm. All are welcome.

May 16th - Weds: In Class: Workshopping (a double absence day if missed)

May 18th - Fri: Review for final exam

HM: Revised Paper #4. Please include the following:
(1) A title page
(2) Peer evaluations stapled to back
(3) Must be typed, double-spaced, have 1" margins, have 12 sized font, and be 4-6 pgs in length (points will be taken off for papers under length).
(4) If you saw a tutor, attach the receipt to the front of the paper.

Prepare for Final - open book, closed note exam on The Third Life of Grange Copeland by Alice Walker

Bring a self-addressed stamped envelope to receive course grade


WEEK 19: Final Exam

For English 800 at 11am:
May 21st - Mon: Meet in the Computer Lab: bottom floor of bldg 2
Bring a disk if you're taking it on the computer; bring lined paper or a bluebook if you are handwriting it; also bring a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Revised Paper #4 Due (4-6 pages)
Final: Open Book, Closed Note Exam on Third Life of Grange Copeland 11:10-1:40pm

For English 800 at 1pm:
May 25th - Fri: Meet in the Computer Lab: bottom floor of bldg 2
Bring a disk if you're taking it on the computer; bring lined paper or a bluebook if you are handwriting it; also bring a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Revised Paper #4 Due (4-6 pages)
Final: Open Book, Closed Note Exam on Third Life of Grange Copeland 11:10-1:40pm


Paper #4 - due for 11am class: May 21st and
for 1pm class: May 25th - 4-6 pages
Create your own argument on the novel The Third Life of Grange Copeland by Alice Walker. Be sure you begin with a debatable thesis which asserts an opinion about the novel that you must then prove in the body of the essay. Use specific examples, quotes and details from the novel to illustrate and prove your thesis.


Final Exam - 11:10am-1:40pm - For 11am class: Monday May 21st and for 1pm class: Friday May 25th
The final exam will be held in the Computer Lab in building 2. The exam will be on Alice Walker's The Third Life of Grange Copeland. The exam is open book, closed note. If you take it on the computer, bring a disk and if you hand write it, bring lined paper or a bluebook.


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