LIT 3001 
Ken Harmon
Ken HarmonSection : TR 9:35-11:40, ACAD 426 Office: Fifth floor of Gateway Center,
Contact Hours: 45 Lecture Hours Suite 530
Fall 2017 Office Hours: TR 4:40-5:50
& by appointment
Office Phone: (980) 598-3218
Welcome to Studies in Drama!
This course is an introduction to the literary genre collectively called drama or the play. We are approaching the genre as literature, so we will consider literary techniques and the writers’ choices while examining the plays within their literary, cultural, historical and social contexts. However, because the play also exists within the medium of performance, we will examine aspects of that medium and its effect on our appreciation of the text. As a class, we will also attend two plays performed by local theater groups. Attendance at each of these events is mandatory: Baltimore & The Aliens (at UNC-Charlottte).
This is both a reading and writing intensive course.
Required Texts:
Albee, Edward. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? USA: Berkley, 2006. ISBN: 978-0451218599
O'Neil, Eugene. Long Day's Journey Into Night. USA: Yale University Press, 2002. ISBN: 978-0300093056
Wilson, August. Fences. USA: Plume, 1986. ISBN: 978-0452264014
Shepard, Sam. Seven Plays. USA: Dial Press, 1984. ISBN: 978-0553346114
Ruhl, Sarah. The Clean House and Other Plays. USA: Theater Communications Group, 2006. ISBN: 978-1559362665
Parks, Suzan-Lori. Topdog/Underdog. Theater Communications Group, 2001. ISBN: 978-1559362016
Barker, Annie. The Aliens. Dramatist's Play Service, 2001. ISBN: 978-0822224730
COURSE MATERIALS
• A laptop, a tablet (such as an Ipad), and/or a smart phone. You should bring one of these items to class every day. These will be used to complete in-class course work such as blogging, electronic quizzes, etc.
COURSE GOALS AND REQUIREMENTS
GOALS:
To successfully complete LIT 3001, students should be able to:
1. Identify the definitive features of drama as a literary genre (such as setting, plot,
characterization, stage design, props, and stage devices).
2. Define and apply basic concepts of literary criticism and analysis.
3. Discuss a representative range of dramatic texts.
4. Respond personally and critically to assigned plays according to course requisites.
5. Demonstrate competence in basic grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and
sentence structure as measured by established rubrics.
6. Apply the process approach to writing original pieces
7. Critique peers’ writing through the use of guidelines presented in class.
PERFORMANCE TRANSCRIPT: N/A
OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT: Johnson & Wales is committed to its Outcomes Assessment initiative. All faculty and students are therefore part of our on-going study to determine and refine the effectiveness of instruction and learning. Students’ names will not be used when reporting results.
REQUIREMENTS
Students will:
•Attend class meetings and complete all reading, writing, and editing
Attend class meetings and complete all reading, writing, and editing assignments.
•Write at least two major essays. Each written assignment will include planning,
Write at least two major essays. Each written assignment will include planning, drafting, revising, editing, and reflection. You are responsible for turning in all
materials related to an assignment. This includes: invention strategies,
audience analysis, draft versions, peer group reviews, outside sources, and the
final version. ALL PAPERS MUST BE TYPED AND FORMATTED USING
MLA FORMAT!
•Complete shorter writing projects in and outside of class. Any missed quizzes,
Complete shorter writing projects in and outside of class. Any missed quizzes, in-class team exercises, etc., cannot be made up.
• Complete one 8-10 minute formal presentation to the class.
•Complete a course midterm and final exam.
Complete a course midterm and final exam.You must complete all major papers in order to pass the course. Failure to complete any of the required assignments will result in a final course grade of F.
NOTE: ANY STUDENT THAT HAS AN A OR B AVERAGE BY THE BEGINNING OF WEEK 9 OF THE TERM, MAY OPT NOT TO TAKE THE FINAL EXAM.
EVALUATION
You can accumulate 400 points, which are distributed as follows:
The following assignments will be graded. You can accumulate 400 points, which are distributed as follows:
CLASS PARTICIPATION (32.5%)
Blog Posts 5% (20 pts.)
Reading Quizzes 15% (60 pts.)
Reader Responses 10% (40 pts.)
Group Presentation 2.5% (10 pts.)
PAPERS (37.5%)
Response to Live Plays 2.5% (10 pts)
Essay 1 10% (40 pts)
Essay 2 15% (60 pts.)
Group Project 10% (40 pts.)
Exams (30%)
Midterm 10% (40 pts.)
Final 20% (80 pts.)
Final Grades:
360 - 400 A
320 - 359 B
280 - 319 C
240 - 279 D
0 - 239 F
MY EXPECTATIONS:
Taking classes is your job here at the university. Thus, you should treat the work and requirements accordingly. In the workplace things such as absences, tardiness, and not doing your work properly have negative consequences. This is the case in my class as well. Many students’ low grades are a result of not following directions or policies as well as not expending enough effort. It is your responsibility to be aware of the policies on this syllabus. If you miss class it is your responsibility to check with your classmates to find out what you have missed. And though you are always welcome to follow up with me if you are absent, do not ask me if you “missed anything important.”
Your grade is dependent on a number of factors that, together and holistically, inform the evaluation and assessment of your performance. In summary, these criteria include attendance, participation, reading responses/journal entries, reading quizzes, discussion questions, a presentation, and the successful completion of any other reading and written assignments.
Note: The reading load is quite heavy and the pace fast. Also, because writing is a means of discovery and a pathway to understanding, it is an important activity in this class in conjunction with the reading. Indeed, you should think of your writing as a mode of reading that will help you begin to understand the literature at hand. When essays, journals, and in-class assignments are considered together you will be doing some kind of writing assignment every week. Be prepared to spend much time carefully reading, considering, discussing, and writing about the texts in the course. If you cannot devote the time necessary to keep up with the assignments, and to do so in a critical manner, you will not do well in this class and may want to consider if this is the right class for you.
PLAGIARISM: All course assignments ask you to write using what you have learned in the course and using your own thinking and writing skills. If you use any ideas, paraphrases, or exact wording from a source other than yourself (including the textbook), you must document the source using MLA parenthetical documentation style (see handbook or ask instructor). Any source used but not documented will be considered plagiarism, for which you will receive a failing grade for the course. You might also be placed on probation or expelled from the university. If you have any questions about plagiarism, ask before you act. Ask me; see pp. 614-617 in our textbook, The Bedford Guide for College Writers, and/or “Academic Policies” in the Student Handbook.
FEW VERY IMPORTANT WORDS ABOUT PLAGARISM
A. Plagiarism, a SERIOUS, academic violation, which can lead to an F for the course, is the use of WORDS, IDEAS, or STRUCTURES of others (published sources, friends, relatives) without acknowledgment. There is no excuse for willful plagiarism.
B. Except where appropriate (quoting or paraphrasing from primary or secondary sources), your work is presumed to be totally your own writing (i.e. original).
C. When you QUOTE OR PARAPHRASE FROM ANY sources, you MUST cite them with appropriate specific documentation (usually author and page number in parentheses + Works Cited list at end). This includes subject matter of the essay. If you quote or paraphrase precisely from a work of literature, you must cite the author of that work.
D. If you do not understand the format for documenting sources, see me for help before turning in an essay. Refer to your handbook for further clarification.
For other questions about plagiarism see http://www.winthrop.edu/english/writingprogram/plagiar.htm
TURNITIN.COM: All major essays written for this course must be submitted electronically to turnitin.com no later than class time on the date that an assignment is due. Essays that are not uploaded to turnitin.com will not be accepted.
SMARTTHINKING TUTOR: Students are required to submit each draft of an essay assignment to the Smartthinking tutor a total of two times per essay for feedback and are expected to use that information to revise each essay assignment. If a student fails to do so, they will lose one letter grade per each assignment not submitted to the tutor. See the SmartThinking link in Ulearn for submission details.
SUBMITTING COURSE ASSIGNMENTS: You are required to electronically submit all assignments to Ulearn or a blog for this course. Assignments not submitted in the manner will not be accepted. Any items sent by email will be deleted.
ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to attend all classes and earn credit for complete classes and in-class assignments. You are allowed two absences (excused or unexcused) without penalty. Five absences (excused or unexcused) will result in automatic failure. If you do not attend a student conference, you will be considered absent. After two absences your final grade for the semester will be reduced as shown.
You are responsible for tracking your absences.
Absences Points deducted from final grade
Points deducted from final grade3 404 1005 200TARDIES: If a student is more than 10 minutes late for class or leaves more than 10 minutes before class is over, they are counted absent for the day.
JWU WITHDRAWAL POLICY
It is the student’s responsibility to initiate procedures leading to a formal withdrawal (“WP” or "WF) in order to avoid a failing (“F”) grade. To receive a WP OR WF grade, a student must withdraw prior to January 20, 2017. In order to qualify for a WP, the student must have an estimated grade of 60 or higher at the time of withdrawal. If the estimated grade is less than 60, the student will be issued a WF, which is entered into the term and cumulative GPA as a failing grade until successful completion of the course at a later date.
PROFESSIONAL DRESS: You must follow the academic dress policy as it is explained in the Student Handbook (pp. 56-58), including wearing your nametag. Headphones, tennis shoes/sneakers & hats/head coverings are not allowed in the academic building except scarves for religious purposes.
ETIQUETTE: Students are expected to respect their classmates’ time and learning environment. Therefore, show up for class prepared and on time. Turn off all cell phones before entering the classroom. Each time a cell phone disrupts class or a student is caught texting in class, the entire class will take a pop quiz. If a student leaves the classroom to answer a call, they will be counted absent for the day. Students caught texting during class time will be counted absent for the day. Other disruptive classroom behavior, defined as anything that would interfere with “an instructor’s ability to conduct the class” or “The ability of other students to profit from the instructional program,” is strictly prohibited.
NO FOOD OR DRINK IN THE CLASSROOM
NOTE: Persons other than registered students are not allowed to attend academic sessions, laboratory classes, computer labs, and other University academically supported areas.
LATE PAPER/ASSIGNMENT POLICY: Turn in all your assignments on their scheduled due dates. You must submit the final drafts of all essays and their associated process work (critique, reflection, etc.) in Blackboard. NO PROCESS, NO GRADE. Keep a duplicate copy of all assignments you turn in and save all of your files in several locations (flash drive, hard drive, email, etc.). I DO NOT ACCEPT LATE PAPERS.
REVISION: You may rewrite one failing essay (original grade of D or F); the rewritten essay may receive no higher than a “C.”
STUDENT E-MAIL: Students are required to obtain and use a JWU e-mail account for University communication and to access my public folders. You must obtain your password to do so. Student accounts are created automatically for those who are active and in good standing. Student email addresses are available through uconnect at https://email.jwu.edu. A student email address is [email protected]. Students should go to http://email.jwu.edu to logon and access their email. Immediately contact the helpdesk at 1-866-598-4357 if you need assistance. Take care of this the first day of class. Students are expected to maintain an email account throughout the semester and check it daily for important information regarding upcoming assignments, course announcements, etc.
IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS: Students will often complete in-class assignments and short writing projects. In-class projects and quizzes are team-based and scheduled for a specific class period and cannot be made up after that class date.
WORKSHOPS: All essays will be critiqued by peer groups in class. Essays without workshop response will drop one full letter grade.
PARTICIPATION: Come to class prepared to discuss the assigned readings. Contribute productively to discussion. Quizzes and in-class writings are usually based on the readings.
CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUPPORT
WRITING CENTER: WRITING CENTER: Located in the academic building, 4th floor, the writing center is open to all Johnson & Wales University students who need help with writing, whether they are taking an English course or not. Students are encouraged to seek assistance with essays, research projects, and related assignments. Students are asked to make an appointment with a Writing Center staff member in order to receive prompt assistance. The center provides 30 minute appointments and is staffed from 8:30-2:30 M-R. Consultants work with students on any part of the writing process -- planning, drafting, focusing, organizing, revising, or editing, and with papers from all disciplines. Please do not hesitate to use the tutor’s assistance. Remember to bring a copy of your assignment and your drafts to any Writing Center conference.
Going to the Writing Center does not guarantee you a good grade because tutors will not proofread your papers. The Writing Center’s goal is to improve your overall writing skills (organization, thesis & supporting paragraphs, audience/assignment issues, as well as teaching punctuation and grammar rules after reviewing big picture issues), which sometimes takes several sessions, depending on your existing writing skills. For more information, you may contact them at [email protected]
You may also visit the Center for Academic Support website at:
ACCOMMODATIONS: Johnson & Wales University is dedicated to providing access to education. While maintaining the highest academic integrity, the University strives to balance scholarship with support services which will assist special needs students in functioning in the University's academic environment. Reasonable accommodations are available with proper documentation, and can be discussed with the director of The Center For Academic Support (4th floor of the Academic Building).
Because some programs of study have technical standards and requirements, applicants and students with special needs or physical disabilities should contact the director of the Center for Academic Support to discuss the availability of reasonable accommodations where appropriate. Copies of the technical standards applicable to various programs are available from this office. Once you have arranged accommodations with this office, please tell me so that I am aware of your accommodations well before the first paper/assignment.
