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Fall 2025 Course Syllabus
Course: ENGL-2326 (Section: 2D, CRN: 93202) American Literature |
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| Instructor Information | |||||||||
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| Instructor | Caitlin James | ||||||||
| jamescr1@lamarpa.edu | |||||||||
| Phone | (409) 984-6415 | ||||||||
| Office | Student Center - Room: 416 | ||||||||
| Office Hours | M- 9:00am-10:00am, 11:00am-2:00pm T- 8:30am-9:30am W- 9:00am-10:00am, 11:00am-2:00pm TH- 8:30am-9:30am F- 9:00am-10:00am, 11:00am-12:00pm Available by appointment as well. |
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| Additional Contact Information | |||||||||
| Course Information | |||||||||
| Description | A survey of American literature from the period of exploration and settlement to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from among a diverse group of authors for what they reflect and reveal about the evolving American experience and character. | ||||||||
| Required Textbooks |
Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.
No textbook required. By using Open Education Resources (OER), all reading and class materials will be provided by the instructor via Blackboard, handouts, links, pdfs, PowerPoints, videos, etc. |
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| Additional Materials/Resources | Folder/Binder with pockets, highlighters, pens, paper, etc. All students must have access to the Internet, One Drive/Google Cloud, and a computer or Chromebook. | ||||||||
| Corequisites/Prerequisites | Passed English 1301 and 1302. Basic skills competency in reading, writing, and college-level grammar. | ||||||||
| Learning Outcomes |
Upon successful completion of this course, students will: 1. Identify key ideas, representative authors and works, significant historical or cultural events, and characteristic perspectives or attitudes expressed in the literature of different periods or regions. 2. Analyze literary works as expressions of individual or communal values within social/ethical, political, cultural, or religious contexts of different literary periods. 3. Demonstrate knowledge of the development of characteristic forms or styles of expression during different historical periods or in different regions. 4. Articulate the aesthetic principles that guide the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities. 5. Write research-based critical papers about the assigned readings in clear and grammatically correct prose, using various critical approaches to literature. |
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| Core Objectives |
* Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication. * Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions. * Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities. * Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making. |
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| Lecture Topics Outline |
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| Major Assignments Schedule |
Week 1: Introduction to course and materials, diagnostic writing prompt. Week 2: Creation Myths, Native American Writing & Oral Traditions Week 3: Puritanism Week 4: Rationalism, Test #1 Week 5: Romanticism Week 6: Transcendentalism Week 7: Realism Week 8: MIDTERM EXAM (Test #2) Week 9: American Gothicism Week 10: Southern Gothic Lit. Week 11: Modern Manifestos Week 12: Research Paper Workshop Week 13: Research Paper Due Week 14: Harlem Renaissance Week 15: Final Exam Preparations Week 16: FINAL EXAM (Test #3) *The Instructor Reserves the right to make changes to the schedule and any assignments as they see fit. |
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| Final Exam Date | December 9, 2025 - 12:00 PM Through December 9, 2025 - 1:30 PM | ||||||||
| Grading Scale | 90 - 100=A 80 - 89=B 70 - 79=C 60 - 69=D Below 59 = F | ||||||||
| Determination of Final Grade |
Quizzes- 15% Homework- 5% Final Exam- 15% Tests-35% Response Papers- 10% Research Paper- 15% Groupwork- 5% _________________ 100% *The Instructor reserves the right to make changes to the grading scale if events occure that require removing or altering assignments. The instructor will immediately update the class if and when any changes are made. |
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| Course Policies | |||||||||
| Instructor Policies |
1. The Instructor reserves 2 weeks to grade all submitted essays. 2. The Instructor reserves the right to not allow you to enter the classroom late, as this disrupts everyone who has shown up on time. 3. Students are expected to have mature decorum and participate during lectures and activities, you will not be given credit for simply warming a seat. 4. Student incivility, rudeness, or attacks of a personal nature or statements will not be tolerated, whether directed at the instructor or another student. Any student engaging in disruptive or disrespectful activities on campus or online classes will be required to cease such behavior or leave the classroom. If the behavior continues after the first warning, the student will no longer continue as a student of the course. As a consequence, the student will be removed from the course. The instructor will notify the vice president of academic affairs and the academic studies department chair. 5. Switching from a face-to-face section to an online section is prohibited after the census date. 6. In order to discuss your grade, you must first email me at jamescr1@lamarpa.edu and then a time can be set to have a phone or office meeting. |
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| Attendance Policy |
Regular attendance in the course is mandatory. You are expected to attend every class meeting. If you accumulate more than two absences, your grade will be dropped one full letter for each additional absence. If you accumulate more than five absences, you will fail the course. If you arrive late to class, you will be marked absent. Missing more than what is allowed during the semester will result in a failure to meet class objectives. Excessive tardiness will, likewise, have an effect on the grade. Please DO NOT disrupt the class by arriving late; it is not only distracting but is rude. I will be here, so I expect you to be. |
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| Additional Information |
The following discusses: Plagiarism and Rules of A.I. *ALL WRITING SUBMITTED MUST BE WRITTEN BY THE STUDENT (him or herself) ENROLLED IN THE CLASS WITH NO OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE. *Plagiarism: A grade of 0 for first time (whatever the assignment is). An F for the entire course if it happens again. Ignorance is NOT a defense. Students MUST know exactly what plagiarism is and the consequences if it is committed. Plagiarism is a serious offense at the college level and will be dealt with as such. Students will read, sign, and submit plagiarism contract that clearly defines plagiarism. In addition, if artificial intelligence is suspected on an assignment that does not allow AI, the Instructor will have the student rewrite the assignment by hand in their presence. Artificial Intelligence Policies 1. Consult Course Instructor: If students have questions or concerns about the use of AI-generated content in their assignments, consult the course instructor for guidance and clarification. NOT all instructors allow/accept AI use in class. The instructor can provide specific instructions and guidelines regarding the acceptable use of AI as a source within the context of the course. 2. Use of AI as a Source: Students are allowed to use AI-generated responses as a source for their assignments or discussions. However, it is important to acknowledge the AI source when citing it in your work. This includes providing the necessary information such as the name of the AI (ChatGPT) and stating that the information was obtained from an AI language model. In addition to citing the AI source, it is essential to include the parameters or instructions provided to the AI device to provide context for the generated response. 3. Academic Integrity: While AI technology can provide valuable insights and assistance, it is essential to maintain academic integrity when using AI-generated content. Plagiarism, including directly copying AI-generated responses without proper citation, is strictly prohibited. Students should use AI-generated content as a supplement to their own analysis, critical thinking, and research. 4. Critical Evaluation: When using AI-generated responses, students should critically evaluate the information provided and consider it as one potential perspective among others. AI models like ChatGPT are trained on a vast amount of data, but they may not always produce accurate or up-to-date information. Students are encouraged to cross-reference information obtained from AI sources with reliable and credible academic resources. 5. Authentic Student Work: Assignments, papers, and assessments should primarily reflect the original thoughts, analysis, and research of the individual student. While AI can provide guidance and ideas, students should ensure that the final work demonstrates their own understanding and effort. Overreliance on AI-generated content may compromise the authenticity and educational value of the assignment. 6. Responsible Use of AI: Students should use AI technology responsibly and ethically. This includes refraining from using AI to engage in harmful or unethical activities, such as generating false information, spreading misinformation, or engaging in malicious behaviors. The use of AI should align with the principles of academic integrity, honesty, and respect for others. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- APA style citation In-text citation example: (OpenAI, 2023) Reference citation example: OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat Source: https://apastyle.apa.org/blog/how-to-cite-chatgpt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MLA style citation (used in THIS class, NOT in all classes) In-text citation example: (“Describe the symbolism”) Reference citation example: “Describe the symbolism of the green light in the book The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald” prompt. ChatGPT, 13 Feb. version, OpenAI, 8 Mar. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat. Source: https://style.mla.org/citing-generative-ai/ These examples are a general framework for citing an AI source like ChatGPT in APA and MLA format. PLEASE follow the specific guidelines provided by your instructor for accurate and consistent citation practices. Not all instructors will allow/accept work produced by artificial intelligence. Remember, the primary goal of using AI in the English class is to enhance learning, creativity, and critical thinking. Ethical use of AI tools will not only protect students from academic misconduct but also contribute to their academic growth and development as responsible scholars. |
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| Institutional Policies | |||||||||
| MyLSCPA | Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA. | ||||||||
| Academic Honesty | Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty. | ||||||||
| ADA Considerations | The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241. | ||||||||
| COVID 19 Information | The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website. | ||||||||
| Facility Policies | No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited. | ||||||||
| HB 2504 | This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504. | ||||||||
| Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect | As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual. | ||||||||
| Title IX and Sexual Misconduct | LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website. | ||||||||
| Clery Act Crime Reporting |
For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website. |
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| Grievance / Complaint / Concern | If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair. | ||||||||
| Department Information |
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