Spring 2021 Course Syllabus Course: ENGL-2326- Section: 71E American Literature

Instructor Information
Instructor	Caitlin James
E-mail	jamescr1@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6415
Office	Location: Student Center - Room: 416 Hours: MW 9:00-11:00, and 1:30-2:30, F- 9:00-1:00pm. Also by appointment (masks required).
COVID 19 Information	The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been exposed to COVID 19 or diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition on the COVID 19 Notification Form (available via a link on the Student Code of Conduct COVID19 webpage). This information will be provided to the Dean of Student Services. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
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.
Prerequisites	English 1301 and 1302. (Basic skills competency in reading and writing required).
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 (PSLO 5& Alpha) Measured by response paper rubric & Pre-test/Post-test 2. Analyze literary works as expressions of individual or communal values within social/ethical, political, cultural, or religious contexts of different literary periods. (PSLO 1,2&6) Measured by class discussion and essay rubric 3. Demonstrate knowledge of the development of characteristic forms or styles of expression during different historical periods or in different regions (PSLO 1,2&6) Measured by essay rubric 4. Articulate the aesthetic principles that guide the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities. (PSLO 1,2,5&6)Measured by essay rubric 5. Write research-based critical papers about the assigned readings in clear and grammatically correct prose, using various critical approaches to literature. (PSLO 1&2) Measured by essay rubric.
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. * Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view. * 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.
Program Student Learning Outcomes	PSLO ALPHA: Reading skills - Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading material. Identifies all main ideas, supporting details, and vocabulary in reading material; demonstrates a full understanding of the reading. PSLO 1: Critical Thinking Skills – Uses creative thinking, innovation, inquiry and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information. Creatively identifies problem, argument, or issue (to determine extent of information needed); differentiates the facts from opinions as relates to situation; constructs possible solutions or prediction or consequences; uses logical, sound reasoning to justify conclusion. PSLO 2: Communication Skills – Demonstrates effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and/or visual communication. Expresses a strong thesis; organizes information with effective transitions & sequencing of ideas; uses substantial, logical & specific development of ideas; details are relevant, original, credible and correctly documented when appropriate to show an effective development and interpretation of ideas; and presents ideas in appropriate mode of expression for the task. PSLO 5: Social Responsibility Skills - Expresses intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities. Identifies cultural characteristics (including beliefs, values, perspectives and/or practices); demonstrates knowledge of civic responsibility; provides evidence of experience in civic- engagement activities; and describes what she/ he has learned as it relates to a reinforced and clarified sense of civic identity in local, regional, national, or global communities; and shows awareness of one’s own culture in relation to others. PSLO 6: Personal Responsibility Skills – Integrates choices, actions and consequences in ethical decision-making. Recognizes ethical issues when presented in a complex, multilayered (gray) context; recognizes cross- relationships among the issues; discusses in detail/ analyzes core beliefs; the discussion has greater depth and clarity showing the independent application of ethical perspectives/ concepts to an ethical question accurately; and is able to consider full implications of the application.
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. Norton Anthology of American Literature: Beginnings to 1820 9th ed 978-0393264524 Norton Anthology of American Literature: 1820-1865 978-0393264470 -Provided by your high school-
Lecture Topics Outline	We will move through the many eras of American Literature, starting with Beginnings (Native Americans) and ending with some Contemporary works. You will be provided with a guided timeline to follow, a content folder for each era, and I will be posting videos of my lectures on the many authors and works that we will cover. Students should be prepared to participate in weekly Discussion Boards and other assignments (such as quizzes or writing exercises), and the three major assignments for the semester will be the Midterm Exam, Group Project (***subject to change due to remote instruction), and Final Exam. Students should be prepared for a bunch of reading and a bunch of writing (because, of course, this is an English class), but more importantly, students should be prepared for a bunch of fun as we navigate the many wonders of American Literature from the beginnings to the present!
Major Assignments Schedule	Week 1: Introduction to course and materials Week 2: Era of English Exploration and Colonization Week 3: Tribute to early poetry Week 4: Puritanism Week 5: Age of Reason and Revolution Week 6: Abolition and Reform Week 7: Abolition and Reform cont. Week 8: MID TERM EXAM Week 9: Romanticism, Transcendentalism, and Realism Week 10: All Hallows and American Gothicism Week 11: Modern Manifestos/ Harlem Renaissance Week 12: Modern Manifestos Week 13: TBA Week 14: TBA Week 15: Final Exam Preparations Week 16: FINAL EXAM
Final Exam Date	May 6, 2021 - 8:0 AM   Through  May 11, 2021 - 5:0 PM
Grading Scale	90 - 100=A    80 - 89=B    70 - 79=C     60 - 69=D    Below 59 = F
Determination of Final Grade	Quizzes- 20% Response Essays- 18% 3 Tests (m/c, short answer, essay)- 27% Research Paper (7 pages)- 25% Final Exam- 10% ______________________ 100%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	Plagiarism can be defined as submitting another person’s ideas, words, images, or data without giving that person credit or proper acknowledgment. Plagiarism, a form of academic dishonesty, is tantamount to stealing and will not be tolerated. In order to clarify what constitutes plagiarism, you should be aware that you have committed plagiarism when you: · Use phrases, quotes or ideas not your own; · Paraphrase the work of another even though you may have changed the wording or syntax; · Use facts or data not considered common knowledge; · Submit a paper written for another class (academic dishonesty); · Submit a paper from an essay service or agency even though you may have paid for it (these papers are usually of low quality, so you probably did not get your money’s worth); · Submit a paper by another person even though he or she may have given you permission to use it. Plagiarism not only encompasses written work, but also computer data, research, musical scores, video programs and visual arts. LSCPA plagiarism course of action (from Student Handbook pages 30-31): https://www.lamarpa.edu/Lamar/media/Lamar/Files/StudentHandBook.pdf Plagiarism is a serious issue, especially in the academic environment, and now that you are in college you are responsible for yourself and knowing what plagiarism is. Ignorance is NOT a defense. Instructors MUST be able to rely on the integrity of a student’s work in order to maintain a climate for successful learning. Plagiarism reflects on character; therefore, you should diligently avoid inadvertent plagiarism. When you are unsure if acknowledgement is needed, ask the teacher. The penalties for blatant plagiarism include loss of credit for the assignment (it will be a 0, zero) and NO opportunity to rewrite it. This may significantly lower your final grade. If plagiarism occurs again, the Instructor reserves the right to fail the student for the course. Furthermore, plagiarism, a form of cheating, can result in serious repercussions at the college level.
Attendance Policy	Class "attendance" is mandatory. Attendance is taken by the instructor and determined by how often the student logs into their online course. For example, a good rule of thumb is to log in at least 3 times a week. Treat the online class as a class you attend face-to-face. Assign yourself a specific time of day to be logged in and "present." If the instructor assigns a Zoom or Collaborate meeting for the class, it will be scheduled at least a week in advance and attendance will be taken during the virtual meeting.
Academic Honesty	Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
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.
Important Information
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 the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
MyLSCPA	Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you've logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the "My Courses" tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLSCPA.
Other	In order to discuss your grade, you must first email me and then a time can be set to have a phone meeting.
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Department	General Education and Developmental Studies Chair: Dr. Michelle Davis E-mail: davisml1@lamarpa.edu Phone: (409) 984-6341 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.