Pursuits of English (Fall 2012)

• Jean Genet, The Maids and Deathwatch, trans. B. Frechtman, Grove/Atlantic: 978-0802150561 (also avail. as a pdf on Bb, but missing a pg.)
  
• Mary Shelley, Frankenstein (1817), Norton 2nd edition: 978-0393927931

#2: Participation (15%): Incl. regular attendance, contribution to class discussion, fulfilling reading assignments, peer review, in-class and online writing assignments that occur in a timely manner.

Dr. Nielsen's Attendance policy: Students must attend a majority of class sessions in order to pass the class; long-term and repeated absences are unacceptable. Your first 3 absences are automatically excused and need no explanation please. Beyond that, you will need a note from your physician or the Dean of Students in order to excuse an absence for medical reasons or family death. Attendance is a part of your Participation Grade, which is also determined by your active and enthusiastic participation in class discussions; timely completion of reading assignments; original and thought-provoking discussion questions; and informal writing assignments. Please make a friend in class to cover material missed while absent.

#3: Four 3-page papers (50%)--TBA

#4: Final 8-page Paper (35%)--TBA

• Turn off and put away cell phones, blackberries, and related electronics. Absolutely NO TEXTING or talking on handheld devices ANYTIME in class, including breaks and before class. Laptops should be used to write lecture notes only (not IM'ing, Facebooking, etc.). If these policies cannot be followed, please turn off the device or leave.
• Papers should be no longer or shorter than the length assigned and should be submitted on time as stapled hard copies (no cover pages, loose pages, or folders please).  2 points are deducted from formal writing projects for every class day they are late. With the exception of journals and discussion questions, double space and use twelve-point type, in Times New Roman or CG Times (or 10 pt. in Veranda, etc.).
• To teach students to avoid plagiarism, lectures will also include instruction in MLA documentation of all work. This course engages in questions of authorship, including web authorship (http://msuweb.montclair.edu/~nielsenw/web.html). Submitting work and words that are not your own will result in failing this course and disciplinary action by the Dean of Students. You can see my entire FAQ on plagiarism here: http://msuweb.montclair.edu/~nielsenw/correction.html
• Accommodations are always arranged for students with documented disabilities. Please call, email, or see the instructor personally, as well as Services for Students with Disabilities (Linda A. Smith in Morehead Hall 305, X5431).
• Please note that I do not discuss grades via email. In office hours, however, I can offer time and attention to your concerns.