English 121-12
Spring 2007
MWF 11 – 11:50
AJM 224
Instructor: Wayne Berg
Office: 2-169 Wilson Hall (994-7322)
Office Hours: ___________
Email: waynecarlberg@gmail.com
Blog: http://121-12.blogspot.com/
English 121: College Writing
I bid you greetings to this section of English 121. The purpose of this class is to introduce you to the quality of work—in writing and reading—that is expected at the university level. All the assignments for this course are intricately linked with each other, and will, if sincerely pursued, lead us to a brave new world of understanding about the world in which we study and live. And just maybe, if only a little, we will learn something about ourselves.
From the first day of this course to the last, our challenges and goals will include the following:
Learn to read, analyze, and interact with texts that many outside of this classroom will view as “difficult;” Difficulty, of course, is an illusion, and by and by we will come to understand this concept.
Learn to see the connections between various essays; but more important, learn to see the connections between our lives and the profound ideas we will be encountering.
Like any complex system, the success of this class depends on unity and working together. Here we will read, analyze, and offer constructive criticism on each other’s papers. This may be awkward at times, but in the larger picture the sharing of ideas always benefits the group as a whole.
Assignments
The assignments in this class, you will find, have unlimited potential; however, the main course work consists of three principal essays and an online journal (AKA Blog) that you will create over the course of the semester.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance our blogs will play in the fulfillment of the course. It is in this online “scratch book” where each of you will record various thoughts, ideas, emotions, conflicts, etc., pertaining to what we are doing and talking about in class. Technology has always affected the way communication works, and our time is no different. You can expect some sort of technology will have a role to play in every assignment: i.e., pictures, digital movies and music, and interaction among members of our group.
Attendance
As mentioned above, student participation is fundamental at every juncture of this course. This is a university and no one can force you to attend class, but keep in mind that your success on individual projects and ultimately your final grade will depend on you showing up each day and actively participating. You may miss 4 days during the semester; after the 4th absence each day you miss will lower your final grade one caliber. More than 7 absences will result in an F. Of course there is some flexibility concerning exceptional circumstances on a case by case basis.
Grading
Blog, Binder, Participation 25%
Essay 1 with drafts 25%
Essay 2 with drafts 25%
Essay 3 with drafts 25%
Late papers will drop one letter grade for each day they are not turned in.
Extra credit is available upon meeting with me and exploring suitable options.
Office Hours
Please stop by or make an appointment to meet with me. The most underutilized resource at the university is meeting privately with your teachers. I, for one, enjoy visits be they to discuss issues or problems, or just to shoot the breeze.
Classroom Etiquette
As you have probably noticed we are in a very small classroom, so we must take extreme care that we do not disturb the class session with things that do not belong. Coffee etc., is fine, but all electronics should be turned off or muted. I have a long standing policy that if a cell phone rings or an MP3 player explodes, the offending party MUST bring an edible treat to the next class—traditional brownie recipes only, please! (I also enjoy rice crispy bars ☺)
Personal Issues
According to University Policy, if you have a certified learning impairment see me privately and something can always be worked out.
Required Texts
Binder – A three ring binder or notebook where you will keep texts I post on my blog or hand out in class.
Miller, Richard E. and Kurt Spellmeyer, The New Humanities Reader (available in the MSU bookstore).
