Hello,
here is the link to the TED talk by Philip Zimbardo that we listened to in class today--in case you may want to re-visit it. All notes taken during the talk in class or outside of class can be utilized during the In Class Writing Response #1 on Wednesday.
http://www.ted.com/talks/philip_zimbardo_on_the_psychology_of_evil.html
Also, if you wish to read the article in its entirety, here is the link to the study I spoke about in class today.
http://www.theonion.com/articles/nonconformity-linked-to-peer-pressure,783/
Enjoy the rest of the day--be safe--and I will see you on Wednesday.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011--around 730 pm
Good evening! Below you will find copies of the two handouts from today's class:
1. Character Study Journal for "Breaking Bad"
2. Vocabulary List for Character Descriptions
Enjoy your weekend, be safe, and I will see you on Monday!
English 20
Spring 2011/Prof. Fraga
Sections 1-4-7-11
CHARACTER STUDY JOURNAL FOR “BREAKING BAD”
We will view all seven episodes of the first season of “Breaking Bad.”
Once you view the first few episodes, you must decide on one character you will pay “closer” attention to than the others. After each episode (and/or during your viewing of the episode) you will write your very specific observations about this character in a Character Study Journal. You may handwrite these entries or type them, your choice. Remember, though, you will be utilizing these entries when composing Essay 3, so be certain they are legible and readable for you.
Characters (select one only)
1. Walter White
2. Skyler White
3. Walter White Jr.
4. Jesse Pinkman
5. Hank Schrader
6. Marie Schrader
Some of the things you may want to record are:
• What does this character do (and not do) and why?
• What do others think about your character? And how do you know?
• What motivates your character to do what he/she does?
• What influences this character to do what he/she does?
• What was your first impression of this character and does it change as you view new episodes? Why or why not? In which ways?
• What are this character’s goals, dreams, desires, needs? How do you know?
• Do you like this character? Why or why not?
• Is this character a believable one, a genuine one? Why or why not?
This list of ideas is not meant to be complete. They are just to get you started. The crucial thing is that you are as specific and articulate as possible as you fill your journal with observations from each episode. This will eventually be submitted along with Essay 3.
Be sure to label each of the seven entries: Episode 1, Episode 2, etc.
****************************************************************************************************************************
English 20-----Suggested Vocabulary for Discussing Character
adaptable daring industrious sensitive
aggressive deceitful insensitive serious
aimless dependent intelligent shallow
alert determined intolerant shrewd
ambitious dishonest jealous sincere
antagonistic disloyal kind sly
boastful disobedient lazy spiritual
bragging energetic loyal sportsmanlike
brave enthusiastic mean stubborn
capable envious mercenary studious
careful extravagant modest sympathetic
careless faultfinding observant sullen
cheerful fearless original tactful
clever frank patient temperate
commanding generous persistent thorough
conceited greedy petty thoughtless
confident helpful practical thrifty
conscientious honest presumptuous tolerant
considerate hopeful proud truthful
cooperative imaginative punctual unfriendly
courageous impatient purposeful ungracious
courteous impulsive reckless unjust
cowardly independent reliable unselfish
credulous indifferent rude vain
cruel indomitable sensible wicked
1. Character Study Journal for "Breaking Bad"
2. Vocabulary List for Character Descriptions
Enjoy your weekend, be safe, and I will see you on Monday!
English 20
Spring 2011/Prof. Fraga
Sections 1-4-7-11
CHARACTER STUDY JOURNAL FOR “BREAKING BAD”
We will view all seven episodes of the first season of “Breaking Bad.”
Once you view the first few episodes, you must decide on one character you will pay “closer” attention to than the others. After each episode (and/or during your viewing of the episode) you will write your very specific observations about this character in a Character Study Journal. You may handwrite these entries or type them, your choice. Remember, though, you will be utilizing these entries when composing Essay 3, so be certain they are legible and readable for you.
Characters (select one only)
1. Walter White
2. Skyler White
3. Walter White Jr.
4. Jesse Pinkman
5. Hank Schrader
6. Marie Schrader
Some of the things you may want to record are:
• What does this character do (and not do) and why?
• What do others think about your character? And how do you know?
• What motivates your character to do what he/she does?
• What influences this character to do what he/she does?
• What was your first impression of this character and does it change as you view new episodes? Why or why not? In which ways?
• What are this character’s goals, dreams, desires, needs? How do you know?
• Do you like this character? Why or why not?
• Is this character a believable one, a genuine one? Why or why not?
This list of ideas is not meant to be complete. They are just to get you started. The crucial thing is that you are as specific and articulate as possible as you fill your journal with observations from each episode. This will eventually be submitted along with Essay 3.
Be sure to label each of the seven entries: Episode 1, Episode 2, etc.
****************************************************************************************************************************
English 20-----Suggested Vocabulary for Discussing Character
adaptable daring industrious sensitive
aggressive deceitful insensitive serious
aimless dependent intelligent shallow
alert determined intolerant shrewd
ambitious dishonest jealous sincere
antagonistic disloyal kind sly
boastful disobedient lazy spiritual
bragging energetic loyal sportsmanlike
brave enthusiastic mean stubborn
capable envious mercenary studious
careful extravagant modest sympathetic
careless faultfinding observant sullen
cheerful fearless original tactful
clever frank patient temperate
commanding generous persistent thorough
conceited greedy petty thoughtless
confident helpful practical thrifty
conscientious honest presumptuous tolerant
considerate hopeful proud truthful
cooperative imaginative punctual unfriendly
courageous impatient purposeful ungracious
courteous impulsive reckless unjust
cowardly independent reliable unselfish
credulous indifferent rude vain
cruel indomitable sensible wicked
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Thursday, January 27, around 430 pm
Good afternoon!
I JUST now received an email informing me that the CSUS Student Writing Handbook is now online!!!
If you have already purchased it, I apologize. I am sure you can return it if you wish.
I just wanted to let all of you know that it is available at the link below. Once you get to the site,
click on "Resources for Students" on the left side of the screen.
The Handbook is the first link.
Of course, it is your decision.
You might just want to have a hard copy as well.
http://www.csus.edu/writingcenter/
See you tomorrow!
I JUST now received an email informing me that the CSUS Student Writing Handbook is now online!!!
If you have already purchased it, I apologize. I am sure you can return it if you wish.
I just wanted to let all of you know that it is available at the link below. Once you get to the site,
click on "Resources for Students" on the left side of the screen.
The Handbook is the first link.
Of course, it is your decision.
You might just want to have a hard copy as well.
http://www.csus.edu/writingcenter/
See you tomorrow!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wednesday, January 26th around 9pm
Good evening,
below I have posted the two handouts from today:
1. Unacceptable Errors
2. Oral Presentation
See you Friday!
UNACCEPTABLE ERRORS
In English 20, students should already be very proficient in word usage. We do not have time for grammar lessons. (I will, however, provide short ‘mini’ lessons when I feel they are warranted.) The following errors that are commonly made on student papers are considered unacceptable.
For out of class essays, each unacceptable error takes ten points off your final earned grade. You may correct unacceptable errors and receive the points back if you choose to revise. Remember, you may ONLY revise ONE of the three out of class essays.
1. there – place Put it over there.
2. their – possessive pronoun That is their car.
3. they’re – contraction of they are They’re going with us.
4. your – possessive pronoun Your dinner is ready.
5. you’re – contraction of you are You’re not ready.
6. it’s – contraction of it is It’s a sunny day.
7. its – possessive pronoun The dog wagged its tail.
8. a lot – always two words I liked it a lot.
9. to – a preposition or part of an
infinitive I like to proofread my essays carefully.
10. too – an intensifier, or also That is too much. I will go too.
11. two – a number Give me two folders.
12. In today’s society Instead use “Today” or “In America” or “Now” etc
13. right(s)/write(s)/rite(s) rights are a set of beliefs or values in which a person feels entitled: His rights were read to him before he was arrested for stalking Dave Matthews. Writes is a verb indicating action taken with a pen, pencil or computers to convey a message: Michelle writes love letters to Dave Matthews in her sleep. Rites are a series of steps or events which lead an individual from one phase in life to the next, or a series of traditions that should be followed: The initiate began his rite of passage ceremony at the age of thirteen.
14. definitely/defiantly This error USUALLY occurs when a writer relies solely on spell-check. You really must learn to become the final editor of your work. Definitely is an adverb and it means without a doubt. Mary will definitely miss the Dave Matthews Band concert. Defiantly means to show defiance. She was in a defiant mood. It is an adjective. Or it could be used as an adverb. She was defiantly rude and sullen towards the professor.
***********************************************************************
An accumulation of the following errors can affect your grade, but not one error, ten points down. The number depends on how serious the error is, and how often you make it. Some do not slow up the reader as much as others.
• Misuse of the word “you”. You must actually mean the reader when you use the word “you”.
• Avoid use of contractions in formal expository writing. (can’t, shouldn’t, didn’t, etc.)
• Agreement of subject and verb. Both must be either singular or plural.
• Fragmented sentences, comma splices and run-ons. Be sure to proofread your papers carefully before turning them in.
You will not pass English 20 if you cannot write an intelligent sentence in correct English.
*****************************************************************************************************************
Oral Presentation Information
for English 20, Sections 1, 4, 7 and 11
Spring 2010
Instructor: Catherine Fraga
When? During class on May 9 and 11
(Sign ups will take place later in the semester.)
Out of class essay #3 will be assigned later in the semester and the details will be given later as well. However, the topic is no secret: it will be based on the Character Journal you will keep for each episode we view of “Breaking Bad.”
As a way to bring the semester to a close, each of you will give a short presentation concerning the topic and the content of your essay #3 to the class. You will briefly summarize your character analysis and highlight the main assertions and supportive evidence found in your essay.
This is not a speech class so it is not required that you give your synopsis of essay #3 while standing in front of the classroom. You certainly can if you wish, but just sitting at your desk is perfectly acceptable as well.
You are welcomed to use any visual or auditory aid if you wish.
The presentation should not exceed approximately three minutes.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday, January 24th, around 5 pm
Greetings, below is a copy of the course outline and grade worksheet I distributed in class today.
See you Wednesday!
English 20, College Composition II
Sacramento State University, Spring 2011
Sections 1, MWF, 8-850 am, LIBRARY 128
Section 4, MWF, 9-950 am, LIBRARY 128
Section 7, MWF, 1-1050 am, LIBRARY 128
Section 11, MWF, 11-1150 am, DH 111
Instructor: Catherine Fraga
Office Phone: 278-5743 (please do NOT leave a voice mail message)
Email: sacto1954@gmail.com (BEST way to reach me)
Office Hours: in CLV 149 -- MWF, noon– 1:15 PM, or by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION (FROM CSUS CATALOG): ADVANCED WRITING THAT BUILDS UPON THE CRITICAL THINKING, READING, AND WRITING PROCESSES INTRODUCED IN ENGL 1A AND ENGL 2. EMPHASIZES RHETORICAL AWARENESS BY EXPLORING READING AND WRITING WITHIN DIVERSE ACADEMIC CONTEXTS WITH A FOCUS ON THE SITUATIONAL NATURE OF THE STANDARDS, VALUES, HABITS, CONVENTIONS, AND PRODUCTS OF COMPOSITION. STUDENTS WILL RESEARCH AND ANALYZE DIFFERENT DISCIPLINARY GENRES, PURPOSES, AND AUDIENCES WITH THE GOALS OF UNDERSTANDING HOW TO APPROPRIATELY SHAPE THEIR WRITING FOR DIFFERENT READERS AND DEMONSTRATING THIS UNDERSTANDING THROUGH VARIOUS WRITTEN PRODUCTS. NOTE: WRITING REQUIREMENT: A MINIMUM OF 5,000 WORDS. PREREQUISITE: COMPLETION OF ENGL 1A AND ENGL 2 OR EQUIVALENT WITH A C- OR BETTER; SOPHOMORE STANDING (MUST HAVE COMPLETED 30 UNITS PRIOR TO REGISTRATION). UNITS: 3.0.
Required Texts:
• Sacramento State Student Writing Handbook, 1st edition
(NOT available in the bookstore; please purchase it at FedEx, 5600 J Street)
Required Materials:
• stapler
• lined notebook paper, standard size 8 ½” x 11”, clean edge (not torn from notebook)
Classroom Policies:
1. Attendance is very important in this class. Classroom discussions prepare students for all writing assignments, and your fellow students and I need your input in order to make this class more complete and enjoyable. I do not take attendance, and absences don’t “technically” count towards the grade you earn. However, ultimately, if you miss class, you may miss a quiz, group work, in class writing, a journal, etc. which really does end up impacting your earned grade because this work CAN NOT BE MADE UP.
2. About being tardy for class: It seems that over the last few years, tardiness has REALLY escalated and become problematic in my classes. I am not sure why, but I do know that most of my colleagues deduct a percentage of the earned grade for tardiness. It is really annoying and disruptive, both to me and the rest of the class, when students enter the class late—we only meet for 50 minutes three times a week, and I begin class immediately. In the “real world”, there is even less tolerance for lateness. Plan ahead. I realize things can happen beyond your control, but looking for parking is not a good excuse. If I see that tardiness is becoming excessive, I may have to ask you to drop the class.
3. YOU MUST TYPE AND DOUBLE SPACE ALL OUT OF CLASS WORK. Work must be in 12 pt. font, Times New Roman, black ink, MLA format.
4. In all fairness to other students, I do not accept late work. If you are ill, please arrange for another student to turn it in for you. Period.
5. After the due date, a late essay loses 10 points for every day it’s late, including weekends. NOT submitting an out of class essay is NOT an option. The English dept. requires that you write an approximate number of words in this course. The out of class essays provide a large part of the word count requirement.
6. You’re responsible for finding out what you missed if you are absent. I will provide you with a class roster for your convenience.
7. My policy on EXTRA CREDIT is…I do not believe in extra credit. In short, “real” life outside the university does not operate on the extra credit option. You earn the grade you receive. It really is a fairness issue.
8. ABOUT REVISIONS: you have the option to revise ONE of your three out of class essays. If you choose to revise, you must submit the revision with the original within one week of receiving the graded essay back. No exceptions. An essay with unacceptable errors might be an essay you choose to revise.
A note on classroom etiquette:
If you feel you cannot survive each class session without the use of your cell phone, iPod, or laptop computer, please do not enroll in this class. (I own all three of these devices, and value each of them, but I do not plan on using them during my classroom time with you. Simply, it is the highest degree of rudeness and disrespect.) If I see you busy texting, etc. I will not hesitate to ask you to leave until you finish your crucial business. I plan to give you my full attention and I expect the same from all my students.
HOW YOUR GRADE IS EARNED:
Attached to this course outline is your Grade Worksheet. At no time in the semester should you be puzzled about your grade. Please keep ALL returned & graded work until the very end of the semester. NOTE: quizzes are NOT always scheduled. Come to class prepared with the assigned reading assignments completed on the day they are due to be read.
Refer to pages 3 and 4 in the Handbook to fully understand how your writing will be evaluated.
ABOUT THIS COURSE…
I have designed a very different and I hope interesting and provocative set of themes for discussion and critical thinking/writing for the semester. The core of the course from which these themes/ideas will spring is the first season of the television series, “Breaking Bad.” It was recently announced a week ago that it won the TCA (Television Critics Association) Award for Outstanding Drama on Television. It has also been honored with a few Emmys as well. The series is heading into its fourth season.
As a class we will view all seven episodes as well as read a wealth of material connected either directly or indirectly to some of its themes. This series poses so many intriguing questions about morals, family values/responsibilities, the line between good and evil, the war on drugs, greed, health care and so much more, including a comparison between current television vs. film viewing. In short, we will examine and expand on several issues connected with the overall term of “breaking bad”—straying from the path of morality, of legality, of conformity towards something deemed unacceptable by the majority of society. In fact, the origin of the term is American Southwest, a slang phrase meaning to challenge conventions, to defy authority, to skirt the edges of the law.
Here is an excerpt from a review of the series:
“It’s difficult to fathom a more dangerous and enthralling piece of television than “Breaking Bad,” the AMC drama that is quietly redefining the creative and content limits of primetime.”
--Ray Richmond, The Hollywood Reporter, March 4, 2009
This class has a blog and it is vital that you check it daily, even on weekends, for important information, including reading assignments and other information pertinent to the course. Please bookmark it on your computer for easy, quick access.
www.English20Spring11.blogspot.com
Class Schedule:
(Please note: This schedule is subject to change at a moment’s notice. Please bring this schedule, your textbook and appropriate handouts to every class session. ALSO…not every quiz, group discussion, lecture, activity is listed on this class schedule. Simply, that would be impossible. The pace of the class is not always predictable…if you attend class, follow the course outline and read the blog, you will stay current.)
Week One (1/24-1/28)
Introduction to the Course (course theme explained)
Course Outline Distributed (handout)
Oral Presentations (handout)
Unacceptable Errors (handout)
Assign: Character Study Journal (Friday)
Week Two (1/31-2/4)
Follow up from last week; discussion on non-conformity (Monday)
View video in class on non-conformity (Wednesday)
In class writing response #1 (Wednesday)
Watch first episode of Breaking Bad in class (Friday)
Week Three (2/7-2/11)
Watch second episode of Breaking Bad in class (Monday)
Assign: Out of class essay #1 (Wednesday)
Skim first 27 pages and read pages 28 thru 46 in Handbook (Friday)
Week Four (2/14-2/18)
Lecture (Monday)
Read Packet #1 (Wednesday)
In class writing response #2 (Wednesday)
Watch 3rd episode of Breaking Bad in class (Fri.)
Week Five (2/20-2/25)
Lecture (Monday)
Read Packet #2 (Wednesday)
Group Work #1 (Wednesday)
Watch 4th episode of Breaking Bad in class (Friday)
Week Six (2/28-3/4)
Lecture (Mon)
Out of class essay #1 due today (Wednesday)
In class journal #1 (Wednesday)
Week Seven (3/7-3/11)
Assign: Out of class essay #2 (Monday)
Read Packet #3 (Wed.)
In class writing response #3 (Wed.)
Watch 5th episode of Breaking Bad in class (Fri.)
Week Eight (3/14-3/18)
Watch 6th episode of Breaking Bad in class (Monday)
In class journal #2 (Wednesday)
Read Packet #4 (Friday)
Week Nine (3/21-3/25)
SPRING RECESS—NO CLASSES
Enjoy the week off and be safe.
Week Ten (3/28-4/1)
Watch 7th (and final) episode of Breaking Bad in class (Monday)
In class journal #3 (Wednesday)
Read Packet #5 (Friday)
Week Eleven (4/4-4/8)
Essay #2 out of class due today (Monday)
Read packet # 6 (Mon.)
Group Work #2 (Wednesday)
Assign Essay #3 out of class today (Friday)
Week Twelve (4/11-4/15)
Group Work #3 (Monday)
Read Packet #7 (Wed.)
In class writing response #4 (Wed.)
Lecture (Fri.)
Week Thirteen (4/18-4/22)
Read Packet #8 (Monday)
Lecture (Wednesday)
In class journal #4 (Friday)
Week Fourteen (4/25-4/29)
Television vs. Film Viewing—in class discussion (Monday)
Lecture (Wed.)
Out of class essay #3 due today (Friday)
Week Fifteen (5/2-5/6)
Lecture (Monday)
Group Work #4 (Wednesday)
Class Evaluations (Friday)
Week Sixteen (5/9-5/13)
Oral presentations of Essay 3 (Monday and Wednesday)
Grade Roster Check (Fri.)
Week Seventeen (5/16-5/20)
Finals Week
There is no final given for this class.
****************************************************************************************************************************
Name:______________________________English 20, Spring 2011, Section _______
POINTS EARNED Your Worksheet--------1600 points possible
OUT OF CLASS ESSAYS—600 pts.
Essay 1 (200 points)_____ Essay 2 (200 points)_____Essay 3(200 points) _____
IN-CLASS JOURNALS—200 pts.
Journal 1 (50 points)_____
Journal 2 (50 points)_____
Journal 3 (50) points)_____
Journal 4 (50) points)_____
ORAL PRESENTATION—150 pts.
Presentation (150 points)_____
IN CLASS WRITING RESPONSES–200 pts.
(worth 50 points each)
1_____ 2_____
3_____ 4_____
IN-CLASS GROUP WORK (200 pts.)
Each session is worth 50 pts.
Group Work 1 _____ Group Work 2 _____ Group Work 3 _____ Group Work 4_____
QUIZZES (these quizzes may not always be “announced” and they cannot be made up. 50 pts ea.) (250 pts. total) Please record each quiz and your score below.
Quiz 1_____ Quiz 2_____ Quiz 3_____ Quiz 4_____ Quiz 5_____
How to assess your grade earned: Divide the points you earn by 1600 to find the percentage.
Then see chart below.
100-94=A Example: 940 pts. earned=60.6%=C-
93-90=A- Example: 1100 pts. earned=70.9%=C+
89-84=B+ Example: 1359 pts. earned=87.6%=B+
83-80=B Example: 1458 pts. earned=94%=A
79-74=B-
73-70=C+
69-64=C
63-60=C-
59-54=D
53-0=F
See you Wednesday!
English 20, College Composition II
Sacramento State University, Spring 2011
Sections 1, MWF, 8-850 am, LIBRARY 128
Section 4, MWF, 9-950 am, LIBRARY 128
Section 7, MWF, 1-1050 am, LIBRARY 128
Section 11, MWF, 11-1150 am, DH 111
Instructor: Catherine Fraga
Office Phone: 278-5743 (please do NOT leave a voice mail message)
Email: sacto1954@gmail.com (BEST way to reach me)
Office Hours: in CLV 149 -- MWF, noon– 1:15 PM, or by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION (FROM CSUS CATALOG): ADVANCED WRITING THAT BUILDS UPON THE CRITICAL THINKING, READING, AND WRITING PROCESSES INTRODUCED IN ENGL 1A AND ENGL 2. EMPHASIZES RHETORICAL AWARENESS BY EXPLORING READING AND WRITING WITHIN DIVERSE ACADEMIC CONTEXTS WITH A FOCUS ON THE SITUATIONAL NATURE OF THE STANDARDS, VALUES, HABITS, CONVENTIONS, AND PRODUCTS OF COMPOSITION. STUDENTS WILL RESEARCH AND ANALYZE DIFFERENT DISCIPLINARY GENRES, PURPOSES, AND AUDIENCES WITH THE GOALS OF UNDERSTANDING HOW TO APPROPRIATELY SHAPE THEIR WRITING FOR DIFFERENT READERS AND DEMONSTRATING THIS UNDERSTANDING THROUGH VARIOUS WRITTEN PRODUCTS. NOTE: WRITING REQUIREMENT: A MINIMUM OF 5,000 WORDS. PREREQUISITE: COMPLETION OF ENGL 1A AND ENGL 2 OR EQUIVALENT WITH A C- OR BETTER; SOPHOMORE STANDING (MUST HAVE COMPLETED 30 UNITS PRIOR TO REGISTRATION). UNITS: 3.0.
Required Texts:
• Sacramento State Student Writing Handbook, 1st edition
(NOT available in the bookstore; please purchase it at FedEx, 5600 J Street)
Required Materials:
• stapler
• lined notebook paper, standard size 8 ½” x 11”, clean edge (not torn from notebook)
Classroom Policies:
1. Attendance is very important in this class. Classroom discussions prepare students for all writing assignments, and your fellow students and I need your input in order to make this class more complete and enjoyable. I do not take attendance, and absences don’t “technically” count towards the grade you earn. However, ultimately, if you miss class, you may miss a quiz, group work, in class writing, a journal, etc. which really does end up impacting your earned grade because this work CAN NOT BE MADE UP.
2. About being tardy for class: It seems that over the last few years, tardiness has REALLY escalated and become problematic in my classes. I am not sure why, but I do know that most of my colleagues deduct a percentage of the earned grade for tardiness. It is really annoying and disruptive, both to me and the rest of the class, when students enter the class late—we only meet for 50 minutes three times a week, and I begin class immediately. In the “real world”, there is even less tolerance for lateness. Plan ahead. I realize things can happen beyond your control, but looking for parking is not a good excuse. If I see that tardiness is becoming excessive, I may have to ask you to drop the class.
3. YOU MUST TYPE AND DOUBLE SPACE ALL OUT OF CLASS WORK. Work must be in 12 pt. font, Times New Roman, black ink, MLA format.
4. In all fairness to other students, I do not accept late work. If you are ill, please arrange for another student to turn it in for you. Period.
5. After the due date, a late essay loses 10 points for every day it’s late, including weekends. NOT submitting an out of class essay is NOT an option. The English dept. requires that you write an approximate number of words in this course. The out of class essays provide a large part of the word count requirement.
6. You’re responsible for finding out what you missed if you are absent. I will provide you with a class roster for your convenience.
7. My policy on EXTRA CREDIT is…I do not believe in extra credit. In short, “real” life outside the university does not operate on the extra credit option. You earn the grade you receive. It really is a fairness issue.
8. ABOUT REVISIONS: you have the option to revise ONE of your three out of class essays. If you choose to revise, you must submit the revision with the original within one week of receiving the graded essay back. No exceptions. An essay with unacceptable errors might be an essay you choose to revise.
A note on classroom etiquette:
If you feel you cannot survive each class session without the use of your cell phone, iPod, or laptop computer, please do not enroll in this class. (I own all three of these devices, and value each of them, but I do not plan on using them during my classroom time with you. Simply, it is the highest degree of rudeness and disrespect.) If I see you busy texting, etc. I will not hesitate to ask you to leave until you finish your crucial business. I plan to give you my full attention and I expect the same from all my students.
HOW YOUR GRADE IS EARNED:
Attached to this course outline is your Grade Worksheet. At no time in the semester should you be puzzled about your grade. Please keep ALL returned & graded work until the very end of the semester. NOTE: quizzes are NOT always scheduled. Come to class prepared with the assigned reading assignments completed on the day they are due to be read.
Refer to pages 3 and 4 in the Handbook to fully understand how your writing will be evaluated.
ABOUT THIS COURSE…
I have designed a very different and I hope interesting and provocative set of themes for discussion and critical thinking/writing for the semester. The core of the course from which these themes/ideas will spring is the first season of the television series, “Breaking Bad.” It was recently announced a week ago that it won the TCA (Television Critics Association) Award for Outstanding Drama on Television. It has also been honored with a few Emmys as well. The series is heading into its fourth season.
As a class we will view all seven episodes as well as read a wealth of material connected either directly or indirectly to some of its themes. This series poses so many intriguing questions about morals, family values/responsibilities, the line between good and evil, the war on drugs, greed, health care and so much more, including a comparison between current television vs. film viewing. In short, we will examine and expand on several issues connected with the overall term of “breaking bad”—straying from the path of morality, of legality, of conformity towards something deemed unacceptable by the majority of society. In fact, the origin of the term is American Southwest, a slang phrase meaning to challenge conventions, to defy authority, to skirt the edges of the law.
Here is an excerpt from a review of the series:
“It’s difficult to fathom a more dangerous and enthralling piece of television than “Breaking Bad,” the AMC drama that is quietly redefining the creative and content limits of primetime.”
--Ray Richmond, The Hollywood Reporter, March 4, 2009
This class has a blog and it is vital that you check it daily, even on weekends, for important information, including reading assignments and other information pertinent to the course. Please bookmark it on your computer for easy, quick access.
www.English20Spring11.blogspot.com
Class Schedule:
(Please note: This schedule is subject to change at a moment’s notice. Please bring this schedule, your textbook and appropriate handouts to every class session. ALSO…not every quiz, group discussion, lecture, activity is listed on this class schedule. Simply, that would be impossible. The pace of the class is not always predictable…if you attend class, follow the course outline and read the blog, you will stay current.)
Week One (1/24-1/28)
Introduction to the Course (course theme explained)
Course Outline Distributed (handout)
Oral Presentations (handout)
Unacceptable Errors (handout)
Assign: Character Study Journal (Friday)
Week Two (1/31-2/4)
Follow up from last week; discussion on non-conformity (Monday)
View video in class on non-conformity (Wednesday)
In class writing response #1 (Wednesday)
Watch first episode of Breaking Bad in class (Friday)
Week Three (2/7-2/11)
Watch second episode of Breaking Bad in class (Monday)
Assign: Out of class essay #1 (Wednesday)
Skim first 27 pages and read pages 28 thru 46 in Handbook (Friday)
Week Four (2/14-2/18)
Lecture (Monday)
Read Packet #1 (Wednesday)
In class writing response #2 (Wednesday)
Watch 3rd episode of Breaking Bad in class (Fri.)
Week Five (2/20-2/25)
Lecture (Monday)
Read Packet #2 (Wednesday)
Group Work #1 (Wednesday)
Watch 4th episode of Breaking Bad in class (Friday)
Week Six (2/28-3/4)
Lecture (Mon)
Out of class essay #1 due today (Wednesday)
In class journal #1 (Wednesday)
Week Seven (3/7-3/11)
Assign: Out of class essay #2 (Monday)
Read Packet #3 (Wed.)
In class writing response #3 (Wed.)
Watch 5th episode of Breaking Bad in class (Fri.)
Week Eight (3/14-3/18)
Watch 6th episode of Breaking Bad in class (Monday)
In class journal #2 (Wednesday)
Read Packet #4 (Friday)
Week Nine (3/21-3/25)
SPRING RECESS—NO CLASSES
Enjoy the week off and be safe.
Week Ten (3/28-4/1)
Watch 7th (and final) episode of Breaking Bad in class (Monday)
In class journal #3 (Wednesday)
Read Packet #5 (Friday)
Week Eleven (4/4-4/8)
Essay #2 out of class due today (Monday)
Read packet # 6 (Mon.)
Group Work #2 (Wednesday)
Assign Essay #3 out of class today (Friday)
Week Twelve (4/11-4/15)
Group Work #3 (Monday)
Read Packet #7 (Wed.)
In class writing response #4 (Wed.)
Lecture (Fri.)
Week Thirteen (4/18-4/22)
Read Packet #8 (Monday)
Lecture (Wednesday)
In class journal #4 (Friday)
Week Fourteen (4/25-4/29)
Television vs. Film Viewing—in class discussion (Monday)
Lecture (Wed.)
Out of class essay #3 due today (Friday)
Week Fifteen (5/2-5/6)
Lecture (Monday)
Group Work #4 (Wednesday)
Class Evaluations (Friday)
Week Sixteen (5/9-5/13)
Oral presentations of Essay 3 (Monday and Wednesday)
Grade Roster Check (Fri.)
Week Seventeen (5/16-5/20)
Finals Week
There is no final given for this class.
****************************************************************************************************************************
Name:______________________________English 20, Spring 2011, Section _______
POINTS EARNED Your Worksheet--------1600 points possible
OUT OF CLASS ESSAYS—600 pts.
Essay 1 (200 points)_____ Essay 2 (200 points)_____Essay 3(200 points) _____
IN-CLASS JOURNALS—200 pts.
Journal 1 (50 points)_____
Journal 2 (50 points)_____
Journal 3 (50) points)_____
Journal 4 (50) points)_____
ORAL PRESENTATION—150 pts.
Presentation (150 points)_____
IN CLASS WRITING RESPONSES–200 pts.
(worth 50 points each)
1_____ 2_____
3_____ 4_____
IN-CLASS GROUP WORK (200 pts.)
Each session is worth 50 pts.
Group Work 1 _____ Group Work 2 _____ Group Work 3 _____ Group Work 4_____
QUIZZES (these quizzes may not always be “announced” and they cannot be made up. 50 pts ea.) (250 pts. total) Please record each quiz and your score below.
Quiz 1_____ Quiz 2_____ Quiz 3_____ Quiz 4_____ Quiz 5_____
How to assess your grade earned: Divide the points you earn by 1600 to find the percentage.
Then see chart below.
100-94=A Example: 940 pts. earned=60.6%=C-
93-90=A- Example: 1100 pts. earned=70.9%=C+
89-84=B+ Example: 1359 pts. earned=87.6%=B+
83-80=B Example: 1458 pts. earned=94%=A
79-74=B-
73-70=C+
69-64=C
63-60=C-
59-54=D
53-0=F
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
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