Distance Learning Course Interaction Plan

Distance Learning Course Interaction Plan

Course Number and Title: OL Eng. 102.68: Language and Literature II

Instructor: Caroline Berry

Telephone Number (if any):

Email Address: cberry@hcc.mass.edu
(I prefer email via the webCT-integrated email function.)

Office Hours (if any): Virtual office hours: T,Th 8:45-10:30 am

Online Hours: Daily.

Communication Policy: Email or Office discussion board

__x__ Asynchronous Course ____ Synchronous Course

Asynchronous: This kind of distance education is characterized by an emphasis on "learning on demand" or "as needed communication" between students and faculty from multiple locations at times convenient to participants.

Synchronous: This form of distance education entails the use of live, two-way communication among and/or between students and faculty in a scheduled or "fixed" point(s) of time(s), much like classroom-based instruction.

Course Description:

From the course catalog… “English 102 is a comprehensive course designed to increase students’ ability to communicate with others, think critically, and to comprehend literary works. Emphasis is on reading and analyzing fiction, poetry and drama. Frequent short essays are assigned, amounting to a total of approximately three thousand words each semester. ”

This means…this class focuses on reading and writing and is designed to help you become more careful and critical readers and more thoughtful analysts of literature. We’ll address issues like culture, identity, class, adventure and rebellion as they relate to the reading. We’ll also read from the inside-out. This means reading as writers, looking closely at literary conventions such as plot, character development, use of language, scene-setting, and manipulation of time and space. The class will be group-interactive and discussion-driven as we try to understand each piece of literature from multiple perspectives.

Like 101, 102 approaches writing as a process, emphasizing that brainstorming, revision and constant progression are all necessary components of writing for writers of all levels. Coursework involves various invention activities including fastwriting, brainstorming, drafting, and revising. Paper assignments are designed so that a good deal of writing, close critical reading, and discussion of the text occurs before a paper is turned in. “In-class work” will include peer review, group learning, and a good deal of discussion…all aimed at developing your sense of active reading and effective writing

Required Textbooks & Materials:

1) EasyWriter 3rd Ed.

Lunsford

Bedford/St. Martins

ISBN 0-312-43309-3

2) Into the Wild, paperback ed.

Jon Krakauer

Anchor

ISBN: 0385486804

3) A Doll's House

Ibsen

Dover

ISBN: 0486270629

I'm also planning to put together a supplemental reader…either something that will be available at the bookstore, or that will consist of Online reading (articles, essays, short stories, etc.—cost will be minimal, possibly free).

Access to word processing software compatible with Microsoft Word

Reliable backup medium (disk, jump drive, etc)

Course Objectives:

To develop critical thinking and reading skills

Learn to write critical essays about literature

Adequately and appropriately discuss readings in class

Develop your ability to raise significant questions about literature

Understand and employ the formal elements of literature in your analysis

To understand literature not only for entertainment value, but as a valuable tool by which we question, explore, filter, negotiate, influence and improve this world.

Methods of Instruction: Online – Distance Learning

Students are required to engage in the following interaction(s) for successful completion of this course:

The class consists of three main components: 1) Reading, 2) Writing about what you’re reading, and 3) Class participation. You’ll complete 7 mini-papers in which you respond to, analyze, or take a position on the literature. Sometimes these will address conventions of literature (like tone, imagery, structure, character); sometimes these will deal with subject and thematic matter. You will post a draft, read and respond to the drafts of others, revise your own draft, and submit a final. Please note that interaction and "attendance" is a foundation of this course, and that this course is NOT self-paced—late assignments will not be accepted.

This course may include, but not be restricted to, the following interactions:

1. in person meetings YES x NO

2. telephone interactions YES x NO

3. electronic interactions (email, internet...) YES x NO

If yes, dates, times, places are to be specified…

In-person meetings are optional
Telephone interactions will be on an as-needed basis throughout the course
Email, posting to discussion board, and general internet use will be our primary way of communicating, and used on a semi-daily basis throughout the semester.

Evaluation of Student’s Progress:

Frequent Mini-papers (7 very short analytic/response/position essays): 70 % of course grade

Class Participation (consists of: class discussion postings, homework, peer response): 20%

Course Final Project: 10%

Grade	Explanation	Numerical Score	Grade Points
A	Work of superior & outstanding quality	93-100	4.0
A-		90-92	3.65
B+		87-89	3.35
B	Work decidedly above average	83-86	3.0
B-		80-82	2.65
C+		77-79	2.35
C	Work of average quality	73-76	2.0
C-		70-72	1.65
D+		67-69	1.35
D	Work decidedly below average but passing	63-66	1.0
D-		60-62	.65
F	Work not passing no credit earned	0-59	0.00