English 105: Freshman Honors English

Professor Kathryn Conrad
Fall 1997
T-Th 11-12:20
220 Fraser

Office: 2035 Wescoe
Office Hours: T-Th 2:30-3:30 and by appointment

Graded portfolios will be available Monday, Dec. 15 at noon (2035 Wescoe).

Course Description and Requirements

In this course, we will read, discuss, and write about a number of literary texts in several genres, including poetry, drama, and one graphic novel. I have divided the readings into pairs that fall under general themes: acting and action, self and other, fragmentation and rebuilding, memory and knowledge, and authority and paralysis. As we explore the texts, however, I am certain these themes will overlap and build upon each other in unexpected ways.

Since this is a discussion-based course, part of your grade (20%) will be based on participation. I will take attendance. If you are unable to attend class because of illness or emergency, please contact me (a note in my departmental mailbox or, better yet, via e-mail), or send a message via one of your classmates. Sniffles, away-games, or heavy work in other classes do not constitute excusable absences: if you are having schedule difficulties, however, do speak to me before you have to miss class.

The rest of your grade (80%) will be based on five short (2-3 page) response papers, the first draft of which will be due during our discussion of the text on which you have chosen to write. Your drafts will be commented upon but not graded. You may submit essays for comments as many times as you'd like, but once you submit your paper for a grade, no more changes will be allowed. The last day on which any essay may be submitted for a grade is the final day of class. On this day, you will turn in to me all drafts with comments and all final drafts.

Revision to paper requirement, 16 September 97:
You also have the option to write a sixth paper on any topic and in any genre (fiction, personal essay, etc.). This essay may replace the worst of your short essays (assuming, of course, that it isn't the worst essay itself). This paper may be revised, just like the others for the course; it will be graded based on how well it "works" within its genre.

Writing Help Resources

    Strunk and White's Elements of Style
    Jack Lynch's Guide to Grammar and Usage