COURSE NUMBER

 ENGL 214

COURSE TITLE

Writing Matters: English Literature and Academic Interpretation I

NAME OF INSTRUCTOR

Philip Mingay

CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION

credits 3 (hrs lect 3 - hrs sem 0 - hrs lab 0)

COURSE DESCRIPTION  

Writing Matters: English Literature and Academic Interpretation I & II strategically build students’ skills as critical readers and writers through the discipline of English. Students learn to be sophisticated readers of literature, and to examine the assumptions and implications of a wide array of texts as well as culture. The courses develop students’ sensitivity to language use and their appreciation of the relationship between form and content. Students will learn about the range of literary genres, periods, and geographic locations, as well as specific terms and devices for reading: lyric poems, non-fiction, and one long work (novel or drama). Assignments will introduce stages one and two of a cumulative research paper methodology, with stages three and four completed in the complement course. Through interpretative practices, we are able to examine the literary foundations of our worldviews and look on the world, ourselves, and others anew.

Assignments will introduce stages one and two of a cumulative research paper methodology, with stages three and four completed in the complement course ENGL 215. Through interpretative practices, we are able to examine the literary foundations of our worldviews and look on the world, ourselves, and others anew.

REQUIRED TEXT

• Never Cry Wolf. Farley Mowat, Emblem edition, 2017.

OPTIONAL TEXT

•  The Nature of Writing Website

MARK DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT

You will write one midterm and one essay over the semester, with a focus on thesis, paragraphing, and documentation of primary and secondary sources.

**IMPORTANT** If you do not properly complete the research requirements as outlined in the essay assignment, you will receive a failing grade. The details for a research essay are available in the ESSAY RUBRIC.  

• Midterm (15%) 

• 50 minutes in length
• literary terms and short answers

• Research Essay (30%) may be on poetry or fiction

• length 5-6 pages in 12-point font (or equivalent word count)

• requires integration of primary and secondary quotations, paraphrases and/or summaries in MLA Style

• requires in-text citation using MLA style of the primary source, and primary and one (assigned) scholarly article

• submission of an annotated version of the scholarly article and an essay outline (5%) and the essay (25%) 

• Quizzes (15%)

• 6 online quizzes worth 3% each. I will count toward your final grade your best 5 quizzes.

• Quizzes will be multiple choice or short answer, and may include literary terms, grammar, documentation, and textual analysis.

• Grammar Test (5%)

• a short in-class assignment where you will be asked to correct sentences

• Information Literacy Class (5%)

• All students will be required to take the Information Literacy Class, an online module designed by the King’s Library and available on Moodle. More details concerning instructions and due date will be made available on tcourse Moodle site. 

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Students must complete the essay assignment to qualify to write the final exam. Failure do so will result in a failing grade in the course even if the grade is mathematically a pass.
• All assignments must be submitted by the last day of classes.
• Any rescheduling of the final exam must be formally requested by the student through Registry. 
• I do not accept rewrites of essays or additional assignments for credit. However, I am happy to assist you with any of your assignments to improve your grades.
• See information at bottom of page for students with disabilities. 

LECTURES AND PRIVACY

Did you know? Under the law, a lecture is classified as a “public performance” which means three important things:

• your instructor legally owns the lecture including any notes / materials / slides / presentation / recordings; if these include other published works (in full or in part), they are covered by educational agreements of usage or under “fair dealing” principles.
• you may not re-post lectures (in full or in part) on any media
• you may not record lectures (even for personal use) unless you have written permission from your instructor

COURSE OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES

Students will ...
• Remember and apply a vocabulary and analytical skills to textual study: including figurative language, imagery, and sound devices.
• Create academic dialogue by constructing critical interpretations of texts.
• Build and develop research, writing, and argumentative skills.
• Recognize and examine imaginative constructions of reality in various genres.
• Acknowledge and respond to diverse worldview assumptions and points of view with respect.
• Examine, discern and express the interdependency of beliefs, values, and theories that inform the writing and reading of texts.

• One of the principle aims of this course is to introduce students to the discipline of English literature and how scholars read and discuss literary texts. However, the language and narrative of literature often extends to other areas of culture such as film, news, advertising and politics. Therefore, the critical readers of literature can apply their skills to their various disciplines and interests, as well as their Christian experiences.   
  
• This course also provides extensive writing instruction—including grammar—to help you prepare to write the two analytical, critical essays about the literary works we will read. The essay includes a mandatory research component, and you will learn how to construct arguments using evidence from primary and secondary sources. All essays must conform to MLA Style. 
  

COURSE CONDUCT

• To benefit truly from this course, you must be prepared to think and ask questions about the material both in and out of class. Your participation mark will take into account your contributions to class discussions and group work, as well as their level of sophistication. Remember, not only can your participation improve your grade, it is also essential to the intellectual progression and stimulation of the class.

• I suggest you attend class regularly and be prepared to examine the texts in detail.  Regular attendance also ensures you will be aware of any changes to the syllabus which may take place over the course of the semester. 

• If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, etc, there are people to help you. Please talk to me me or see Student Support Services below. 

• We are all stressed by Covid-19. Please be generous to one another.
  

• Laptops and other electronic devices must be used appropriately. Please, no texting during class. Such behaviour disrupts the learning experience of your classmates, and affects my ability to lecture effectively. Please help cultivate a classroom of respect, and feel free to discuss with me any situations that are disturbing your learning experience. 

Attendance Policy
The University expects students to attend all classes, seminars and laboratory periods. Part of a student's responsibility in contributing to the community of the University is his or her contribution to and participation in each class. Students should note that some classes (e.g., physical activity courses, Choir) have minimum attendance requirements. Students auditing a course must attend at least 80% of the lectures.
The classroom is a collaborative space where each member contributes to the intellectual progression and stimulation of the class. Be present; be prepared; be professional or we are all lesser for it.

DEADLINES   

All grades will be assigned using The King's University alpha scale below (A+ - F). You will upload your essay to Moodle by the designated due date.

Late paper assessment will follow standard Department of English late policy: one alpha grade-step deduction per day (excluding 12am to 11:59pm on Sundays and statutory holidays) to a maximum of five steps. If extenuating circumstances arise, contact your instructor in writing to arrange a plan for completion of the paper. Unless a written extension has been granted in advance, essays will not be accepted more than TWO weeks past the due date, and no assignments can be accepted after the last day of classes. The formal essay must be completed to qualify for the final exam.

Please note that although late marks are not deducted for Sunday, you will still lose marks if the essay is not submitted on the weekend. For example, if the essay is due Friday, it will lose two grade points if it is submitted Monday.

ACADEMIC HONESTY
Academic integrity measures will be used in this course, including screening all essays for originality through Turnitin. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence with potentially disastrous consequences, and I intend to hold you to the highest academic standards. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with University policies regarding scholarly ethics and academic integrity (see current King's calendar).

The University disciplinary code defines the following as offenses. Committing these or aiding another student in committing these is academic misconduct.

Cheating includes: obtaining or providing information or material from or to others during an exam; allowing another student to observe answers during an exam; or possessing or attempting to acquire or distribute unauthorized material relating to an exam.

Plagiarism includes: representing another's work in whole or in part as one's own in an exam or paper, knowingly including a false statement or reference as if it were true, or submission by the student of the work prepared for a different course without the express consent of the instructor. Keep these key examples of plagiarism in mind:

•  Passages are quoted without quotation marks and proper citations.
• Ideas are paraphrased or summarized without proper citation. (This includes ideas garnered from AI, such as ChatGPT).
• Knowingly including a false statement or reference as if it were true (including false references generated by AI, such as ChatGPT).
• Submission by the student of the work prepared for a different course without clear documentation on the second assignment and the express consent of both the instructors.

Other offenses are: tampering or attempting to tamper with examinations, class work, grades or class records; failure to abide by instructor directions regarding the individuality of work; impersonation of another student in an examination or other class assignment; falsification or fabrication of lab reports; the non-authorized recording of lectures; failure to obtain approval, permission, or to otherwise follow procedures, as required by the University as outlined in the University Calendar.

The first occurrence of academic dishonesty in any course results in a zero for the assignment, test, or exam; the second case in any course results in a zero for the course; and the third case in any course results in academic suspension. Occurrences of academic dishonesty will also be noted on the student’s academic record. For more information see the King’s Calendar.

Academic integrity applies to every aspect of the classroom – from testing to our relationship with peers. Major assignments will be vetted by Turnitin; students will also sign and submit an Academic Integrity Agreement detailing our shared understanding of professional practices and conduct.

***Please (PLEASE!) discuss with me any concerns you may have regarding your research or other matters. I will also address plagiarism and proper citation methods throughout the semester, and post information on our website.

The University's position on AI:

Given the fast changing nature of generative AI and its recent public introduction, university and classroom policies and practices will quickly evolve. Flexibility will be required of all students and faculty in these early days of new technology. With this in mind, The King’s University holds its faculty and students to high standard for academic integrity. Learning to use sources well is not only an important part of scholarship, but also a reflection of our core commitment to credit the resources we consult while doing our work. Remember to cite every source that provides you with anything that is not common knowledge, or that you did not discover on your own.

We encourage discussions about how to use generative AI responsibly in the service of learning, keeping in mind that the use of uncited generative artificial intelligence programs in the production of submitted student work is considered plagiarism under university policy.

ACADEMIC SUPPORTS
Centre for Teaching & Learning
• Learning Specialists provide direct support to students to help them succeed. The specialist will work with students individually or in groups to identify ways students can improve academically. Learning Specialist are available to meet with students in the following areas.
• Writing support, researching, creating, and editing a successful university paper.
• Time management, organization, and research methods that employs intentional critical thinking skills to articulate and attain personal & educational learning goals.
• Digital Technology support creates confidence, literacy, and skills to apply ethical and efficient problem solving, task completion, and effective adaptability to new and emerging technology.
• Presentation Methods teaches speaking and presentation skills to connect class outcomes to learning beyond the classroom.
• Health & Wellness support examines the relationships between health and wellness and the accomplishment of life goals while exhibiting and promoting behaviors that advance a healthy
community at TKU.
• General Academic Support, which may include notetaking, how to read academic textbooks and test taking skills.

Looking to book an appointment or more information? Contact kristin.lemke@kingsu.ca

Career and Vocational Counselling
The Centre for Career and Calling helps students discern God’s call for their lives. It equips them to understand themselves, make meaning of their experiences, and explore pathways to purposeful work in service of a more humane, just, and sustainable world. Find out more about services as well as the link to make an appointment with Witty Sandle, the Career and Vocational Counsellor on the King’s website under Student Services.

Mental Health Supports
Counselling Services: Available Monday-Friday. Book a free, confidential appt online through
kingsu.janeapp.com. Rm A142
Wellness Room: N112. Open with your ID card if locked.
Prayer Room: L117.
Spiritual Mentor and Life Coach: Bob Foo (Robert.Foo@kingsu.ca)
Work Out Center: 7 am—11 pm G106
Check out the King’s website, visit the Student Life office or email slo@kingsu.ca for more support information.
If you are in need of immediate mental health support after campus hours, please phone Access 24/7 at 780-424-2424.
To find more Edmonton area support services visit ab.211.ca

Department of English