Respect is essential to create an environment in the classroom in which everyone can participate and learn. To ensure that this is a safe space in which we can engage in thoughtful and productive discussions and debates about difficult subjects I ask that you be mature, respectful and considerate of your classmates’ feelings at all times. Please come to class with enthusiasm, an open mind and a willingness to share your ideas and listen to others. This is an interactive, discussion based classroom and thus, your participation, and willingness to abide by these guidelines is crucial to the creation of a positive classroom environment in which we can all learn from each other.
Regular attendance is crucial to your success in the class. If you miss class, you are responsible for making up any missed work. The university’s policy is that a student may be absent without penalty for 10% of the number of scheduled class meetings during the semester. Because this class meets twice a week, this means that you may miss four classes without penalty. Please note that two late arrivals are equal to one absence. If you have more than four absences your grade will be significantly lowered. Excessive absences may ultimately result in a failing grade.
Preparedness: Preparedness means that you will have read the text scheduled for that day and underlined passages you feel are important or about which you have questions and respect the voices and opinions of your fellow students.
ASSIGNMENTS & GRADING
- Short Writing Assignments (In-class, OpenLab & Reader Responses) (20%)
- Writing Assignment 1: New York Stories (10%)
- Writing Assignment 2: The Personal is Political: Creative Non-Fiction Assignment (15%)
- Writing Assignment 3: Texts & Contexts: Literary Analysis as Social Commentary (15%)
- Group Project (10%)
- Final Research Project (20%)
- Final Exam (10%)
This course will use OpenLab. If you have not already, please sign up for an OpenLab account so you may participate in activities, download readings, and contribute thoughtful critical responses to discussion questions.
THE OFFICE OF STUDENT ACCCESSIBILITY
The office of student accessibility is located in the Atrium Building (A-237) and provides accommodations for students with documented disabilities. For more information on the services offered, please call (718) 260-5143 or email Mr. John Currie at jcurrie@citytech.cuny.edu. If you have an IEP or received extra time on tests in the past, please let me know this immediately so we can coordinate with the Office of Student Accessibility.
NEW YORK CITY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY POLICY ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Students and all others who work with information, ideas, texts, images, music, inventions, and other intellectual property owe their audience and sources accuracy and honesty in using, crediting, and citing sources. As a community of intellectual and professional workers, the College recognizes its responsibility for providing instruction in information literacy and academic integrity, offering models of good practice, and responding vigilantly and appropriately to infractions of academic integrity. Accordingly, academic dishonesty is prohibited in The City University of New York and at New York City College of Technology and is punishable by penalties, including failing grades, suspension, and expulsion. Please familiarize yourself with City Tech’s academic honesty policies: http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/aboutus/docs/policies/CUNY_ACADEMIC_INTEGRITY_6-2011.pdf.
Plagiarism, the act of presenting another person’s ideas, research, or writing as your own, whether intentionally or unintentionally, is not tolerated at City Tech. Using proper documentation (we will use the MLA style for citations) and thorough textual analysis will help you avoid plagiarism. Any cases of plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero and appropriate measures taken. If you are confused or have any questions about what plagiarism is and how you might avoid it, please contact me before your assignment is due.
