New York City College of Technology
AFR 2222: Current Caribbean Literature, D880
T/TH 10:00-11:15 am, N523
Spring 2016
Professor: Ruth G. Garcia
E-mail: RGarcia@citytech.cuny.edu
Office: Namm 503
Office Hours Monday 9:00-9:30, Tuesday 11:30-12:30, Wednesday 3:30-4:00; by appointment
Required Texts
-Mary Prince. The History of Mary Prince: A West Indian Slave Narrative. Dover Publications; Dover Ed edition, 2004. (ISBN- 13: 978-0486438634)
-Maryse Conde. I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem. University of Virginia Press, 2009. (ISBN-13: 978-0813927671)
-Edwidge Danticat. Breath, Eyes, Memory. Vintage, 1998. (ISBN-13: 978-0375705045)
Course Description and Learning Outcomes
In this course we will examine a sampling of literature by black Caribbean women writers. We will use these texts to explore major themes and concerns in the works of women writers from the region of the world known as the Caribbean. Students exiting this course will:
- demonstrate an understanding of the social and historical factors that affect the literature of this region, specifically that of women
- demonstrate an ability to discuss and analyze some of the major motifs and themes in the works of black Caribbean women writers
- demonstrate an ability to critically write about themes and issues common in Caribbean literature by women
Class Participation
This class is an ongoing conversation, NOT a lecture hall or a one-person play. This means you must have regular, punctual attendance, come to class prepared to discuss the readings, remain alert, engaged, and responsive for the duration of class, listen attentively and respectfully to those that are speaking, and take the initiative to actively participate with comments, questions, and/or responses. Texting on your lap, sleeping, wearing headphones, or accessing the Internet whilst in class will dramatically lower your grade—and you should be aware I can see all of you, and though I may not comment on your behavior at the time, you will find that I will comment on it when it comes to your participation grade.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory in this discussion-based course. The College’s policy states that more than four absences will result in a WU grade. I will not grant excused absences since three absences are permitted without penalty. Attendance will be taken everyday. Note that sleeping, talking on cellphones, wearing headphones or texting can also be considered non-attendance.
Absence is not an excuse for missing or late work. If you miss class, for any reason, you are responsible for getting the assignment and for making up the work. Keep in mind that the more classes you miss, the lower your final grade will be for the course. Arriving late or leaving early will count as a partial absence, and lateness will also count heavily against your final grade.
Writing (All writing is due in class on the dates indicated in the course schedule.)
Formal writing: you will write four formal essays throughout the course of the semester.
Reading Responses: you will be required to post a short response on an OpenLab site every time you read for class.
Informal writing: you will be asked to occasionally complete in-class and at home informal writing assignments and quizzes. Quizzes are designed to ascertain the extent to which you have understood and engaged with the assigned text. You will also be required to complete a variety of informal assignments throughout the semester, both individually and in groups. Examples of these assignments may include, but are not limited to, any in-class writing such as reflections, free-writing, group projects, and focus questions assigned for homework. These exercises are designed to ensure your understanding of the main points of each topic. They will also push you to think critically about the ideas and issues raised over the course of the semester, thereby making you an active participant in the learning process. Though all the writing that you do in this course is not collected or graded, I do randomly collect these and they do contribute to your final grade. If you consistently fail to hand in the informal writing assignments, you will receive an “F” for class participation.
Late Papers
Late papers will NOT be accepted! There will be no make-ups given for in-class essays.
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. The complete text of the College policy on Academic Integrity may be found in the catalog. Students are expected to be familiar with the accepted academic principles regarding plagiarism. If ANY section, no matter how small, of your work is plagiarized, you will get a ZERO for that paper, with no rewrites.
Cell phones and electronic devices:
Respect is extremely important in the classroom, not only for the professor but also for all students. As a courtesy to your classmates and professor, please turn off your cell phones or set them to silent mode during class. Please also refrain from text messaging during class. Disruptions and distractions relating to cell phones will affect your class participation grade. Under no condition is a student to use a phone in class or leave the classroom to answer a cell phone. Electronic devices are not to be used in class unless you have cleared it with me.
Grading
Your course grade will be calculated based on the following percentages, which reflect the value of the entire project. Missing in-class writing, drafts, or peer-review work will result in a lower grade for an essay or for participation.
Formal Essays: 30%
Midterm Essay/Exam: 15%
Final Essay/Exam: 15%
Reading Responses posted on OpenLab: 15%
Presentations: 10%
Participation— This includes, attendance, participation in class discussion, assignments and group work, and preparedness: 15%
Finally, please keep in mind throughout the semester, if ever any type of question, problem, or confusion should arise contact me so that we can address whatever may prevent you from successfully completing this course.
Schedule of Classes: (subject to change): Readings and assignments are due by the beginning of class on the dates shown
T 2/2: Introductions
Th 2/4: Malcolm X, “Coming to an Awareness of Language” (to be handed out in class)
T 2/9: Friday Schedule
Th 2/11: Mary Prince, The History of Mary Prince: A West Indian Slave Narrative, pages 1-19 (OpenLab Post Due)
T 2/16: Prince, The History of Mary Prince, pages 20-41(middle of the page) (OpenLab Post Due)
Th 2/18: Prince, The History of Mary Prince, pages 41-end (OpenLab Post Due)
T 2/23: Prince, The History of Mary Prince continued
Th 2/25: In-class workshop for Essay 1
T 3/1: Maryse Conde, I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem, Chapters 1-4 (OpenLab Post Due)
Th 3/3: Conde, I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem, Chapters 5-9 (OpenLab Post Due); Essay 1 Due
T 3/8: Conde, I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem, Chapters 10- 1 of Part II (OpenLab Post Due)
Th 3/ Conde, I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem, Chapters 10: 2-7 of Part II (OpenLab Post Due)
T 3/15: Conde, I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem, Chapters 8-12 of Part II (OpenLab Post Due)
Th 3/17: Conde, I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem, Chapters 13-end of Part II (OpenLab Post Due)
T 3/22: Midterm Review
Th 3/24: Midterm Exam—In-class essay
T 3/29: Edwidge Danticat, Breath, Eyes, Memory, Chapters 1-4 (OpenLab Post Due)
Th 3/31: Danticat, Breath, Eyes, Memory, Chapters 5-8 (OpenLab Post Due)
T 4/5: Danticat, Breath, Eyes, Memory, Chapters 9-12 (OpenLab Post Due)
Th 4/7: Danticat, Breath, Eyes, Memory, Chapters 13-19 (OpenLab Post Due)
T 4/12: Danticat, Breath, Eyes, Memory, Chapters 20-27 (OpenLab Post Due)
Th 4/14: Danticat, Breath, Eyes, Memory, Chapters 28-end (OpenLab Post Due)
T 4/19: Danticat, Breath, Eyes, Memory continued
Th 4/21 In-class workshop for Essay 2
T 4/26: Spring Recess
Th 4/28: Spring Recess
T 5/3: Reading TBA; (OpenLab Post Due); Essay 2 Due
Th 5/5: Reading TBA; (OpenLab Post Due)
T 5/10: Reading TBA; (OpenLab Post Due)
Th 5/12: Reading TBA; (OpenLab Post Due)
T 5/17: Final Exam Review
Th 5/19: Final Exam
T 5/24: Conclusions
