ENG 3403: One Major Writer
Dr. Williams
Phone: 718) 260-5789
Jwilliams@citytech.cuny.edu
Office: NAM 503
Hours: TBA

Dream Denied: Race, Rage, and the Evolution of Voice

To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time.

James Baldwin

Required Texts: Giovanni’s Room, Another Country, The Fire Next Time, Notes of a Native Son, Baldwin: Collected Essays, Go Tell it on The Mountain

Design:

The purpose of this course is to read, analyze, and discuss the life and works of James Baldwin. Throughout the semester we will read some of the most socially impacting literature ever written. We will examine both fiction and non-fiction, unearthing some of the most sensitive issues of the twentieth century, as well as the turbulent life of the author himself. Together, we will learn to metatextualize the meaning beneath Baldwin’s words, providing insight into the historical worlds in which he existed and wrote about. At the same time, we will follow Baldwin’s “flight” from America and his writing while existing abroad as an expatriate.
With regard to the readings—in an attempt to develop stronger arguments and clarity regarding the issues discussed—there will be directed research writing assignments (response papers). We will also develop a clear, concise, grammatically correct MLA style research paper based on assigned paper topics. This research paper will include an outline and an abstract that must be approved before the paper project and posted onto our OpenLab page. Additionally, we will have exams to see how we are processing the materials. With the assistance of both the primary and secondary texts, we will review the fundamentals of historical writing, and learn to condense our thoughts regarding the author’s subject matter. Participation is both essential and required for a successful semester. IF WE DEMONSTRATE THAT WE ARE NOT PREPAPRED FOR OUR DAILY READINGS, QUIZZES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED INTO THE COURSE DESIGN. The exams can only be taken on assigned dates, and the papers and assignments are to be submitted at the beginning of class on the dates due. LATE WORK IS NOT AN OPTION.

NOTE: This course will examine varied themes—sex, sexuality, religion, Class, racism, violence, self-hatred, slavery, oppression, love—and requires the ability to engage in complex and controversial discussions maturely.

Our Room:

In our classroom, there are several rules that must be agreed upon:

Requirements:

• All assignments must be typed, double spaced, black ink, 12 point font. Do not attempt to submit handwritten work.
• All assignments must be submitted on time. Nothing will be accepted late. Nothing will be accepted via email after class.
• Every student is allowed three absences. Every unofficial absence after that will result in the reduction of a complete letter grade.
• Respect must be given to everyone in the class.
• No cooked food is allowed in classroom. Ever.
• No cellular devices are allowed “on” in any shape, form, or fashion during class.
• No tape recording of class meetings is allowed.
• No Headphones are allowed.
• No laptops are allowed.

ANYONE ENTERING OUR ROOM 20 MINUTES AFTER CLASS BEGINS—without an official excuse—WILL NOT BE COUNTED FOR ATTENDANCE.

THESE RULES AND EXPECTATIONS ARE NOT NEGOTIABLE

Grading:

Participation: 10%
Discussion, in-class reading, insight, peer response, Open Lab.
RESEARCH Paper: 20%
Paper will be formatted and explained in-depth by the professor. It will be 8-12pages, double spaced, MLA style. Works Cited page is separate. The paper will require a minimum of six outside sources. Students will select a modern mystery author from provided list. Book must be infused into the paper’s argument (see week 11).
Tests: 50%
Primarily based on our discussions about the readings—both primary sources and assigned supplemental materials (see assignments).
Assignments: 20%
Response Papers will focus on the researched information that will include history, social relevance, variations, and how the assigned topic speaks to the reading. There is an abstract that must be submitted and approved before Research paper submission.

Plagiarism:
The college has a strict policy regarding plagiarism. If you are caught cheating, in any way, you will fail this class and be required to meet with the Division Dean.

Plagiarism is intentionally and knowingly presenting the ideas or works of another as one’s own original idea or works in any academic exercise without proper acknowledgment of the source. The purchase and submission of a dissertation, thesis, term paper, essay, report, or other written assignment to fulfill the requirements of this course is plagiarism and violates section 213-b of the State Education Law. Any student caught plagiarizing will fail this course, be presented to the Division Dean for expulsion, and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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 C0ollege 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.

Schedule:

Week 1: Welcome, course design, expectations. Reading: Emerson’s “Self-Reliance”

Week 2: Discuss Emerson. Go Tell it on the Mountain: Chapters 1-10 and “Sonny’s Blues”

Week 3: Continue Go Tell it…. Response Paper 1: Christianity. Read Chapters 11-25

Week 4: Conclude Go Tell It…. Read “Blues for Mr. Charlie,” “The Price of the Ticket”

Week 5: Exam 1. The Fire Next Time pages 1-25. Response Paper 2: Civil Rights Movement

Week 6: Discuss The Fire Next Time. Conclude reading. Response Paper 3: Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965

Week 7: Film: Mississippi Burning: Notes of a Native Son Chapter 2

Week 8: Discussion of film and Notes of …

Week 9: Exam 2: Midterm. Giovanni’s Room: Part 1. Post pictures on OpenLab

Week 10: Discuss Giovanni’s… Response Paper 4: Sodomy Laws. Giovanni’s… Part 2

Week 11: Conclude Giovanni’s Room

Week 12: Exam 3: Research Paper. Another Country, 1-50

Week 13: Discuss Another Country. Abstract Due on Open Lab. Read 51-200

Week 14: Paper synopsis presentations: organization and development. Peer response sheets

Week 15: Final Exam, Research Paper due

Note: Depending on the pace of our discussions, this schedule of assignments may change. As such, attendance is essential to staying on track.

Objectives, Activities, Assessment