Department of English Course Descriptions
Spring 2017
MW 11am-12:20pm, FH 228
English 3301.252: Critical Theory and Practice for English Majors (WI)
MW 12:30pm-1:50pm, FH 228
Instructor: / Allan Chavkin
Course Description: / Current approaches to literature with attention to reading strategies and artistic techniques and conventions.
Books: / Saul Bellow, Collected Stories
Henry James, The Turn of the Screw, A Case Study in Contemporary Criticism edited by Peter Beidler
Arthur Miller, The Portable Arthur Miller
Louise Erdrich, Shadow Tag
David Mikics, New Handbook of Literary Terms
Junichiro Tanizaki, The Key
Evaluation: / Class participation, exams, essays.
E-Mail: /
English 3301.253: Critical Theory and Practice for English Majors (WI)
TR 9:30am-10:50am, FH 224
Instructor: / Dr. Kathryn Ledbetter
Course Description: / This course is designed to acquaint English majors with contemporary interpretive conversations about literature, culture, and critical theory, including feminist, Marxist, psychoanalytic, cultural, postcolonialist, and historicist perspectives. We will study terms, genres, and research methods. Readings will include a variety of short fiction, a bestselling Victorian novel by Ellen Wood (East Lynne), and selections of poetry. This course has a strict attendance policy.
Books: / Ellen Wood, East Lynne (Broadview)
Robert Dale Parker, How to Interpret Literature (3rd edition, Oxford UP)
Ross MurfinSupryia Ray, The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms (Bedford/St. Martin’s)
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (8th edition, MLA).
Evaluation: / Critical research essay – 50%
Writing assignments – 20%
Literary terms exam – 10%
Reading quizzes – 10%
Comprehensive final exam – 10%
E-Mail: /
English 3301.254: Critical Theory and Practice for English Majors (WI)
TR 11am-12:20pm, FH 224
Instructor: / Nancy Wilson
Course Description: / Course introduces the critical theories underpinning rhetorical and literary analysis within various branches of English Studies and develops the skills of reading, writing, and research. Required for majors and open to minors; must be taken in the first semester of upper-division classes.
Books: / Theory into Practice: An Introduction to Literary Theory, by Ann B. Dobie
Beloved, by Toni Morrison
Evaluation: / Two exams (mid-term and final); three short papers; one long research project.
E-Mail: /
English 3301.255: Critical Theory and Practice for English Majors (WI)
TR 2pm-3:20pm, FH 224
Instructor: / Rebecca Bell-Metereau
Course Description: / Current approaches to literature, readings strategies and artistic techniques and conventions. Focus will be on verbal and visual textual analysis.
English 3301 is designed to refine your skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and conducting research. You will always have your own choice of specific topics, but the kinds of papers required are intended to emphasize a variety of theoretical, research, and rhetorical skills. This section emphasizes your own creativity, individual voice, computer literacy, media literacy, and critical thinking skills. Your full participation is an essential part of the course dynamics and content.
Books: / Alice in Wonderland, Dreamchild(video)
Heart of Darkness (Ross C Murfin, 2nd ed.)
Apocalypse Now (video)
Orlando (book and video)
New Handbook of Literary Terms, David Mikics, 2007 Yale
Evaluation: / 5 pp. research essay – 20%
Daily work – 20%
Critical approaches presentation – 20%
Midterm – 20%
Final – 20%
E-Mail: /
English 3302.251: Film and Video Theory and Production (WI)
MW 3:30pm-4:50pm, FH 120
Instructor: / Kathleen McClancy
Course Description: / This course will introduce students to the techniques and theories of film and digital video production by teaching students how movies are made. This is a hands-on class, and students should expect to spend significant time with a camera. We will discuss shot composition, location scouting, cinematography, and non-linear editing, among other topics. As we learn the elements of the medium of film, we will put our new knowledge into action, creating our own digital videos. Necessary equipment is provided.
Books: / Bowen and Thompson, Grammar of the Shot and Grammar of the Edit.
Evaluation: / Individual and group film projects, weekly written, photographic, and video work, participation, quizzes.
E-Mail: /
English 3303.254: Technical Writing (WI)
MWF 9am-9:50am, FH G14
English 3303.257: Technical Writing (WI)
MWF 10am-10:50am, FH G14
Instructor: / Laura Ellis-Lai
Course Description: / The study and practice of expository writing in technical and scientific professions. Emphasis on planning, writing, revising, editing, and proofreading proposals, reports, and other forms of professional communication for a variety of audiences. Computer technology included.
Books: / Students must purchase the digital copy of Technical Communication (11th edition or later) by Mike Markel (this is an EBOOK, not a hard copy) AND one semester of access to LaunchPad, a website which includes the digital textbook, for around $80. The campus bookstore can sell a digital access card for this bundled package (LaunchPadEbook) OR students may follow the instructor’s directions during the first week of the semester to sign up for this online using a credit card.
Evaluation:
E-Mail: /
English 3303.260: Technical Writing (WI)
MW 11am-12:20pm, FH G14
English 3303.278: Technical Writing (WI)
TR 11am-12:20pm, FH G14
Instructor: / Beverley Braud
Course Description: / English 3303 discusses and practices the tenets and techniques of technical writing common in science-based professions. This course is writing-intensive and requires computer skills; the course assumes the writing skills that junior-level students should have developed by this time in their college courses. English 3303 requires several substantial writing projects as well as shorter assignments. The course also includes a required final exam, written during the assigned exam time.
Books: / Markel, M. Technical Communication, 11th ed. ISBN: 9781457673375
Evaluation: / Students will be assessed on how well their writing conforms to the stylistic, mechanical, and formatting conventions for professional writing and design covered in class as well as on the completeness of their writing assignments. This class doe shave an attendance policy.
A typical list of assignments and points:
Writing sample – 05
TechDoc analysis – 20
Memo re. ethics – 20
Preliminary refs for proposal/FS – 20
Memo re. FS audience & topics – 20
Proposal edits (2x5) – 10
Fact sheet outline – 20
Memo re. FS graphics – 20
FS edits (2x5) – 10
Fact sheet – 100
Memo re. UM topic and outline – 20
UM edits (2x5) – 10
User manual – 100
Final – 25
Course total points - 475
E-Mail: /
English 3303.264: Technical Writing (WI)
MW 12:30pm-1:50pm, FH 114
Instructor: / Dr. Miriam Williams
Course Description: / The study and practice of expository writing in technical and scientific professions. Emphasis on planning, writing, revising, editing, and proofreading proposals, reports, and other forms of professional communication for a variety of audiences. Computer technology included.
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail: /
English 3303.265: Technical Writing (WI)
MW 12:30pm-1:50pm, FH 120
Instructor: / Susie Tilka
Course Description: / This course teaches the skills needed for writing in scientific and technical fields. Students produce documents for various purposes and audiences, drawing on their own disciplines for subject matter. Writing applications include memos, letters, abstracts, resumes, and a longer documented project--all with consideration of document design.
Books: / Technical Communication by Markel – 11th edition
Evaluation: / Written documents only
E-Mail: /
English 3303.274: Technical Writing (WI)
TR 8am-9:20am, FH G14
English 3303.276: Technical Writing (WI)
TR 9:30am-10:50am, FH G14
Instructor: / Pinfan Zhu
Course Description: / This course prepares students for workplace writings. Specific genres include: instructions, proposals, memos, reports, job letters and résumés, Web design, use of graphics, and document design. Students also learn how to analyze audiences and use rhetorical strategies to target them. Communicating with cross-cultural audiences is also one of the focuses. Other skills students will learn in the course are skills used throughout the writing process from invention to editing and research skills. The course is writing intensive but also teaches students oral presentation skills and some application software skills. Students have to participate in group discussion, web board response, online research, and in-class exercises.
Books:
Evaluation: / Job application materials (individual) – 10%
Instructions (individual), definitions, and description – 10%
Research proposal (individual) – 10%
Oral presentation (individual) – 5%
Completion report (group project) – 10%
Business letters and a memo (group project) – 10%
Informal reports (group project) – 10%
Self-quizzes (homework) – 10%
Three quizzes – 15%
Final exam – 10%
E-Mail: /
English 3303.275: Technical Writing (WI)
TR 8am-9:20am, FH 114
English 3303.277: Technical Writing (WI)
TR 9:30am-10:50am, FH 114
Instructor: / Chris Margrave
Course Description: / This course prepares students for writing in the workplace. Specific genres include letters, job application materials, instructions, and advertisements. Specific skills developed include document design, web page design, use of graphics, collaborative writing, audience analysis, and project management. The course is writing and computer intensive and requires active participation.
Books: / Markel, Mike. Technical Communication (any edition is fine)
Evaluation: / 10 short writing projects, creation of one website
E-Mail: /
English 3303.279: Technical Writing (WI)
TR 11am-12:20pm, FH 114
Hybrid: meets in class Tuesday, online Thursday.
English 3303.282: Technical Writing (WI)
TR 12:30pm-1:50pm, FH 114
Hybrid: meets in class Tuesday, online Thursday.
Instructor: / Aimee Roundtree
Course Description: / This course prepares students for technical and workplace writing. Specific genres include instructions, proposals, memos, reports, job letters and résumés, Web design, use of graphics, and document design. Students also learn how to analyze audiences and use rhetorical strategies to target them. Students will also learn best practices for the writing process, from invention to editing and research skills. The course is writing intensive but also teaches students oral presentation skills and some application software skills. Students will participate in group discussion, web board response, online research, and in-class exercises.
Books: / Practical Strategies for Technical Communication
Markel, Mike
1319003362 or 13: 978-1319003364
Bedford/St. Martin's
2016
Evaluation: / Job Materials
Progress Report
Proposal
Recommendation Report
Presentation
Participation Activities
E-Mail: /
English 3303.280: Technical Writing (WI)
TR 11am-12:20pm, FH 120
Instructor: / Dr. Rebecca Jackson
Course Description: / This is an advanced writing course focused on technical writing in your future profession. The course will emphasize and help you develop the multiple literacies necessary to solve complex workplace problems, initiate and complete communication projects, even challenge and revise outdated or ineffective communication processes and products. These literacies include basic literacy, rhetorical literacy, social literacy, technological literacy, ethical literacy, and critical literacy.
Books: / Johnson-Sheehan, Richard. Technical Communication Today. 5th ed. Longman, 2014.
Evaluation: / Job application materials, informative report, analytical report, proposal, oral pitch presentation
E-Mail: /
English 3303.283: Technical Writing (WI)
TR 12:30pm-1:50pm, FH 120
English 3303.284: Technical Writing (WI)
TR 2pm-3:20pm, FH 114
Instructor: / Lauren Schiely
Course Description: / The study and practice of expository writing in technical and scientific professions. Emphasis on planning, writing, revising, editing, and proofreading proposals, reports, and other forms of professional communication for a variety of audiences. Computer technology included.
Books:
Evaluation:
E-Mail: /
English 3303.288: Technical Writing (WI)
TR 3:30pm-4:50pm, FH 120
Instructor: / Eric Leake
Course Description: / The study and practice of expository writing in technical and scientific professions. Attention to the planning, writing, revising, editing, and proofreading of proposals, reports, applications, and other forms of professional communication for a variety of audiences. This section emphasizes the practical application of technical writing. Computer technology included.
Books: / Technical Communication, by Mike Markel
Evaluation: / Reading responses, quizzes, analysis, recommendation, proposal, and application.
E-Mail: /
English 3303.296: Technical Writing (WI)
W 6:30pm-9:20pm, FH 114
Instructor: / Libby Allison, Ph.D.
Course Description: / This course introduces students to various kinds of technical documents that professionals in businesses, agencies, organizations, and industries write, edit, design, and distribute to different audiences. Students will learn key principles of communicating and writing that can be applied to any technical and professional writing activity including ones in students’ majors and careers.
Books: / Technical Communication Today, 5th ed. by Richard Johnson-Sheehan. New York: Pearson Longman, 2015. Students must bring their books to class.
Evaluation: / Class participation, in-class activities, and homework – 30% of overall grade
Larger writing projects – about 40% of overall grade
Quizzes and exams – 30% of overall grade
E-Mail: /
English 3303.298: Technical Writing (WI)
W 6:30pm-9:20pm, AVRY 351
Online course; meets 01/25 and 03/08, RRHEC; email for more information.
English 3303.299: Technical Writing (WI)
THU 6:30pm-9:20pm, AVRY 351
Online course; meets 01/26 and 03/09, RRHEC; email for more information.
Instructor: / Dan Price
Course Description: / This course prepares students for writing in the workplace. Specific genres include letters, memos, job application materials, manuals, reports, and presentations. Specific skills developed include document design, web page design, use of graphics, collaborative writing, audience analysis, and project management. The course is writing and computer intensive and requires active participation.
Books: / Markel, Mike. Technical Communication, 11th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2015.
Evaluation: / Five major writing assignments and a final.
E-Mail: /
English 3304.251: Professional Writing (WI)
TR 8am-9:20am, FH 120
English 3304.252: Technical Writing (WI)
TR 9:30am-10:50am, FH 120
Instructor: / Susan Hanson
Course Description: / English 3304 adapts the principles of expository writing for use in the workplace. The course teaches students in non-technical fields to write documents commonly used in professional settings. Computer technology is included. (You will be expected to learn the basics of Photoshop and InDesign in order to complete several projects.)
Books: / A Pocket Style Manual,Hacker and Sommers, Eds., Bedford/St. Martin's, 2014.
Evaluation: / 90% writing projects, 10% quizzes & attendance
E-Mail: /
English 3304.253: Professional Writing (WI)
MW 11am-12:20pm, FH 114
English 3304.254: Technical Writing (WI)
MW 3:30pm-4:50pm, FH 114
Instructor: / Edward Alan Schaefer
Course Description: / English 3304 covers the principles of expository writing adapted for the workplace. The course prepares students in non-technical fields to write documents commonly used in professional settings. Students will engage in writing assignments that will prepare them to write effectively in the workplace.
Books: / Writing That Works: Communicating Effectively on the Job, 12th ed. byOliu, Brusaw, and Alred. ISBN-10: 131901948X
Evaluation: / Tentative evaluation:
Seven short writing assignments – 65%
Major project – 25%
Final exam – 10%
E-Mail: /
English 3306.251: Writing for Film (WI)
TR 2pm-3:20pm, FH 227
Instructor: / Jon Marc Smith
Course Description: / In this course we will study the theory and practice of writing screenplays, including narratology, story elements (characterization, plotting, dramatic structure, dramatic action, dialogue, setting, and theme), the deconstruction of the composition process, the Hollywood Paradigm, three-act restorative structure, and the conventional format of screenplays.
Students will develop story ideas, pitches, beat sheets, and loglines. Students may also choose to write the first act of a screenplay. Students will read and analyze screenplays as texts, as well as view and analyze films as texts.
Students will participate in writing workshops by providing peers with feedback/commentary on their manuscripts. Each student will have story ideas, film treatments, and the first act of a screenplay discussed by the class in workshop format.
Because creative writing is an artistic endeavor, we will not always agree. Readers and viewers have different tastes and beliefs. We will, however, engage in a lively exchange of ideas.
Discussion is integral to this course. Each student should come to class prepared, eager to share ideas, and open to new points of view. We must create an environment in which all our views are respected and explored. Because we discuss student work, we should all be sensitive and compassionate to each other. I expect you to evaluate your peers, but you should always criticize your fellow students in a constructive manner.
Students will learn to eliminate vague and “tired” language in their writing; use conventional techniques, styles, tools, and modes of screenwriting; engage with the creative work of other students; and evaluate and improve their own creative work.
In addition, students will deconstruct screenplays in order to understand why authors made specific compositional choices. Students will then apply what they learn to their own drafts. Students will also evaluate, interpret, and judge the writing of other students, thus creating a community of writers and learners.
Books:
Evaluation: / Two essays (3-5 pages each) on screenplay theory and practice
A logline (or pitch sentence) workshopped in class
A beat sheet (or outline) for about half a screenplay workshopped by peers
A final essay OR a first act of a movie in conventional screenplay form
Workshopping peers’ loglines, pitches, and beat sheets
Vocal participation in class including reading the assignments on time and discussing them in class
Politeness and work ethic
Regular attendance
E-Mail: /
English 3307.251: Introduction to the Study of Film (WI)
TR 12:30pm-1:50, FH 130
English 3307.252: Introduction to the Study of Film (WI)
TR 3:30pm-4:50pm, FH 130
Instructor: / Victoria Smith
Course Description: / This course introduces students to the vocabulary of film, contextualizes film historically and culturally, and situates each film within a generic framework—for example, German expressionism, film noir, the western, Italian neo-realism, the melodrama, and recent social problem films.
Books: / Corrigan and White. The Film Experience (4th. ed.—though any edition is acceptable), various readings on TRACS
Tentative list of films: M, Mildred Pierce, Boys Don’t Cry, Pan’s Labyrinth, Dr. Strangelove, Chinatown, Imitation of Life, The Hurt Locker, Thelma and Louise, Dr. Strangelove, Do the Right Thing, American Hustle, Dallas Buyers Club
Evaluation: / Oral presentation, various short in-class written assignments, 2 papers, a midterm, and a final
E-Mail: /
English 3309.251: The Southwest in Film (WI)
MW 12:30pm-1:50pm, FH 130
Instructor: / Kathleen McClancy
Course Description: / Ever since the founding of the United States, the western frontier has figured prominently in American culture. And ever since the founding of Hollywood, from the western to the film noir, the Southwest has figured prominently in American films. This course examines the Southwest in film: how film presents and constructs not only the region itself but its iconography in the American cultural consciousness. In the process, we will consider how the medium of film works to create place, ideology, and nation.
Books: / Monaco, How to Read a Film
Films may include: