Instructor Information

Name: Kathryn Keen, Chair of English and Foreign Languages

E-Mail: kkeen@odessa.edu

Office Location: WH 224
Odessa College
201 W. University
Odessa, TX 79764

Office: 432.335.6585
office Hours are posted in the course in Blackboard.

Course Information

Title: ENGL 2323: Survey of British Literature II


Course Dates: Please consult the online OC calendar each semester at:
http://www.odessa.edu/calendar/


Course Credits: 3 lecture hours


Location – This course is a full Web course and is conducted in Blackboard.


Prerequisites – ENGL 1302



Course Catalog Description
Consists of reading and analyzing significant works of British literature from the Romantic Period to the present day. .

Course Overview
In this class, you will read works from the Romantic Era through to present day; however, you will not simply read specific works, but rather, you will explore various aspects of historical periods; understand how the assigned works reflect changing social, political, and religious thoughts of each period; and then compare themes from era to era.   It is important that students learn to appreciate literature as a cultural expression that influences society far past its own timeframe, so I will connect the relevancy of the works to your modern day lives.
    
Course Objectives
1)  Identify the characteristics and significance of the generally-accepted periods of the second half of British Literature: Romantic, Victorian, and Modern.
2)  Read and analyze masterpieces and, where necessary, secondary works of each of the major periods of British literature: epic, poetry, fiction, and drama.
3)  Compare, contrast, and synthesize works and ideas in a perceptive fashion.
4)  Use standard terminology and techniques to analyze works from the various genres.
5)  Understand the themes and significance of literary works.
6)  Express results of literary analysis in a clear, well-organized style.
7)  Understand the relation of a work to its period and to British literature as a whole.
8)  Participate in all assigned work.


Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course the student will be able to:

1.0  Recognize the major movements and periods of British literature from the Romantic Age through the present.

2.0  Read and analyze both masterpieces and secondary works of British literature.

3.0 Demonstrate knowledge of literary genres and terminology.

4.0  Identify the characteristic elements that relate literary works to the whole of British literature.

5.0  Communicate an understanding of British literature and its general history through papers, projects, and examinations that are written in clear, well-organized prose.


Required Materials and Skills
Textbook: The Norton Anthology, English Literature, The Major Authors, Volume B
Stephen Greenblatt, General Editor. W. W. Norton & Company
and
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Or, The Modern Prometheus (any edition as long as it is by Mary Shelley' novel)
Link to the Odessa College Bookstore: http://www.odessacollegebookstore.com/ 

Computer Skills: You must be able to type; browse and research internet,; upload and download files by attachment; and save files in Rich Text Format. You are required to submit assignments compatible with Microsoft Word 2003, and I might ask you to view course content that is in  Microsoft Word 2003.    In this case, you must have access to Microsoft Word (2003), or you must be able to convert files for reading and/or submitting in this format; additionally, essays or other files must be sent to me in Microsoft Word 2003 or in Rich Text Format.

Email: Students enrolled in Odessa College must use Odessa College email address. Go to
http://www.odessa.edu/dept/it/studentemail.htm  to set up your email account.  Please note that when you access this program the first time, you will be asked to change your password before you may proceed.

Hardware/Software Requirements

       In general, you need high speed Internet (cable, DSL, etc.) and a monitor capable of at least 800 x 600 resolution because your course might include short videos.   Specifics for your Computer: A minimum of 64 MB RAM, 1 G of free disk space and 150 MHz or higher recommended.

    Peripherals: Speakers to be able to listen to audio files. There will be audio/video files in the course for which you will need Windows Media      Player or QuickTime or Real Player. 

Software: Anti-virus software is highly recommended for students and instructors. Online courses involve much
file sharing, which increases your risk of computer virus infection. Anti-virus software will help protect your
computer in case of exposure to a computer virus.

Browser and settings:

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6" (IE 6) works best with Blackboard on computers running the Microsoft Windows
operating system.
Java and Cookies must be enabled.  To enable:

In Internet Explorer 6, go to the "Tools" menu and choose "Internet Options". 

Choose the "Privacy" tab and move the slider to "Medium" (which is the default setting) to enable Cookies. 

To enable Java (if not installed, first see next item "Java Plug-in for Windows..." or Java Plug-in for Macintosh" below), while remaining in the "Internet Options" window choose the "Advanced" tab. 

Scroll down until you see the "Java (Sun)" item and check the box beside "Use Java...". 

Click "OK". 

You may need to close your browser and all other applications and restart your computer before this setting takes effect.


Course Schedule

The course is divided into units, and I direct the coursework for each unit as we go through the semester.  In other words, the course is not self-paced, but rather, you will have weekly assignments with due dates, and you will complete course units on the schedule that I provide through weekly announcements.

Course Evaluation

The course incorporates assigned readings from the text as well as articles and links from the Internet; unit tests; analytical essay/s; attendance/participation in analytical interactive components; and a separate Final Exam.

Regular and punctual logging into an online course is expected and is the responsibility of the student. Students are expected to log on to the course at least twice a week to access announcements and to complete course activities that are scheduled for each week.

Final Exam: The final exam takes place in Blackboard and is not proctored, unless something has occurred that has prompted me to require you to take your exams at a testing center (see "Policies and Procedures" below).

Discussion Requirements, Participation Guidelines, and Grading Criteria:

In addition to your textual reading assignments during the semester, you will have multiple on-line lectures; interactive discussions; analytical writing components; several exams, audio/video presentations/lectures, and a final exam.  Periodically, you will post to the Discussion Board (D-postings) for interaction with your classmates in conjunction with assigned topics.  These postings are required class participation and do carry a grade.

Interactive Discussion Components:
You are required to participate in all Discussion Board assignments, which serves several purposes, and some account for 15% of your grade: 
1) Topics are set up to assist you in better understanding the works so that you are better-prepared for exams;
2) They provide an arena for collegiality among students;
3) They alert me if you are not understanding material or may be struggling with concepts; and   
4) Postings count for attendance, so if you miss a posting then you are "absent" from class that week. For this course, if you miss the assigned postings, you are in academic jeopardy because of your absences in addition to the loss of grade points. 

Netiquette:                                                    

Anything you type in the discussion area is public – which means that every student in this class (including your instructor) will see what you write. Please pay attention to the language you use and adhere to the following:

Netiquette Guidelines:

1) Do not post anything too personal;
2) Do not use language that is inappropriate for a classroom setting (curse words, etc);
3) Do not use language that is inflammatory or prejudicial in regard to gender, race, or ethnicity;
4) Do not post in all caps; and
5) Remember your audience, which for the majority of time is your English teacher.  So, use language that is appropriate for your purpose.  In other words, please do not use "text messaging" language/abbreviations; adhere to basic grammar and punctuation rules; and use complete sentences.  
(If you do not adhere to the guidelines for any posting, you will lose the points that would have been granted, and I reserve the right to remove your posting and to deny you any further posting privileges.)

You will respond to 3-5 Discussion Topics during the semester. On several of the Discussion Topics, you are required to make at least one response or a ‘reply’ to one of the other students in your class. You will have a week to respond to a question. After that period, the question will be locked (meaning you will not be able to respond).

Teacher’s Lounge (Asynchronous):
You will have the opportunity to ask me questions in the virtual "Teacher's Lounge"  for each unit.  This lounge is open at specific times for you to clarify an assignment or to ask questions about the course, and that communication is asynchronous.  The reason for the "Teacher's Lounge" is to provide opportunities for students to ask specific questions of me about the course and for other students to see those questions and responses.  I have found that a question that one student asks is a question that another 10 students want to know, so to put that type discussion in one arena helps everyone. Therefore, I will ask that all students check the "Lounge" even if they are not asking a question because there could be a conversation going on there that answers questions for them.  The Teacher's Lounge is asynchronous, which means we will not be in that forum at the same time; however, I will post the dates that I will respond to your questions. The Teacher's Lounge is not mandatory

Student Lounge (Asynchronous):
Periodically, I will open an area for you to discuss readings, study questions, test reviews, etc. with each other.  I have found that this option is quite helpful because it gives you a place to chat among yourselves about the assignments.  The Student Lounge is optional and differs from an Interactive Discussion because there is no specific topic given to you--it is a place for you to congregate with your classmates to discuss the weekly assignment, upcoming essays, or study questions. I do not participate in these discussions, but I will monitor them.

Point System and Letter grades:
All graded assignments are worth 100 points-

Weights of Grades:
Interactive Discussion Components = 20%
Analytical essay/s = 20%
Semester Exams = 40%
Final Exam = 20%

Letter Grade Explanation:
90 to 100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 – 79 = C
60 – 69 = D
59 and below = F

Policies and Procedures

1) Testing:  Tests are handled through Blackboard on-line.  The dates are fixed and the exams are timed, and this is non-negotiable except for extreme situations. You will not be required to come to any campus for testing unless there is some question of plagiarism/cheating or a question of whether the student who has signed up for the course is really the student taking the exams and turning in work. 
 **I reserve the right to require you to come to the OC campus (or to a campus near you) for proctored testing if this should occur.  You need to know two things:
a) that this has happened, and I have required proctored testing; and
b) that all I need is to suspect cheating to require this of you.

Rules for Taking Tests in Blackboard:
1) If you begin an exam in Blackboard and then you have technical difficulties and are "thrown out" of the test, then this is what may happen:
I can ask you to take an alternate exam in my office or at a college testing center near you; however, I need to be notified immediately or I will not even consider an option for you. I will set the time and place for you to retake the exam or an alternate exam. So, if this happens, be prepared to miss school or work to get the exam completed because it is my option to require that.  So, you need to be sure you are on a reliable computer and have a reliable server.
2) If you miss the deadline for an exam, then it is up to you to contact me immediately with an explanation.  The decision of whether your explanation is valid is entirely up to me.  However, you need to realize that the sooner you contact me, the better.  Otherwise, I have to assume that you missed the exam in order to have more time to prepare, and that is not fair to the other students.   *I also reserve the right to allow you to take an exam late but at a reduced grade in order to compensate for the additional time you had to study; otherwise, it is not fair to students who took it on time.   I will set the time and place for a make-up if I do offer one. Please understand that I am not required to give makeup exams.
3) If you miss your Final Exam, then you will receive an "F" in the course unless you have an acceptable reason.  If this should occur, then you need to contact me immediately so that we can discuss it because I usually submit grades within 24 hours of the Final Exam. Taking your final exam on time is a "must" for any course with me. Please understand that when I turn in grades, the course is officially closed.

2) The Essay: Your analytical paper/s will follow standard MLA guidelines for documentation.  Writing components should illustrate an appropriate level of critical thinking, which incorporates independent thought, self-awareness, recognition of relevance, intellectual curiosity, and academic integrity.  All assignments and course activities that you submit to me must have the following in the name of the file: Your last name/ Section # and Assignment Name. Your essay must be typed in Microsoft Word (2003) version. If you use the 2007 version, you need to save and send it in RTF format. Do NOT send in WordPad, Word Perfect, etc. because I will not be able to open it. If you send it in a form that I cannot access, I will return it to you once, but please read the late submission policy below. Essays are submitted through the "Assignment" tool on your menu--not via email attachment. Explanation about the "Assignment" tool is provided with each essay.

Late Submission policy for Essays:
You need prior approval to miss a deadline for an essay, or you need to provide me with an acceptable reason by the first day past the deadline. If you miss the deadline for the essay with no advanced approval or do not contact me the first day past the deadline, you will lose one letter grade. At the close of the second day past the deadline, you will lose two letter grades. I will not accept the essay if I have not heard from you by the third day past the deadline. This policy also applies to written work you submit to me incorrectly--if you submit it in the wrong form or via email then these rules apply in regard to the timeline; in other words, I cannot give you extra time to resubmit because you did not submit it in the correct form or manner.

Statement on Plagiarism/Cheating:
      The first time that you plagiarize on any written work or cheat on an exam, you will receive a “0” on that assignment.  The second time that you plagiarize or cheat, you will receive an “F” in the course.  Here is an excellent source of information in regard to plagiarism in case you are unsure of what it is:: http://www.plagiarism.org/

 

 

Preparation for Computer Emergencies

Computer Crash

Not having a working computer or a crashed computer during the semester will NOT be considered as an acceptable reason for not completing course activities at a scheduled time. NOTE: Identify a second computer that you can use when/if your personal computer crashes.


Server problems

When the Blackboard server needs downtime for maintenance, the Blackboard administrator will post an announcement in your course informing the time and the date. If the server experiences unforeseen problems your course instructor will send an email.

Complete Loss of Contact

If you lose contact with me completely (i.e. you cannot contact me via Blackboard or email), you need to call me at my office, 335-6585, and explain the reason you cannot contact me and leave me a way to contact you.

Lost/Corrupt/Disappeared files

You must keep/save a copy of every project/assignment on an external disk or personal computer. In the event of any kind of failure (e.g., Blackboard server crash or virus infection, students own computer crashes, loss of files in cyberspace, etc) or any contradictions/problems, I may/will request you to resubmit the files. In other words, if
you submit a document to me, and I either do not receive it ( lost in cyberspace) or it is corrupted when I open it, it is incumbent upon you to resend it to me, corrected, with little or no "downtime" in regard to the timeline for submission.

Instructor’s Response Time

I will check email every day (M- F), and I spot check it over week-ends and holidays. You will get a response to your email within 48 hours, and most of time within 24 hours. If I am unable to do so (for some reason) you will be informed in "Announcements" in Blackboard. If you mail me and do not get a response from me within that time period, and there is no announcement in Blackboard with an explanation, please resend the original to me because that lapse of time indicates that I did not receive the original.

‘Incomplete’ Policy

An ‘Incomplete’ grade may be given only if (1) the student has passed all work completed, and (2) if he/she has completed a minimum of 75% of the required coursework. A grade of "I" will only be assigned when the conditions for completions have been discussed and agreed upon by the instructor and the student.

Mid-Term and Semester-End Course Evaluation

You may be required to participate in a mid-term and/or semester-end course evaluation survey.

Statement of Special Accommodations

In accordance with federal and state laws and regulations, Odessa College does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the recruitment and admission of students, the employment of faculty and staff, and/or the operation of any of its programs and activities. Students with a disability should contact ADA Accommodation/Support personnel Becky Rivera-Weiss @ 432-335-6861 or brivera@odessa.edu

Student Support Services

ADA Accommodation/Support

Becky Rivera-Weiss 432-335-6861 brivera@odessa.edu

Admissions & Registration & Transcripts

Becky Beard Director 432-335-6443 bbeard@odessa.edu

BlackBoard Technical Support

April Vanecek 432-335-6781 avanecek@odessa.edu

Derrick Conway 432-335-6682 dconway@odessa.edu

Bookstore
Molder, Sammie Manager 432-335-6654 smolder@odessa.edu

Business Office

Pollock, Debbie Manager 432-335-6600 dpollock@odessa.ed

Computer Services

Carson, David Director 432-335-6649 dcarson@odessa.edu

Counseling

Kunkel, Martha Director 432-335-6346 mkunkel@odessa.edu

Help Desk (Student Learning Center)

Angela Tombs 432-335-6714 atombs@odessa.edu

Financial Aid and Scholarship

Nesmith, Dee Director 432-335-6429 dnesmith@odessa.edu

Library

Petersen, Carolyn Director 432-335-6641 cpetersen@odessa.edu

Testing Center/Career Center

Pease, Terri Coordinator 432-335-6816 thilliard@odessa.edu

Vice President of Instruction

Alred, Dr. Clayton 432-335-6413 calred@odessa.edu

Vice President of Student Services

Bauske, Dr. David 432-335-6683 dbauske@odessa.edu


Access to Odessa College Library Online Catalog
http://www.odessa.edu/dept/library/