MULTICULTURAL LITERATURE-ENGL 3501-01 (CRN 25507 )

Spring 2008— TR 3:00-4:15pm—T 224 (Technology Bldg)

Dr. Brigitte Byrd                                                         Office: A&S 210M
brigittebyrd@clayton.edu                                            Office Phone: (678) 466-4556

http://a-s.clayton.edu/bbyrd/Homepage.htm                Office hours: TBA

                                                                                                (and by appointment)

Text (required)

Miko Kings, by LeAnne Howe (2007)

Native Guard, by Natasha Trethewey (2007)

Fata Morgana, by Reginald Shepherd (2007)

Brokeback Mountain, by Annie Proulx (1997)

Under the Feet of Jesus, by Helena Maria Viramontes (1995)

Maus I, by Art Spiegelman (1986)

The Bone Setter’s Daughter, by Amy Tan (2003)

The Namesake, by Jhumpa Lahiri (2003)

Other materiel (required)

A notebook

Notebook Computer Requirement

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers

Student notebook computers will be used occasionally in the classroom. Computers are required to access course materials and to communicate with me.  Access to the internet is mandatory.

Catalog Description

Primary focus on texts by members of one or more traditionally marginalized cultural groups within the United States and with attention to historical and theoretical aspects. Pre-Requisites:

Course Objectives

This course is designed to increase and deepen our exposure to and understanding of American minorities through the work of representatives of American minorities.  We will read fiction, poetry and memoir/graphic novel by authors such as LeAnne Howe, Natasha Trethewey, Reginald Shepherd, Annie Proulx, Helena Maria Viramontes, Art Spiegelman, Amy Tan, and Jhumpa Lahiri.  Focusing on these authors will present us with a very contemporary perspective on the history, values, and cultures of American minorities.  Some of these works have been adapted for the big screen, and we will take advantage of this opportunity to view excerpts of these adaptations.  

University Policies:

Students must abide by policies in the Student Handbook and the Student Code of Conduct.

http://www.thezonelive.com/zone/02_SchoolStructure/GA_ClaytonStateUniversity/handbook.pdf

http://adminservices.clayton.edu/studentaffairs/StudentHandbook/SCC-2007-08.pdf

Disruption of the Learning Environment

Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not tolerated.  While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior.  A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class.  A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal.  If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF.

A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is provided at: http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm

University Attendance Policy:

Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting.  Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi.  Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses.  The university reserves the right to determine what excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient causes for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.

Attendance: 

Attendance is expected for all class periods.  Attendance is mandatory to 3 readings** (2 events from the Visiting Writers Reading Series), all performances, and all workshops.  By “mandatory” I mean that failing to comply with the previous requirements will result in dropping one letter grade from your overall grade.  An excused absence is an absence for which you provide me with a note from your doctor or other competent authority.  Any absence after 2 excused absences will affect your participation grade.  After 4 excused or unexcused absences, your overall grade for the course will drop one letter grade then one additional letter grade for each additional absence.

**You will notice that I have canceled 3 class meetings this semester in order to make up for your attendance to 3 readings/lectures (including the 2 events from the Visiting Writers Reading Series).

Plagiarism:

Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. Plagiarism is one of the most common forms of academic misconduct. It will not be tolerated.  Plagiarism is a counterproductive, non-writing behavior that is unacceptable in a course intended to aid the growth of individual writers.  Plagiarism is representing another’s work or part thereof, be it published or unpublished, as one’s own. All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved.  All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of StudentLife/JudicialAffairs. See disciplinary procedures at

http://adminservices.clayton.edu/studentaffairs/StudentHandbook/DP-2007-08.pdf

Disability Services:

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact 
the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 214, 678-466-5445.

http://adminservices.clayton.edu/disability/

Visiting Writers Reading Series:

Mandatory attendance to 3 readings/lectures* including the 2 readings from the Clayton State University Visiting Writers Reading Series.  This semester, I have scheduled one event during the day and one event in the evening in order to reduce any schedule conflict.  This said, if your school schedule or your work schedule prevents you from attending the two events from the Clayton State University Visiting Writers Reading Series, you need to see me by January 29 so that we may make other arrangements.

*You will notice that I have canceled 3  class meetings this semester in order to make up for your attendance to our Clayton State University Visiting Writers Reading Series (spring 2008) along with your attendance to another reading/lecture on or off campus.

Late work Policy

I do not accept late work. Late work will receive a 0 unless arrangements are made between us before a planned absence or immediately after class, in the case of a personal emergency.  Once we have made arrangements, you will turn the assignment in question directly to me.

Journal & Notes

Using the required notebook, you will write down notes, thoughts, and excerpts from each text assigned.  You will develop and write down at least two questions for discussion as you read each text and share them with the rest of class in preparation for a potential essay.  You will also develop one assigned question for each text assigned in this journal at the end of the section concerning a particular text.

Presentations

Each student will be in charge of two presentations on two different texts over the course of the semester.  By “presentation,” I mean that a student will address a question related to the American minority in question in a particular text.  For instance, a good start would be to ask oneself, “I am reading Miko Kings which is written by LeAnne Howe, an enrolled citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.  What do I know about Native Americans?  What was I taught about the history of this People?  What do I know about their culture?  Their beliefs?  Their traditions? What do I know about Native Americans today?  About the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma?  Etc.”  Once you have assessed honestly what you know already, you will probably realize that you need to do a bit of research to answer some of these questions.  You may also realize that you know very little about this People.  Ask yourself why? Evidently, this has to do with their being an American minority and maybe their voices having been silenced. . . .

Essays

You will write two short essays over the term.  As we read the assigned texts, we will develop questions, and you will have to develop one question for each individual essay.  The first essay will focus on either one of the first four texts assigned, and the second one on either one of the last four texts assigned.  Follow MLA format.  These essays will be structured and include quotes from the text in question.  No outside sources necessary a priori.  Length 2 to 2 1/2 pages maximum (font 12, Times New Roman, double-spaced). 

Evaluation

In order to receive a C in this course, you must complete all the written and oral assignments below on time, participate in a group performance, and attend 3 readings/lectures (including 2 from the Clayton State University Visiting Writers Reading Series).  Remember that attendance is required and that after 4 excused or unexcused absences, your overall grade starts dropping.  Similarly, attendance is mandatory to all performances and 3 readings/lecture.  By “mandatory” I mean that failing to comply with any of the previous requirements will result in dropping one letter grade from your overall grade. 

Participation                10%

Journal & Notes          20%

Presentations               20%

Performance (group)   10%

Essay 1 (midterm)       20%

Essay 2 (final)             20%                            

Grading

A         90-100 (excellent)

B         80-89 (above average)

C         70-79 (average—i.e. you did everything, but the quality of the work is average)

D         60-69 (you probably forgot to complete some assignments)  

F          60 and below

Important dates

Keep track of the class schedule for presentations.  Each student is required to sign up for two presentations.

1/28 @ 12:30pm (UC 322): Brigitte Byrd (poetry)

2/21     Journal & Notes due, essay 1 (midterm) due

2/26 @ 7:00pm (UC 272): Natasha Trethewey (2007 Poetry Pulitzer Prize)

2/29     Midterm progress report

3/26 @ 12:30pm (UC 322): Clayton State University Creative Writing Students Reading

4/17 @ 7:00pm (UC 272): Poetry Palooza/Cygnet Launching

4/24     Journal & Notes due, Essay 2 (final) due

COURSE SCHEDULE

On the first day a new book is assigned on the syllabus, students are expected to come to class prepared and having read the entire book—except for Evidence of Red which must be read by the first meeting of week 2.

Bring your notebook to all class meetings

Week 1

1/08     Introduction of course and to peers

1/10     Miko Kings / LeAnne Howe, sign up for presentations

Week 2

1/15     Miko Kings, presentations __________, __________

1/17     Miko Kings, presentations __________, __________

Week 3

1/22     Miko Kings, presentations __________, __________           

1/24     Native Guard / Natasha Trethewey, presentations __________, __________

Week 4

*1/28   Poet Brigitte Byrd  reads at 12:30pm (UC 267)

1/29     Native Guard, presentations __________, __________      

1/31     Class canceled for attending a reading/lecture

Week 5

2/05    Native Guard and Fata Morgana / Reginald Shepherd, presentations __________, __________, __________, __________,

2/07     Fata Morgana, presentations, __________, __________,

Week 6

2/12     Fata Morgana, presentations __________, __________

2/14     Brokeback mountain / Annie Proulx, presentations __________, __________

Week 7

2/19     Class canceled for attending a reading/lecture                       

2/21     Brokeback mountain (film), journal & notes due, essay 1 due

Week 8

*2/26   2007 Poetry Pulitzer Prize Natasha Trethewey reads at 7:00pm (UC272)

2/26     Under the Feet of Jesus / Helena Maria Viramontes, presentations __________, __________

2/28     Under the Feet of Jesus, presentations __________, __________

Week 9  SPRING BREAK

Week 10

3/11     Maus I / Art Spiegelman, presentations __________, __________

3/13     Maus I, presentations __________, __________ 

Week 11

3/18     The Bone Setter’s Daughter / Amy Tan, presentations __________, __________

3/20     The Bonne Setter’s Daughter, presentations __________, __________    

Week 12

*3/26   Creative writing students read at 12:30pm (UC 267)

3/25     The Bonne Setter’s Daughter, presentations __________, __________

3/27     The Bonne Setter’s Daughter and The Namesake / Jhumpa Lahiri presentations __________, __________, __________, __________

Week 13

4/01     The Namesake, presentations __________, __________ 

4/03     The Namesake, presentations __________, __________ 

Week 14

4/08     The Namesake, presentations __________, __________  

4/10     Class canceled for attending a reading/lecture

Week 15

*4/17 Poetry Palooza/Cygnet launching at 7:00pm (UC 272)

4/15     The Namesake (film)

4/17     Preparation for performances

Week 16

4/22     Performances

4/24     Performances, journal & notes due, essay 2 due

Week 17 FINALS WEEK