ENG 101W-A: Possible Selves

Dr. Suzanne W. Churchill
Fall 2005
MWF 9:30-10:20
Carolina Inn 205

This course will explore the self as a multilayered, complex entity that unfolds across time. Anchored in memories and stories of the past, our sense of self also influences our vision of the future—of who we want to be and what is possible for us, both as individuals and as societies. This interdisciplinary course will explore the self from a variety of perspectives, including psychology, fiction, history, political science, and film.

How to reach me:
My office is in Carolina Inn 204, ext. 2595.
My office hours are Mondays 2:30-4 pm, Tuesdays 10-11 am, and Thursdays 3-4 pm.
If these times conflict with your schedule, you may schedule an appointment.
For quick, factual clarifications, but not for advice or conferences, you may contact me by e-mail at suchurchill@davidson.edu. In emergencies, you may call me at home, 704-896-3993 (between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.).
The syllabus is on the web at www.davidson.edu/academic/english/faculty/churchill_home/ENG101A_F05_syllabus.htm. It contains links to electronic reserve readings and other resources.
Our class distribution list is ENG101A_F05@davidson.edu. When you send a message to this list, it goes to every member of the class, including me. Please use this list to contact me with any questions about the course, especially clarifications of readings, assignments, and due dates. Chances are, if you're confused, someone else is too.

Required texts:
Diana Hacker, Rules for Writers, 5th Edition, Bedford/St. Martin's, 0-312-41050-6
Haven Kimmel, A Girl Named Zippy, Broadway/Today Show Book Club Edition, 0767915054
Jhumpa Lahiri, Interpreter of Maladies, Mariner Books/Houghton Mifflin, 0-395-92720-X
Daniel Schwartz, The Paradox of Choice, Ecco, 0060005696
William Zinsser, On Writing Well, Quill/HarperCollins, 0-06-000664-1

Course Reserves:
Many of the readings are available on electronic course reserves, as noted in the syllabus by (ER). Print out these readings at the beginning of the semester and assemble them into a folder, binder, or packet. Electronic problems are NOT an excuse for not doing the readings.

Class Participation:
Collaboration makes this writing course possible. We will be working together to plan, write, revise, and "fine tune" your essays. Your participation is vital to the workings of the entire class. You will be expected to come to class with relevant texts and assignments, prepared to participate in a lively, informed manner. For workshops, you should come prepared with detailed written feedback on student essays.

Because we need your contributions to make class as fun and rewarding as possible, please try to attend every class. You may miss three classes without directly lowering your grade—you don't need to provide any excuses. But use those absences wisely, because except in the case of verifiable hardship (e.g. Dean's or doctor's excuse), each absence after three lowers your final grade by 1/3 of a letter. For instance, a student with a B- final grade who missed three classes would earn a C+ for the semester.

Papers & Assignments:
I. Readings: All readings should be completed for class on the day they are listed on the syllabus. Please do the readings BEFORE you commence any writing assignments or peer critiques, since many of the readings are designed to help you approach the writing assignments and workshop topics.

II. Papers: You will write a lot—seven assignments of varying lengths, ranging from a one-page summary to an 8-10-page research paper. All papers must be typed in a standard 12-point font, double-spaced with one-inch margins, and stapled. CITE YOUR SOURCES. All papers must provide complete bibliographic citations for ALL materials used, including the primary work(s) discussed, following MLA Style (Although style manuals are available in the reference section of the library, I urge you to purchase your own). You are encouraged to see me for help, to use the Writing Center, and to exchange papers with classmates in this class ONLY, provided you indicate in your pledge who helped you and how.

Assignment due dates are listed in the syllabus. Work handed in after these deadlines will be considered late and will be marked down a full letter grade for each day late. If you need an extension, you must clear it with me a week before the assignment is due. NOTE: The Carolina Inn is open from 8 a.m.–5 p.m., M–F, and locked nights and weekends. If you need to drop off or pick up a paper, make sure you get there before lock-up.

Final Grade Breakdown:
Assignment 1 (personal essay): 10%
Assignment 2 (summary & comparative analysis): 15%
Assignment 3 (synthesis & explanation): 10%
Assignment 4 (literary analysis): 15%
Assignment 5 (historical analysis): 10%
Assignment 6 (film review): 5%
Assignment 7 (research paper): 5% for abstract, 25% for paper
Participation: 10%

Workshop: abstracts
Assignment 7: film review
Zinsser, "Writing About the Arts" (194-207)
Wednesday Night at the Movies: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, 8 p.m., Ch 3068