106 or 108? That is the question. Look here to be sure: Student Guide to Introductory Composition at Purdue
My expectations are as follows:
Students in English 108: Accelerated Freshman Composition are usually at
the top of their class in writing skills, having come from a high school AP
or CP program or in some other way demonstrated an adeptness with and command
of the written word that is well above the standard. Because that is so, our
focus for this class is much less on the grammar and mechanics of writing;
my expectation is that you already know how to use those tools correctly.
Instead, my intent is to help you develop and exercise your critical thinking,
reading, research, and writing skills through reading and discussing the writing
of others, in multiple media, and creating and improving upon your own. My standards for student writing and depth of involvement with the texts are high but certainly well within reach for students who fit the above criteria. Additionally, the atmosphere of my class is open, welcoming, and meant to encourage original thought, imagination, and inspiration as well as the application of mechanical skills and research methods and strategies. After all, "we are talking about tools and carpentry, about words and style . . . but as we move along, you'd do well to remember that we are also talking about magic" (King 137). Words are magic, the first magic, and they hold that power still, for those who learn to wield them well.
“We are talking about tools and carpentry, about words and style . . . but as we move along, you’d do well to remember that we are also talking about magic”
-- Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
As always, my intent in conjouring a theme for my conposition classes is to present you with a different way of stretching your critical reading, thinking, and writng muscles ~ while having some fun at the same time. I think reading, even critical reading, should be fun as well as instructive or otherwise illuminating, and I'm absolutely positive that what you have fun reading and writing and doing, you will remember and be able to apply elsewhere. The theme of our English 108 class this semester is: Harry Potter and the Literature of Magic and is as multi-faceted as a gemstone (or perhaps a sorcerer's stone?). We will be discussing everything from the magic of words and their ability to create portals into other places and times and realities to the series and author's literary anticedents and influences.
"One of the reasons Rowling’s books are so popular is the richness of detail . . . . Another is the fact that all of those details can trace their ancestry to literary conventions that reach all the way back into antiquity"
-- Rebecca Whitus Longster,"The Harlequinns in the Weasley Twins"
However, don't be fooled by the playfulness of the theme and the relaxed atmosphere of discussions: while the topic and discussions will be fun, you will still have to do your best work, both in class discussions and activities and in your writing, to get the best grades. There is much of literary and critical gold to be mined here. One example among many: "One of the reasons Rowling's books are so popular is the richness of detail . . . . Another is the fact that all of those details can trace their ancestry to literary conventions that reach all the way back into antiquity" (Longster 109).
In addition to print texts, we will likely be viewing some theme appropriate videos, perhaps be listening to some theme appropriate audios, and I'll undoubtedly be directing you to some thought provoking websites. You will be asked to "read" the texts
(in all media) for this English 108 class with a critical eye (and ear), engage in thoughtful and productive
discussion of the multi-faceted issues attendant upon the topics raised through our readings, and ultimately to research and write about some of those issues.
Indeed, you must be prepared to spend a
great deal of time and energy on this class. We will be doing a lot of reading, thinking, talking, and writing. However, I shall endeavor to spread
the reading load out as evenly as possible; likewise texts presented in alternate media will be spread over the semester as much as possible. Major papers will be due at fairly
regular intervals, preceeded by drafts. You'll be expected to comment extensively on the drafts of some of your classmates during the writing of each paper. You will write a research paper about midway along in the semester and, finally, prepare a multi-media presentation (individually or with 1 or more classmates) as your end-of-the-semester project. Clearly, we will have much to do, but I think you will find that you will be well compensated
for the time and effort you put in to the class, by exposure to interesting and fun materials, by the opportunity to engage in lively discussions, and by the inspired questions you will find bubbling to the surface of your mind as you read, think about, and discuss the texts and the topics they raise.
Additionally, I believe that you will be pleasantly
surprised to find that the stretching of your critical muscles this class and theme necessitates will stand you in good stead not
only for this class but also in future endeavors that ask you to think outside the boundries of everyday "reality" and enter in to the magical realms of possibility.
Welcome.
Regular attendance is required
as class discussion will form a significant part of fulfilling the course objectives.
Additionally, at least 10% of your final grade will be based upon attendance
and participation--and if you don't attend, you can't participate. More than 5 absences will be considered excessive and will reduce your final grade by 10 points per day absent. If you know in advance that you have to miss
class, please let me know, and in the event of an emergency, get in touch with
me as soon as you can. If you do miss a class you are
still responsible for the material covered and for getting any assignments due
at the beginning that class to me as soon as possible.
Regular participation is also very important and will impact your final grade. Although I may not appear to be, I am acutely aware of how many people participate in class discussions. I find it easier to get to know you as a person, for example: remembering your name, when you participate in the discussion. Also, I rather rapidly come to recognize who is participating and who is not, so one cannot rely upon the same half dozen people to "carry" the discussions. If we have gotten several weeks into the semester and I can't come up with your name immediately, you're probably not talking enough. Likewise, if at the end of the term when I'm compiling grades I can't bring to mind any point in the semeser when you spoke up and contributed to the discussion, that can reduce your attendance and participation grade by as much as 50%. While I realize that some of you may be shy or feel uncomfortable expressing your opinions, I encourage you to make every effort to do so. I assure you: we are interested in what you have to say, all comments and questions will be treated with respect, and your contribution will add value to the experience, for you, for me, and for your classmates.
1.
Come to class 
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