Humanities 1:

Introduction to Literary Theory

Mr. J. Ponce
Magnet Multi-Subject Teacher
Sophomore Academic Advisor
E-Mail: jspmagnet5124@hacc.org

Admin. Bldg. Advisement Room Rm. 4A

Office hours: Mondays, Wednesdays: 2:30pm 4pm
Class Website: www.mrponce-magnet.weebly.com

Fall 2016
Period: 3
Room: 215

Course Description
Literary criticism is an important activity that has existed almost as long as literature
itself has been written. Yet, the activity seems hard to define. Does literary criticism
refer to the work of critics who weigh in on the value of contemporary works? Or is
the literary critic a scholar whose works remain isolated to a community of scholars?
Both definitions can be correct and both seem unsatisfying to meet the challenges of
our contemporary moment. Instead, I want this course to offer something more
dynamic to you as intellectuals in the 21st century. Rather than simply show you how to
be a literary critic, I want to reevaluate the role of criticism itself by exploring the theory
behind criticism. I hope you will also leave this course with new optics for considering
the world around you, for, at heart, I believe that literary criticism works best when we
extend it to consider the sociopolitical elements that inform literary and cultural objects
and make claims about our society based on this culture. Thus, literary criticism is a
radical act, a questioning of values and beliefs, an interpretation of the world.

Prerequisites

Completion with a C or better in a 11th Grade English level course.

Course Objectives/Purpose

During this course students will:

1. Read literary and cultural texts with discernment and comprehension and with
an understanding of their conventions;
2. Draw on relevant cultural and/or historical information to situate texts within
their cultural, political, and historical contexts;
3. Perform critical, formal analyses of literary, cinematic, and other cultural texts;
4. Write focused, analytical essays in clear, grammatical prose;
5. Employ logic, creativity, and interpretive skills to produce original, persuasive
arguments;
6. Employ primary and/or secondary sources, with proper acknowledgment and
citation, as they contribute to a critical essays thesis.

Assessment & Grading

Exams 25%
o Midterm: 10%; Final: 15%
Quizzes 20%
o 11 Quizzes in total (each is worth 2%)
Lowest scored Quiz will be dropped
Essays: 30%
o 5 Papers each worth 3%
Both papers 2-3 Pages
o Final Paper worth 15%
4+ Paged Paper
Discussions: 25%
o 7.5% for in-class Participation
o 7.5% for Discussion forums (Blogs)
o 10% for Lead Discussion Circle

Late Work Policy
Unexcused late work is unacceptable and will encounter an initial lowering of one grade
letter. After three days, the late assignment will lose one letter grade per school day that
it is late. Students during week four of the semester will sign up for their lead discussion
circle date. Once signed up for a specific date, students will not be able to make any
changes unless, there are extraordinary reasons to do so (i.e.: Family Death,
Hospitalization).

Academic Integrity

"Academic integrity refers to moral and ethical principles when engaging in academic
pursuits. An integrity policy is part of an effort to nurture a community where trust,
honesty, and personal integrity guide all of our dealings with one another. Personal
integrity is vital to our pursuit of education and becoming educated. The responsibility to
be honest, fair, and forthright with others is a responsibility that each teacher, parent,
and student must accept."
Within the first week of the academic school year, all students and parents must sign in
receipt that they have read, understand, and accept my academic integrity policy.
Cheating and plagiarism on school work will result in a zero on the assignment and could
result in a fail for the entire course. Some assignments will be submitted via Turnitin.

Tutoring / Office Hours

My Office Hour schedule can be located at the top of the first page of the syllabus. I am
also available by appointment. This time is dedicated to any questions concerning class
materials and/or grades. When we approach due dates for major assignments, a
schedule will be post with 15-minute time slots for students to sign up for a conference.
If a student feels that he/she will need more than 15 minutes of time, he/she should
request extended time.
Notably, students must plan ahead for these conferences. Students, in other words, must
have their ideas written on paper because no one can read minds. When applicable, they
must also bring all sources and potential sources, as well as any previous drafts and edits.

Also HAHS offers free tutoring at the St. Clare Study Hall everyday till 6pm. Students are
also welcomed to go to the English Resource Center located in Room 214 (right next-door
to the classroom) for help.

Required Course Materials

I Pad (JPGHS provides every student with an I-Pad each semester)

o You will need you I pad everyday in class.
PDF Files
o Please go to the class website to download the files.
Make sure you download them prior to coming to class.

Text: Nobodys Fool by Richard Russo
Everybodys Fool by Richard Russo
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton (School Provided)
Frankenstein by Mary Shelling (School Provided)

From the JPGHS English Department

Grading Percentages (Left to the instructors discretion)
90 100 A
80 89 B
73 79 C

70 72 C-
60 69 D
<60 F

Assignment Heading
All assignments must have the following heading on the top of the paper:
-Name
-Class/Period
-Assignment/Section Number
-Date Assigned

Notes
Taking notes is an important skill that is required for this class. All notes will be taken in
either a note taking guide provided by the teacher or a notebook that you will need to
provide.

How to Get Help

If you need help, you can receive help in two ways. 1) After school tutoring in the St.
Clare Hall. Tutoring is available after school Monday through Thursday until 6pm. 2) Ask
ME! Check availability before and/or after school to get help.

Lesson Plans/Online Grades/Questions

General lesson plans will be posted online for your reference. Please contact me if you
have any questions or concerns. Grades will be posted as soon as possible after an
assignment or test has been completed. Your patience is greatly appreciated. If you or
your parents have questions, concerns, or comments for me, feel free to email or call me
at the SLC Office. Email is given on the first page.


Electronic device Policy
Cell Phones, IPODs, laptops, or other electronic devices should remain unseen and
unheard. The only electronic device that you can use is your IPad and Calculator. In that
case they should be used only for the assigned task. If a student is seen using an
electronic device when not permitted or if the device is heard disrupting class, it will be
confiscated.
If any devices including IPADS AND CALCULATORS are seen or heard before, during, or
after a quiz, or test, the student will be assumed to be cheating. That student will be
given a 0 on the given assignment.

Please be Aware
The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus if necessary.