WR 100 G9 Writing Seminar: Jack Kerouac and the Beats Fall 2012 MWF 2-3 PM CAS 203 Instructor:

Office: Contact: Office Hours: Jay Atkinson COM 220D jaya@bu.edu Cell phone: (978) 397-6451 Mondays 3-4 PM; Wednesdays 12-1 PM

COURSE DESCRIPTION WR 100 and WR 150 make up a two-semester sequence of writing courses required of most Boston University undergraduates. They are designed to help all students acquire skills and habits of mind essential both to their academic success and to their future personal, professional, and civic lives. WR 100 and WR 150 are taught as small, topic-based seminars. Different sections of these courses address a range of different topics. The specific topic in this section of WR 100 is Jack Kerouac and the Beats. In this section of the course, we will read and discuss Lowell, Mass. native Jack Kerouacs work and the work of his contemporaries, including Carolyn Cassady, Joyce Johnson, Allen Ginsberg, William Burroughs, Jan Kerouac, Gregory Corso, Neal Cassady and others. Through their writing and correspondence we will discuss and interpret the social and literary history of what has been called the Beat Generation. In the larger sense, well aim at coming to an understanding of how art, in this case literature, tries to capture the immediacy of our experience as human beings. My personal goal in teaching WR 100 this semester, in addition to the departmental goals and curriculum targets regarding argumentation, etc. is to teach a structurea durable, flexible model for writing expository essays called the Modified Journalistic Feature. This model borrows several common sense elements from narrative journalism and, when understood and used properly, will result in clear, concise expository essays for college students at various levels across an array of courses. Therefore, all my assignments in Jack Kerouac and the Beats are aimed at getting the various aspects of the model across to my students.

There will be a great deal of writing and revision required in a relatively short period of time. I agree with the Roman poet Horace, who wrote, "Do not neglect the long labor of the file." Attendance is mandatory. More than four unexcused absences will affect your grade, as we will be moving rapidly through a crowded agenda. (See attendance policy

below.) I can't overemphasize this point: do not miss class. Feel free to email, or call/text me, with your questions and concerns. Good writing is the result of clear thinking, determined reading, and extensive revision. In this course, you will do all of those activities. The result, I hope, will be that you will leave the course a more confident and more competent writer, prepared for the writing assignments in the rest of your academic and professional lives.
COURSE GOALS Although they vary in topic, all sections of WR 100 and WR 150 have certain goals in common. In WR 100, you will develop your abilities to: craft substantive, motivated, balanced academic arguments write clear, correct, coherent prose read with understanding and engagement plan, draft, and revise efficiently and effectively evaluate and improve your own reading and writing processes respond productively to the writing of others express yourself verbally and converse thoughtfully about complex ideas.

In WR 150, you will continue developing all of these abilities while working intensively on prose style and learning to conduct college-level research. COURSE REQUIREMENTS As a writing seminar, WR 100 requires both a good deal of reading and writing and your active involvement in a variety of class activities. Specific course requirements are: self-assessment additional exercises as assigned three major papers final portfolio two conferences with your instructor attendance and participation COURSE MATERIALS

Required texts and materials: On the Road by Jack Kerouac (Penguin Classics paperback) ISBN 978-0-14-243725-4; The Portable Beat Reader, Ann Charters, editor (Penguin Classics) ISBN 0670-83885-3. These are available at the BU bookstore. Although you may choose to take notes on a laptop, you will need a sturdy notebook for the purposes of keeping an Etymology Journal, which will be explained below.**

Recommended texts and films include: Lonesome Traveler (Grove Press) and The Dharma Bums (Penguin Classics), by Jack Kerouac; Paradise Road: Jack Kerouacs Lost Highway and My Search for America (Wiley & Sons) by Jay Atkinson. The films, One Fast Move or Im Gone: Kerouacs Big Sur directed by Curt Worden, with soundtrack by Jay Farrar and Ben Gibbard; Magic Trip: Ken Keseys Search for a Kool Place by Alex Gibney and Allison Ellwood; Howl, by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, starring James Franco as Allen Ginsberg. Also, the major theatrical release of the film, On the Road, directed by Walter Sallis, is expected to occur during this semester. Perhaps we will undertake a field trip!

** Etymology Journal. Each student will be responsible for a handwritten list of vocabulary words, collected during and outside of class. The list should contain the complete definitions and etymological roots of the words. These will be checked and graded three times during the term. Additionally, you are encouraged to use this notebook as a grammar journal, where you make note of the difficulties you might be having with parts of speech, verb usage etc. (These will be identified, if necessary, when I read your assignments.)

Our class has a Blackboard site that contains the syllabus, assignments, and other course-related materials. You can log in to our Blackboard page at: http://blackboard.bu.edu/ Email Policy: I welcome your email and texts/phone calls. Please allow 48 hours for a response. ASSIGNMENTS You will be given a range of assignments in this course, including a self-assessment, various reading and writing exercises, three major papers, and a final portfolio. (I will post examples of the portfolio from last term on blackboard.) Students who prepare diligently for class, participate actively, and take the homework exercises and drafts seriously generally learn more and write better final papers than those who do not. Self-Assessment: At the beginning of the semester, you will be asked to submit a written selfassessment in which you consider your reading and writing abilities and establish some personal goals you wish to pursue over the course of the semester. (At the end of the term, youll write a response to your self-assessment, measuring how far youve come as a writer.) Exercises: We will use the term exercises to refer to various low-stakes assignments and activities that you will be asked to complete over the course of the semester. You will do some of these exercises in class; others will be given as homework. I recommend that you purchase a notebook to contain your in-class writing and that you bring this notebook with you to class each day. You may use a laptop as long as you do not distract other students in the class or spend valuable class time on social media sites. Your exercises will not always receive explicit grades,

although you will receive credit for completing them on time. Your performance on these assignments may also affect your participation adjustment (see below). Major Papers (drafts and final versions): We will use the term draft to refer to unfinished or preliminary versions of your three major papers. You will be required to write at least two drafts of paper 1 and at least three drafts of papers 2 and 3. For papers 2 and 3, one of your drafts will receive comments from me, either in written or verbal form; the other will receive feedback from your classmates. Drafts will not receive explicit grades, although you will receive credit for completing them on time. Remember that you are more likely to write a better final paper if you write a substantive draft. Your performance on your drafts may also affect your participation adjustment (see below). Your course grade will be determined primarily by the quality of the final versions of your major papers. All drafts and final papers must be word-processed and be documented in either MLA or Chicago style. Please include a word count (available as a function on most word processors) at the end of all written work. Portfolio: At the end of the semester, you will be asked to submit a portfolio containing your self-assessment, major papers (drafts and final versions), other supporting artifacts, and an introductory essay. The portfolio provides you with an opportunity to document and reflect on your development as a reader and writer over the course of the semester. Your portfolio will contain work that has already been graded. This work will not be re-graded in the portfolio. Rather, your grade for the portfolio will be based on those things that make the portfolio itself a coherent work: the introduction, any additional framing (annotations, captions, etc.), the selection and arrangement of artifacts (a page or two from your etymology journals, for example), and overall organization. I will share some examples with you from last year that should help you arrange and organize your portfolio. Sharing of Student Writing: Experienced writers routinely share their work with others, because they understand that the best way to improve a piece of writing is to test it out with actual readers. In this class, you will learn how to respond to the writing of others and how to use feedback from others to improve your own work. All students in the class will be required to share at least one draft of each paper in peer editing. If you are concerned about sharing your writing, please talk with me about your concerns. In the classroom, you will have the opportunity to volunteer as a student moderator. Moving away from an old fashioned passive model of teaching, I prefer to act as a coach, allowing two students to moderate our discussion each time we read something new. This worked very well over the past three years, helping to break down the barriers between those who might be a little shy about speaking out when the teacher is leaning over them. Of course, I will help keep things on track and interject information about Kerouac and his contemporaries that might be of interest. GRADING AND EVALUATION Your final grade will be calculated as follows:

Participation: Paper 1: Paper 2: Paper 3: Final Portfolio: Etymology Journal

5% 15% 25% 40% 10% 5%

Your final grade may also be adjusted to reflect your attendance and participation as described below. Late and Missed Assignments: Unless you make other arrangements with me in advance, graded assignments will be penalized by one-third of a letter grade for each class day they are late. If you submit a homework exercise or draft late, I cannot promise to read it in time for my comments to be useful to you. If you do not turn in drafts, you are still responsible for turning in final versions of your papers when they are due. Please note too that we will often work with our exercises and drafts in class. If you are late with your assignments, you will be unable to participate fully in the class. Participation and Attendance: In my class, your regular attendance and participation are essential both to your own learning and to your classmates learning. Consequently, your final grade may be adjusted up or down by one-third of a letter grade to account for the quality of your participation and ungraded work over the course of the semester. Under ordinary circumstances, missing more than one week of class will lower your final grade. Missing more than two weeks of class may lead to a failing grade in the course. Note that these absences need not be consecutive. Since we meet three times a week, the second week of absences (4-6) will lower the final course grade by a third of a letter for each class missed (e.g., B becomes B-C+C). Seven or more absences (more than two weeks) will be grounds for an F in the course. If you have a special obligation that will require you to miss several classes (e.g., varsity athletics, religious observances, etc.), please talk with me at the beginning of the semester. WRITING CENTER The Arts & Sciences Writing Program operates a Writing Center (730 Commonwealth Ave., Room 301 with a satellite office at Mugar Library) through which students enrolled in WR courses can receive one-on-one consultations about their writing with well-trained undergraduate and graduate student tutors familiar with WR assignments. When you visit the Writing Center, you should expect to be actively involved in your session. Writing Center tutors will work with you at any stage in your writing process, but they will not edit or correct your paper for you. Rather, they will work with you to help you do your own best work. The Writing Center is a resource for all students. Whether you consider yourself to be a strong writer or a weak one, you can benefit from the Writing Center.

The Writing Centers hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00 am to 7:30 pm and Friday 9:00 am to 5:15 pm. While the Writing Center accepts walk-in visits, you are encouraged to make an appointment in advance. Because of the high demand for consultations, students are limited to one reservation per week. You may schedule a session online at: http://www.bu.edu/cas/writing/tutoring.html You may also schedule a session in person at the Arts & Sciences Writing Center or by calling 617-358-1500. Cancellations must be made at least 12 hours in advance. (Note: I will recommend that you visit during certain times and on certain assignments, and will mark you down for positive participation when you complete a tutorial.) WR The Arts & Sciences Writing Program publishes an online journal of exemplary writing from WR courses. If you are interested in looking at samples of successful WR papers, or if you just want to read some good essays, I encourage you to visit the journal at: http://www.bu.edu/writingprogram/journal/ PLAGIARISM Plagiarism is the passing off of anothers words or ideas as your own, and it is a serious academic offense. Cases of plagiarism will be handled in accordance with the disciplinary procedures described in the College of Arts and Science Academic Conduct Code. All WR students are subject to the CAS code, which can be read online at: http://www.bu.edu/cas/students/undergrad-resources/code If you would like a copy of the code, I will be happy to provide you with one. Penalties for plagiarism can range from failing an assignment or course to suspension or expulsion from the university. In this class, we will discuss conventions for using and citing sources in academic papers. If you have any questions about plagiarism, I invite you to speak with me. RESOURCES Arts & Sciences Writing Program: Administers all WR courses and the Arts & Sciences Writing Center. You may contact the Writing Program if you have any concerns about your WR class. 730 Commonwealth Ave. Room 301 617-358-1500 <writing@bu.edu> Boston University Libraries: Our libraries can provide you with a wealth of online and print resources. Research Librarians will introduce you to the many resources the library offers in any field of research. They can work with you to develop a research plan and organize your sources.

The Research Center welcomes you for walk-in consultations on the first floor of Mugar Memorial Library or at any other library on campus. Believe it or not, one of your best friends on campus is a good reference librarian, no matter what you major in. They can find things youll not easily uncover on the web. Research appointments can be made at http://www.bu.edu/common/request-an-appointment/. Mugar Memorial Library 771 Commonwealth Avenue Phone: 617-353-2700 http://www.bu.edu/library

Educational Resource Center: Offers tutorial assistance to all undergraduate students in a range of subjects, including writing. You should use the Writing Programs Writing Center for your WR classes, but you may wish to visit the ERC for tutorial assistance in other subjects. George Sherman Union, 4th floor Phone: 617-353-7077. http://www.bu.edu/erc Dean Ralph W. Taylor Academic Advising Center: A central resource for all questions concerning academic policy and practice in the College of Arts and Sciences. The office is headed by the Associate Dean for Student Academic Life and has a staff of fifteen faculty advisors and five academic counselors. All students can receive academic advice about and assistance through this office. Students who have not yet declared concentrations can receive pre-registration advising through this office. Dean Ralph W. Taylor Academic Advising Center 725 Commonwealth Ave. Email: cas105@bu.edu Phone: 617-353-2400 http://www.bu.edu/cas/students/undergrad-resources/advising/

Office of Disability Services: Responsible for assisting students with disabilities. If you have a disability, you are strongly encouraged to register with this office. You may be entitled to special accommodations in your courses, such as additional time on tests, staggered homework assignments, or note-taking assistance. This office will give you a letter outlining the accommodations to which you are entitled that you can share with your teachers. If you require accommodations, you must present me with an official letter from Disability Services. 19 Deerfield Street, 2nd floor Phone: 617-353-3658 http://www.bu.edu/disability

Student Central: Web page that provides direct access to public and personal academic, financial and institutional data maintained in the University's central computer system. http:// www.bu.edu/students Student Health Services: Offers an array of health services to students, including wellness education and mental health services (behavioral medicine). http://www.bu.edu/shs/ http://www.bu.edu/shs/wellness/index.shtml http://www.bu.edu/shs/behavioral/index.shtml

Be sure to read and comply with Boston Universitys universal academic conduct code for undergraduate students. It is available at: bu.edu/academics

WR100 FB Schedule Fall 2012

(MWF Sections)

W 09-05 Fr 09-07

First day of classes: In class exercise becomes draft of Paper 1 Syllabus review and beginning of discussion on Modified Journalistic Feature

M 09-10 W 09-12 Fr 09-14

Self Assessment in class, discussion Discuss Kerouacs On the Road; Introduction pp. vii-xxix Continue, via volunteer student moderators, with Part One pp. 1-108

M 09-17 W 09-19 Fr 09-21

Continue discussion, with student moderators First (Modified Journalistic Feature) Draft of Paper 1 due/ continue discussion New student moderators: Part Two pp. 109-178

M 09-24 W 09-26 Fr 09-28

Continue discussion/peer editing and workshop of papers Discussion of Part Two continues Final Version of Paper 1 due; develop topics for Paper 2

M 10-01 W 10-03 Fr 10-05

New student moderators. Continue discussion Part Three pp. 179-248 Discussion First Draft of Paper 2 due/continue discussion

M 10-08 Tues 10-09 W 10-10 Fr 10-12

HolidayNo class Discussion Continue discussion with new moderators of Part Four & Part Five pp. 249-307 Discussion

M 10-15 W 10-17 Fr 10-19

Second Draft of Paper 2 due/continue discussion of On the Road New student moderators begin discussions of The Portable Beat Reader. The women of the Beats: Carolyn Cassady, Joyce Johnson, and Jan Kerouac Continue discussion of Carolyn Cassady pp. 449-459

M 10-22 W 10-24 Fr 10-26

Continue Discussion of Carolyn Cassady Final version of Paper 2 due; Develop topics for Paper 3 New student moderators. Joyce Johnson pp. 477-481

M 10-29 W 10-31 Fr 11-02

Jan Kerouac pp. 489-495 Neal Cassady pp. 190-207 New student moderators. William Burroughs pp. 104-145

M 11-05

First Draft of Paper 3 due/Burroughs continued.

W 11-07 Fr 11-09

Gregory Corso pp. 172-182 Corso discussion continues

M 11-12 W 11-14 Fr 11-16

Second Draft of Paper 3 due/new student moderators begin discussion of John Clellon Holmes pp. 154-168 Holmes Holmes pp. 154-168

M 11-19 W 11-21 Fr 11-23

New student moderators discuss Charles Bukowski pp. 438-442 Fall recess Fall recess

M 11-26 W 11-38 Fr 11-29

Bukowski Final version of Paper 3 due/ new student moderators discuss Allen Ginsberg pp. 62-77 Ginsberg

M 12-03 W 12-05 Fr 12-07

Draft of Final Portfolio due Ginsberg New student moderators discuss student selections

M 12-10 W 12-12

Student selections Last class: Course Evaluations; Final Portfolio due student selections

Please note that classroom proceedings for this course might be recorded for purposes including, but not limited to, student illness, religious holidays, disability accommodations, or student course review. Note also that recording devices are prohibited in the classroom except with the instructors permission.