Intermediate English II Section 060 1

Spring 2014
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays @ 12:30-
1:20 PM @ CH-005
INGL3104
Intermediate English II Section 060

Instructor: Yamil Srraga
E-Mail: yamil.sarraga@upr.edu
Phone: 939-256-7097
Office: CH 013
Office Hours: To Be Announced



This document may be amended over the course of the semester in order to
meet course objectives and correct unintended errors.
Overview
Analysis of selected readings, such as essays, fiction, poetry or drama, and
practice in writing compositions with attention given as needed to grammar
and idiomatic expressions.
Goals
After completing INGL 3104, students should be capable of demonstrating the
following skills and abilities in the area of writing:
Reacting to and interpreting works of literature through the adoption
of traditional modes of literary analysis such as comparison and
contrast, in-depth study of a literary work, or analysis of elements of
fiction
Drawing a conclusion about a selected reading and stating it as a thesis
Demonstrating knowledge and recognition of elements of fiction,
drama and poetry in selected works of literature in analysis and
interpretation of these readings in writing.
Collecting and evaluating evidence from a text and presenting that
evidence effectively in support of the stated conclusion
Arguing persuasively about the relationship between the evidence and
the conclusion drawn
Continuing application of the various stages of the writing process to
written work, including drafting, peer editing, and publishing
Carrying out an elementary literature-based research project using the
campus library and the internet
Demonstrating correct usage of MLA documentation with general
formatting, in-text citations, and the Works Cited page



Contact
Number of credits: 3 per semester (45
contact hours)
Contact Period: 3 hours of lecture per
week
Non-Contact Period: 6 hours (2
hours/contact hour)
Instructional Strategies

The following instructional strategies will
be incorporated in the class in order to
assure proper understanding and
application of the rhetorical, linguistic,
and content-based knowledge/strategies
needed to interpret, evaluate, analyze,
and critique literary texts via writing:
Lectures and Conference
In-Class Discussions
Reading and Writing Workshops
Presentations
Blogging/Social Networks
Film Workshops





Intermediate English II Section 060 2

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION OF THE EVALUATION POLICIES

Essays: These essays will not only measure how much the student understood a particular text, but they will also measure the
student's ability to make generalizations and interpretations of a specific argument or contemporary issue presented in the assigned
articles. Students will write 600 to 750 word essays based on a topic that will be given in class. The text(s) to be used will be given
to the student beforehand. The essay should be documented according to proper MLA guidelines and it will be turned in typed in
and printed. Also, a digital copy must be uploaded to the class blog. Late submissions will be penalized with a deduction of 5%
from the final grade for each day after the assignment was due. Plagiarism and the use translators will heavily affect your grade.

Literary Analysis Essay: This essay will not only measure how much the student understood a particular text, but it will also
measure the student's ability to make generalizations and interpretations of a specific literary element within a particular literary

Requirements
Intermediate English II (INGL 3104) is the second course of a sequence
designed for entering students at the Mayagez Campus of the University of
Puerto Rico who have scored 570 or above on the College Board Entrance
Examination, but who have not qualified for advanced placement in the
Honors Program of the English Department by obtaining a score of 4 or 5 on
the Advanced Placement Test. Those students who receive 3 on this test are
enrolled in English 3103. Those students who successfully pass INGL 3103
must pass INGL 3104 and six additional credit hours in the English department
courses to satisfy University requirements. If you were enrolled in Basic English
in previous semesters, you should NOT be taking this course. Please see me if
you have any doubts about your placement in this course.
Evaluation
While a final, graded exam is compulsory for all students registered in INGL
3104, this course is based primarily on writing essays. Though there is an exam
given in this course, such exams are based mostly on writing a concise and
well-developed essay in class (in addition to a brief reading comprehension
section). You will also be given a minimum of three quizzes throughout the
semester. Additional quizzes may be given if it is determined that students are
unprepared for the class discussion; such quizzes will be taken into consideration
for your final grade. The chart below lists the distinct tasks required in this
course and the total of points that these tasks represent:
Essays (Literary
Analysis/Comparative)
2 30% 150 Pts.
Journal Writing/Weekly
Responses
10-12 20% 100 Pts.
Participation/Homework/Quizzes 3-? 15% 75 Pts.
Research Paper/Oral Presentation 1 20% 100 Pts.
Final 1 15% 75 Pts.
Total 100% 500 Pts.
Course Readings:
All reading materials, except the plays
and novels, can be found online and will
be posted in the class blog. However, a
novel is required to be purchased:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by
Stephen Chbosky.
Romeo and Juliet/West Side Story
Introduction by Norris
Houghton
(Can be purchased at Amazon)



Intermediate English II Section 060 3
text. Students will write the essay based on analyzing a specific literary feature (i.e. character, plot, setting, symbolism, etc.) within
a text discussed in class.
Comparison and Contrast Essay:
Students will write a paper in which they compare and contrast specific literary elements within a set of two poems and/or song
lyrics chosen from a list provided by the instructor. Comparison and contrast essays will be evaluated according to the use of
rhetoric and language, and the effectiveness and thoroughness of the comparison and contrast being established.
Blog Participation / Weekly Responses: Students are expected to participate in the blog/class website when prompted. Each
student is responsible of enrolling in the class blog. Said blog will feature social networking, meaning that students are expected to
interact in a friendly manner, but primordially, giving importance to classroom activities. Each week students will write responses
to the readings to be discussed and said responses are to be posted to the website. Late submissions will receive a 5% deduction of
the grade. Likewise, for your formal essay assignments, it will be required to upload a .doc copy of your essay in the blog. Late
submissions will be penalized with a 5% deduction of the grade of the assignment per day that it is late.
Final Exam: Students will have two hours to develop a concise and precise discussion on a topic that will be given on the day of
the final exam. Attendance to the final exam is compulsory and there are no negotiations that can be made to substitute or
eliminate this exam.
Oral Presentations and Research Paper instructions will be given later in the semester.
Incompletes:
Refer to University policy in relation to incompletes. The grade earned by the student will be the grade s/he is assigned. There will
be no extra-credit option in this course to improve grades.
Grading System:
Because the grading scale at our institution does not allow for the reporting of grades of - or + (A- or C+ for example), I will
necessarily calculate grades according to the following scale. Notwithstanding, students should be aware that an A is a grade
assigned for exceptional work only. If your work for the course does not reflect this quality, do not expect an A.

Grade Numerical
Equivalent
90-
100
A
80-89 B
70-79 C
65-69 D
0-64 F
Absences
According to institutional policy, attendance to class is compulsory. It is expected that students come to class daily and on time. The
student is responsible for all of the material that was discussed and covered on the day he/she was absent. Bear in mind that every
tardiness or absence will affect your grade negatively. However, you have three free absences (Use them wisely!). Excused
absences will be counted as half () an absence, so be sure to remember that even prolonged excused absences can still affect your
grade. In addition, every tardiness will also be counted as a quarter () of an absence, so please be sure to arrive to class in a timely
fashion. Only medical and university written excuses will be taken into consideration as valid excuses for this course. In the case of
a prolonged illness or personal issue (death of a family member or friend, school related trip, etc.), please meet the instructor during
his office hours, or contact him beforehand via email.

Intermediate English II Section 060 4

Appropriate Classroom Behavior

As with any course, the success of this one depends upon students abilities to work together as they explore new issues and
information. It is therefore imperative that we treat each other with respect and civility. You are welcome to artfully disagree and
engage in passionate discourse with your classmates, or myself, yet rudeness or prejudice of any sort will not be tolerated. This
course is a learning community and therefore depends upon each of its members effectively working together to succeed.

While I do understand that it is natural for students to talk amongst themselves to a certain degree, especially while collaboratively
trying to answer questions, please refrain from speaking during class. Cell phones, texting devices, laptops, iPods, iPads, and other
disruptive electronic devices are not allowed in class unless being used specifically for a class assignment. I will also assume that
any student whose phone rings in class or is texting, etc. does not have enough work to do, and, again, I am happy to assign extra
work.

Course Materials
I. Class Readings

All reading materials, except the novel, can be found online and will be posted in the class blog. However, a novel is required to be
purchased:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
(Can be purchased at Amazon, or Barnes and Nobles.)
Laptops and e-reader devices may be used appropriately. The privilege to use these types of devices may be revoked if used in a
way that is not related towards the course. The book from the previous course (INGL3103) is an excellent reference book.
II. Class Media
The class will make heavy use of texts and a few films.
Additional Recommended Resources
Ruszciewicz, J. How to Write Anything. Boston: Bedford/St. Martens, 2009.



Intermediate English II Section 060 5
Online Resources:

How to Recognize Plagiarism Tutorial
http://www.indiana.edu/~istd/
This website provides a one to two hour tutorial created by the School of Education at the Indiana University Bloomington to
help you to understand and recognize plagiarism. It also allows you to print a certificate upon passing a related test. Your
professor may require you to turn in your signed certificate as evidence that you have confirmed your understanding of plagiarism
and how to recognize it.

The Internet Detective
http://www.vts.intute.ac.uk/detective/
a free online tutorial that will help you develop Internet research skills for your university and college work. The tutorial looks at
the critical thinking required when using the Internet for research and offers practical advice on evaluating the quality of web sites.

The Merriam Webster Online-Dictonary
http://www.merriam-webster.com/
The Merriam Webster Online Dictonary is an excellent all-in-one reference tool for writing that includes a Spanish-English
dictionary, thesaurus, and audio samples for support with the pronunciation of specific words.

The Owl at Purdue
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
The Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue Universityhouses writing resources and instructional materials.Students, members
of the community, and users worldwide will find information to assist them with many writing projects, during any stage of the
writing process.

By-law 06-33 (Institutional Policy on Partial Exams Offered Outside of Regular Class Hours):
According to article 6 of by-law 06-33 (Institutional Policy on Partial Exams Offered Outside of Regular Class Hours), Partial
exams offered outside of the established course period should not conflict with other classes, laboratories, or departmental exams
in the program of studies of the students registered for a course. If it is not possible to accommodate students at the same time, or if
a valid excuse is submitted by one or several students in a timely manner prior to the exam, the principle of equity demands that
these students be tested at another time, in conditions equivalent to those of other students in the section. Article 7 indicates that
scheduling conflicts that cannot be resolved between the student and the professor can be directed to the attention of the director
or the directors of the corresponding departments, programs, or offices. Contrary to what some professors have indicated to
students, there is no reason why they should miss classes when they confront situations like this. As such, an absence from a class due
to an exam in another course will not be excused.

According to Law 51:
All reasonable accommodations according to the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) will be coordinated with the Dean of
Students (Prof. Teresita Cruz) and in accordance with the particular needs of the student. Any student needing such
accommodations should contact the Office of the Dean of Students in the Decanato de Estudiantes building, Office DE-6 (in front
of the Jos de Diego building). For more information, please call (787) 265-3862 or (787) 832-4040, exts. 3258 or 3274. You may
also email tcruz@uprm.edu or m_rosado@uprm.edu. Consult the Servicios a Estudiantes con Impedimentos website
(http://www.uprm.edu/sei/index2.htm) for more details.

NB: The Dean of Students notifies the professor of accommodations that must be made for a student via a formal letter, however

Intermediate English II Section 060 6
students disabilities are NOT disclosed to the professor.

Departamento de Orientacin:
On the first floor of the Decanato de Estudiantes (across from the Jos de Diego building), you can access counselors who can advise
you on managing your stress, your time, and the various pressures that you might be confronted with in your first year (or future
years) at the Colegio. Don't be timid about seeking help when you need it. Recognizing your need for help and actively seeking
resources to support you is a sign of maturity. For further information, link to http://www.uprm.edu/orientacion/index.html or to
schedule an appointment, call (787) 832-4040, extensions 2040, 3372, or 3864. This department is open Monday-Friday from 7:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Writing Center:
Students should take responsibility for obtaining help as needed. In addition to the instructors office hours, the Arts and Sciences
Writing Center, located in the Celis Building, Room 323, is open (starting Wednesday, January 23rd, 2012) Mondays-Fridays from
8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. The Writing Center supports all reading and writing needs including the reading of texts, vocabulary
development, pre-writing, drafting, content development, organization, and the preparation of final drafts. Contact Dr. Jocelyn
Gliga (jocelyn.geliga@upr.edu) if you have any questions or concerns about the Writing Center. Dr. Gliga is the Writing Center
Administrator.

Academic Honesty:
As per Cert. 45, 2005-06, it is the institutional policy of the Mayagez Campus to observe the highest standards of intellectual and
scientific integrity and to pursue the prosecution of all violations. Violations include plagiarism (using the work, processes, ideas,
and results of others without proper credit). Moreover, Article 14(A)(2) of the UPR General Regulations for Students identifies
cheating as a punishable conduct.
As such, a professor may present a formal complaint to the Campus Disciplinary Board if she or he believes a student has
committed plagiarism. If the professor pursues this line of action, Article 15 of the UPR General Regulations for Students stipulates
that the repercussions may be the following:
A written warning which will be included in the students official record
Probation for a determined period of time
Suspension for a determined period of time
Administrative permanent withdrawal from the UPR system
Other sanctions provided by special regulation
In this class, the instructor will assign an automatic 0 (F) for an assignment if plagiarism is detected. Make-up assignments will not
be allowed. Your grade for that assignment will remain a 0 (F).


Intermediate English II Section 060 7
APPENDIXES
APPENDIX A: Classroom Website
Throughout the semester, we will be using Canvas as the platform for our classroom blog. This website will mainly be
used for class information, as well as for storage of files such as rubrics and readings. There will be a calendar that will keep track
of our progress too. Nevertheless, while I will be facilitating you all the materials and website updates, it is also your job to enroll
on the website: this must be done as soon as possible!
I. How to enroll in Canvas

1) Check your e-mail for an invitation for the course website.

2) Click on Signup.

3) You will be prompted to fill out your information. Please do so.

4) After finishing the process, you will be in your new homepage.

And that's it! You are enrolled in the class blog. Feel free to explore--you can find the readings for the classes in the Lesson
space, the Assignments in the Assignment Space, and the Class Calendar in the Calendar Sections, where you will find what is
going on class after class. You can also access the syllabus as well.

Update your profile as you wish! Put any info you want to provide and such.

If you have any problems, let me know ASAP!
II. Behavior
Canvas provides students with a profile, similarly to Facebook. Students may interact if they wish, sending friend requests
and post on their walls. However, this is not mandatory. Students are welcomed to send me friend requests as well. But
please, remember that the websites main function is that for classroom purposes, meaning that offensive material,
language, and expression is not permissible. Just as we all respect each other in the classroom, we should do so online as
well.
III. Assignments
Some assignments will be turned in via the class website. When prompted, students will have until 11:55 PM of the due
date to turn in their assignment (must be an attachment, always!). When submitting your attachment, please provide a
.doc file. If you have trouble with this, please email me. But please, refrain from sending assignments randomly to my
email if the website gives you trouble; these might get lost in my pile of unread emails (Im a student too!). Rather, just
notify me what the situation is and we will proceed to sort it out. For penalties on late assignments, please proceed to page
3.
IV. Contacting the Instructor
While the website provides profiles, I would prefer to have you email me directly. I wont be checking in regularly into the
blog, and that might cause for messages to be read at later times from the intended urgency.