MVC

English 1B
Critical Thinking through Literature
T/Th: 2-4:30
Instructor: Kacie Wills
Email: kacie.wills@gmail.com; Kacie.Wills@rccd.edu
Classroom: HM 207
Office Hours: by appointment
Required Texts/ Materials:
Austen, Jane. Emma.
Hacker, Diana. Rules for Writers, 7th Edition.
Selected readings available on the course website: kaciewills.weebly.com
Please make sure you have ready access to a computer with Internet.
**All readings must be printed, annotated, and brought to class on the day that
we will be discussing the reading unless I instruct otherwise.
Course Description:
Building on the rhetorical skills learned in ENG 1A, students will analyze, interpret, and synthesize diverse
texts in order to construct well-supported academic arguments and literary analyses. Composition totaling a
minimum of 10,000 words serves to correlate writing and reading activities. Classroom activities integrate
with Writing and Reading Center activities. Emphasizing argument, analysis, and the study of literature, this
course develops students critical thinking, reading, and writing skills beyond the level achieved in 1A.

In other words: We will read, analyze, and write on major literary genres. We will apply
critical thinking and research skills to formulate and compose written arguments.
Through our critical readings of texts will seek enjoy, interpret, and to communicate our
thoughts from a perspective that takes into account both the texts and our own cultural
perspectives. In the process, we will build our own literary autobiography, as a former
professor of mine called it, hopefully developing meaningful relationships with particular
texts/authors/characters that we will then communicate affectively and effectively
through social media.
Course Goals:
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
Recognize and explain the principles of critical thinking and formal argument
Critical Thinking - Construct sound arguments and evaluate arguments of
others
Critical Thinking - Identify one's own and others' assumptions, biases, and their
consequences
Read and discuss literary works from a variety of genres (fiction, poetry, drama,
and non-fiction prose), as well as from diverse authorial voices and cultural
contexts, with understanding and insight.
Global Awareness - Demonstrate understanding of alternative political,
historical and cultural viewpoints
Communication Skills - Read college-level materials with understanding and
insight
Communication Skills - Listen thoughtfully and respectfully to the ideas of

others
Analyze and interpret literary works using the formal components of literary
analysis toward gaining an appreciation of how principles of critical thinking
and formal argument can inform discussions of literature.
Critical Thinking - Construct sound arguments and evaluate arguments of
others
Critical Thinking - Consider and evaluate rival hypotheses
Critical Thinking - Identify one's own and others' assumptions, biases, and their
consequences
Synthesize diverse interpretive alternatives gained through formal and informal
research activities, and demonstrate an ability to assess those alternatives, both
in writing and orally.
Critical Thinking - Consider and evaluate rival hypotheses
Critical Thinking - Generalize appropriately from specific contexts
Critical Thinking - Recognize and assess evidence from a variety of sources
Global Awareness - Demonstrate understanding of alternative political,
historical and cultural viewpoints
Information Skills - Locate, evaluate and use information effectively
Support premises about literary works by effectively integrating sufficient,
relevant, thoughtful evidence drawn (as appropriate) from primary and
secondary sources.
Communication Skills - Write with precision and clarity to express complex
thought
Breadth of Knowledge - Respond to and evaluate artistic expression
Critical Thinking - Recognize and assess evidence from a variety of sources
Plan, write, and revise formal essays totaling 10,000 words--using analytic,
interpretive, and persuasive strategies to present and support a considered
position.
Communication Skills - Write with precision and clarity to express complex
thought
Critical Thinking - Identify one's own and others' assumptions, biases, and their
consequences
Breadth of Knowledge - Respond to and evaluate artistic expression
Critical Thinking - Construct sound arguments and evaluate arguments of
others
Evaluate the relevance, validity and authority of information, and use and cite
this information ethically.
Information Skills - Locate, evaluate and use information effectively
Critical Thinking - Consider and evaluate rival hypotheses
Communication Skills - Read college-level materials with understanding and
insight
Communication Skills - Listen thoughtfully and respectfully to the ideas of
others

Requirements:
**
Essay Assignments:
There will be three formal out-of-class essay assignments that will account for the
majority of your grade. To receive full credit these essays must be completed on the due
dates.
In your essays, your arguments will stem from the readings that we discuss in class, and
you can use your reading responses as starters for these essays. You should make an
argument and support your claim(s) carefully and effectively with readings, both from
class and from your own research. Your essays must be in correct MLA format, and I will
discuss MLA formatting during class.
Essay Format: All essays should be typed with Times New Roman 12 pt font, 1
margins all around, and double-spaced. Please put your last name and the page number
on the top right-hand side of each sheet of your essay. Your name, my name, the course
title, and the due date of the assignment should all go on the left of the first sheet only.
Your unique title should go in the center of your first sheet and should not be underlined,
italicized, in quotes, or in bold lettering. You will include a Works Cited page at the
end of every essay, even if you are only required to cite readings which I have
assigned for class.
Drafts: Drafts are important because they help you develop your ideas and clarify your
claims. You will be required to submit at least 1 draft in the process of composing each
of your papers. The goal behind requiring drafts before you submit your final paper is
that you will feel
comfortable about and have time to substantially revise your argument to make it more
concise and clear (we will discuss in class what this will entail). On the days when we
have peer-review, you are required to bring two copies of your draft. If you do not have
your draft or if your draft is insufficient, you will not receive full credit.
IMPORTANT: If you fail to submit the draft for your assignments, your final grade for the
paper will be lowered by 10% or a full grade.
Student Draft Responses: On the peer-review days, you will form small groups to read
and comment on your classmates drafts. I will provide a guide to help you comment on
the drafts. Try to be as thorough as possible in your responses to help your fellow
students improve their essays. Often, responding to others essays can help in writing
your own.
Final Paper Conferences:
Each of you will be required to meet with me in conference in preparation for your final
paper. If you miss your conference, your grade on your final paper will be deducted for
failing to attend your conference appointment.
Reading Responses/Informal Writing:
These assignments require you to reflect on the readings for any given class. Each is
worth 2 points. Your Reading Responses are due by the time that class begins on the
day the reading is assigned. You should be prepared to discuss your response with

the class as it is relevant to the days discussion. Your responses will, first, summarize
the claims of a reading and provide at least two details/quotes from the text. Then, you
will reflect on the reading, ask questions, and engage in analysis. While these
assignments will be graded more leniently than essay assignments, I still expect
quality writing. I also expect all responses dealing with book chapters or articles
to make use of meaningful quotations and cite page numbers.
Annotated Bibliography: As part of the research process for your final paper, you will
be required to submit an annotated bibliography. The sources must be found outside of
class reading, must be secondary, and must be scholarly. You should make clear in your
annotation how each is relevant to your argument. One source must support a counterargument . We will go over the research process together before you embark upon your
final paper. You will also include a one page reflection on your research process.
In-Class Midterm: Because many of your classes will ask you to write in-class
essays(not to mention the WPE), the midterm will consist of an in-class essay. Please
refer to the class schedule to see when the midterm will take place.
IMPORTANT: You CANNOT make up or reschedule the midterm exam.
Presentation: Toward the end of the semester, as we are working on our final projects,
you will be required to use your research skills to choose two readings for the class.
These readings will be scholarly and will contribute to creating a critical conversation
surrounding the final unit of the course. You will work in groups for this assignment, and I
will hand out the guidelines as it gets closer.
Participation: This class will focus largely on discussion; therefore, I expect you to
engage with the readings during class. Because of this, I expect you to complete the
readings by the day that they are assigned under the class schedule. We will
discuss the readings in class on the due dates, and by participating, you will garner
percentage points for participation. Your participation, however, should go beyond I liked
the text, or It was good, or I dont know, as such answers will garner no percentage
points since they tell me and your fellow students nothing about your understanding of or
reaction to the reading. Your participation will also be based on attendance and on your
responses to readings.
IMPORTANT: YOU MUST SUBMIT ALL ESSAYS OR YOU WILL NOT GET A
PASSING GRADE IN THIS CLASS.
IMPORTANT: IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP ALL GRADED PAPERS UNTIL
AFTER YOU HAVE RECEIVED YOUR FINAL GRADE FROM THE COLLEGE.
Policies:
Grade Distribution
Attendance/Participation 10
Midterm: In class essay 10
Paper #1: First Essay (4-5 pages) 15
Paper #2: Second Essay (6-7 pages) 15
Annotated Bibliography and Research Reflection 10
Paper #3 Final Paper (8-10 pages) 20
Informal Writing: in-class writing and Reading Responses 10
Presentation 10
A = 100 90, B = 89 80, C = 79 70, D = 69 60, F = 59 0
Rewrite Policy: I allow you to rewrite either or both Essays 1 and 2 if you get a C+ or
lower on the essays. The rewrite is due two weeks after I return your essay, but you can
turn it in earlier if you wish. I will average the grade of the original with the grade of the
rewrite to get your final grade. The last research essay cannot be rewritten.

Late Policy: Any work turned in late, but within four days of the due date, will
automatically be deducted a full letter grade (if youre paper would have normally
received a 90%, you would receive an 80%). Essays and Drafts are due IN CLASS on
their due date, unless I specify otherwise. ANY WORK TURNED IN FOUR DAYS
AFTER THE DUE DATE WILL RECEIVE A 0. In short, turn everything in on time. That
said, if you are for some reason unable to meet a deadline, please email or meet with
me at least a week before the due date so that we can come to some sort of resolution.
Attendance and Tardiness: Repeated absences will significantly interfere with your
progress as a writer; therefore, you are allowed 4 unexcused absences without an
adverse effect on your participation grade. Upon your fifth unexcused absence, your
participation grade will be lowered by a full letter grade. 8 or more unexcused
absences will result in an F in the course. If you think you will be absent when an
assignment will be due, the assignment is STILL DUE, and I expect you to turn in the
assignment via email or posted to the course site by the date and time due. I also expect
you to be ON TIME for all classes. If you are more than 5 minutes late any more than 3
times in the semester your participation grade will be lowered significantly.
Appropriate Academic Behavior: This is a college classroom, and, as such, I expect
every student in this class to conduct him or herself accordingly. Our class time is a time
for discussion and learning, so any behavior within the classroom that interrupts or
detracts from this experience is not tolerated. If you are found to be a disruption to the
class, you will be asked to leave and will not receive attendance points for that day.
Computer and Cell Phone Policy: Laptops are fine, though if I find that you are not
participating, I will ask you to take notes by hand instead. I will not tolerate phone use in
class, however. Texting and similar activities cause me to become distracted. Also, its
just rude.
Withdrawal Policy: It is your responsibility to withdraw from this class. I will not
withdraw students who simply stop coming to class; such students will simply receive an
F in the class. See the course catalog for more detailed instructions and important
deadlines.
Academic Integrity: Forms of academic dishonesty include collusion lending your
work to another person to submit as his or her own, fabrication deliberately creating
and/or citing false information, and plagiarism the presentation of another persons
work as your own. Academic dishonesty can lead to a range of responses from the
College and me. Please see the Academic Honesty section of MVCs course
catalogue:http://www.mvc.edu/files/Catalogs/Catalog-Section-II.pdf
Accommodations: If you have a verified disability that requires special
accommodations, please see me within the first week of class to best meet your needs.
Additionally, for information regarding the services available to you as a student with
disabilities, you should contact the DSS: http://www.mvc.edu/services/dsps/

Writing and Reading Center (WRC): The WRC is here to help students to
succeed. The WRC is open during the following days and hours:
Location: HM 222
Monday through Thursday: 9am 5pm
Friday: 10 am 3pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Website: http://mvc.edu/academicdepts/comm/wrc/

If you have questions about any aspect of your writing, I encourage you to make use of
Moreno Valley Colleges Writing and Reading Center.
Because you will be required to complete writing assignments for my course, you may
want to seek extra one-to-one help in understanding the assignments, as well as in
understanding the various stages of your writing process: brainstorming, researching,
drafting, editing, revising, and proofreading essays. The Writing Center faculty and
writing consultants are not there to answer questions about the content of my class, nor
are they a proofreading service. This means they will not simply correct or check
your essay. Rather, they can help you to learn skills and techniques that will help you
put together better essays, including how you can proofread your own essay, how to
cite sources properly, how to organize your ideas, and many more..
Access to the WRC is totally free to all registered MVC students.

Class Schedule
Note: The following readings and due dates are subject to change with advanced notice.
All reading and postings are due on the dates listed. **Be sure to check the
syllabus before each class**
Fashion, the Frenemy, and Facebook Friends
Week 1:
T 8/30
First Day of Class! Course introduction, unit introduction, and in-class
writing.Watch The Danger of the Single Story Narrative. Intro Emma and
Pre-reading Prezi. Collect and exchange email addresses.
**Get your textbooks, if you havent already done so!
**check your email for google doc of syllabus and response instructions
Th 9/1
Professor Hoover
Reading: Emma Volume 1, chapters 1-7
In-class: Watch Emma Approved Ep 1-5 and Harriet application video.
Reading Response expectations. In-class writing. Discuss Emma. Intro
emmaapproved.com
Week 2:
T 9/6
Reading: Emma Volume 1, chapters 8-13. Watch Emma Approved Ep 615 and Martin Crane video. Browse www.emmaapproved.com
In-class: NO CLASS. Instead you will email your First Reading
Response to me by midnight. 1-2 page Summary and Analysis of
your reading for today. What major events took place? What
developments are you seeing in the characters? Cite specific
examples of characterization of characters with page numbers. Note
any use of irony and free indirect discourse. Note: you may refer to
the questions on the last slide of the Prezi (informal writing
assignment 1)
Th 9/8

Week 3:
T 9/13

Professor Hoover
Reading: Emma Volume 1, chapters 14-end of first volume
In-class: Watch Emma Approved Ep 16-20 and discuss. Handout pages
from Emma graphic novel and discuss Emma and relationship to the
graphic novel. Emma in popular culture. Choose one character to make a
Facebook profile for. One-sentence summary Volume 1.
Professor Hoover
Reading: Emma Volume 2, chapters 1-7
In-class: Watch Emma Approved Ep 21-25 and discuss. Emma and Jane
Fairfax, Frenemies? Find evidence to support your position on this. Other

examples of frenemies in Austen. How can reading Austen in this way

help us to understand her time period? Choose selections from text as
specific examples.
Th 9/15

Week 4:
T 9/20

Th 9/22

Week 5:
T 9/27

Th 9/29

Week 6:
T 10/4
Th. 10/6

Reading: Emma Volume 2, chapters 8-12. Watch Emma Approved Ep 2635.www.emmaapproved.com

In-class: NO CLASS. Instead, you will email your Second Reading
Response to me by midnight. Building on your discussion from the
last class period and using specific example with page numbers
from the text, write about the ways that Emma Approved illustrates
the characters and/or events from the novel. What changes have
been made? What remains consistent? Why do you think those
changes were made? What do you think about the portrayal of the
characters? How can depicting the novel in this way help us to
better understand Austens writing in our time period? Note: you
can also consider the emmapproved.com blog in your response.
(informal writing assignment 2)
Reading: Emma Volume 2, chapters 13- end of volume.
In-class: Introduce Assignment #1: Profile.
Brainstorming for Assignment #1.Discuss fashion theory and Jane
Austen.
In-class reading. One-Sentence Summary vol 2. Watch Emma
Approved.
Reading: Emma Volume 3, chapters 1-7
In-class: Discuss projected single identities. Work on Assignment #1.
Watch Emma Approved.
Reading: Emma Volume 3, chapters 8-13
In-class: Discuss Literary Analysis. Work on Assignment #1.
Watch Emma Approved.
Reading: Emma Volume 3, chapters 8-end
In-class: Peer Review of Paper #1 (bring 2 copies to class).
In-Class Writing Workshop. Grammar Exercises. TAXES. CSC.
Watch Emma Approved. One-Sentence Summary vol 3.
Paper #1 Due in Class.
In-class: essay process reflection writing. Watch Emma. RR prompt.
Reading: Instead of reading for class today, you will watch Clueless and
write a response to the film adaptations of Emma (Emma and Clueless).
In-class: Your third Reading Response is due in class. You will
thoughtfully respond to the film adaptation, based on the prompt
provided last class (informal writing assignment 3). Intro next unit:
Handout on Narrative. How can we use our affective responses and
narrative to defy the

single story of a text?

Narrative
Week 7:
T 10/11

Th 10/13

Week 8:
T 10/18
Th 10/20

Week 9:
T 10/25

Th 10/27

Reading: Selections from Humphry Clinker on course website

In-class: Discuss the epistolary novel, travel narrative, space and
perspective, temporality and affect. Introduce Assignment #2: Snap Chat
Narrative and Analysis.
Reading: Selections from Mansfield Park on course website
In-class: Discuss narrative absence and global perspective. Work on
Assignment #2. Review for Midterm.
Reading: Selections from Massey on course website
In-class: Midterm.
Reading: Selections from Humboldt and Equiano on course website
In-class: Discuss space and perspective, drawing on Massey to better
understand Equiano and Humboldt. Work on Assignment #2.
Reading: TBD
In-class: Peer Review Paper #2 (bring 2 copies to class).
In-Class Writing Workshop. Grammar Exercises. TAXES. CSC. Revision
examples and discussion.
Paper #2 due in class!
In-class: process reflection writing. Introduce next unit: Celebrity,
Fandom, and Literary Influence. The Romantics: Sensational Stories and
Salacious Gossip.

Celebrity, Fandom, and Literary Influence

Week 10:
T 11/1
Reading: Shelley Adonais on course website
In-class: The influence of Mythology. Relationships between writers.
Making sense of Shelley. Introduce Assignment #3: Analysis, Affect, and
Social Media; the relationship between social media, celebrity, and
authorship. Intro criticism and research. Examples of critical
conversations.
Th 11/3

Week 11:
T 11/8

Reading: Coleridge Rime of the Ancient Mariner on course website

In-class: NO CLASS. Post to blackboard in Discussion Section by
Midnight. Prompt TBD.
Reading: Keats Selections on course website
In-class: Bring to class your Fourth Reading Response. Prompt TBD
(informal writing 4). Discuss Coleridge reading and Keats. Discuss literary
influence, consumption, and identity. Hand out assignment for and signup for group presentations.

Th 11/10

Week 12:
T 11/15

Th 11/17

Week 13:
T 11/22

Th 11/24
Week 14:
T 11/29

Th 12/1

Reading: Selections from the Journals of Captain Cook oncourse website.

Critical work on Celebrity, Banks, and Omai on website. Selections from
Omai; or a Trip Around the World
In-class: Discuss Celebrity and Reputation in context of Cook, Banks and
Omai and the relationship to authorship and identity. Drama of Omais
life.Work on Assignment #3. Introduce Annotated Bib Assignment.
Reading: Presentation Group #1
In-class: Research Basics. Work on Creating a critical conversation.
Handouts. MLA practice. Discuss the Editor/Author relationship and T.S.
Eliot handouts.
Reading: Presentation Group #2
In-class: Bring to class your Fifth Reading Response. Prompt TBD.
(informal writing 5). Discuss being a literary fangirl. Selections from
Literary Heroines Text and Discussion of Plath. Literary Tourism.

Reading: Presentation Group #3

In-class: Annotated Bibliography Due. In-class writing workshops and
research help for Final Assignment. Share sources. Sign-up for
conferences.
NO CLASS. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Reading: Presentation Group #4
In-class: Go over conference requirements.In-class writing workshops
and research help for Final Assignment. Share sources. Student surveys.
Conferences

Week 15:
T 12/6
Conferences
**You Must bring a mini-draft of your Final Paper with research to your
conference**
Th 12/8

Week16:
T 12/13

Peer Review Final Paper (bring two copies to class); Writing

Workshops and Final Paper prep; re-visit the idea of the literary
autobiography
Final Paper Due