English 122-A21 Texts and contexts

My Life as a Writer Write about your writing. Whether or not you think of yourself as a writer, you have been writing for years. Here are some questions that might help you start thinking about the topic: What do you like about writing? What do you dislike? How often do you write? Some professional writers only write when they have deadlines to meet. Do you only write when forced or do you sometimes choose to write? You do not have to answer these specific questions if you wish to take a different approach to the assignment.

One semester—3 units A lot of work, which can leave you feeling a bit ragged by the end of the semester.

Caution! Do not take English 122 more than once! Do not take more than two of the required first-year English courses!

Syllabus as a Contract Please read the syllabus carefully, and make sure you understand the requirements for this course.

Active participation Your active participation makes up a significant portion of the class requirements.

The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University. (GFC 29 SEP 2003) The University of Alberta takes cheating seriously!

Books you will need (in order) Shakespeare, William. A Case Study in Critical Controversy: The Tempest. Second Edition. Eds. Gerald Graff and James Phelan. Boston: Bedford, Hacker, Diana. A Canadian Writer’s Reference with 2009 MLA Update. Boston: Bedford, (If you had to purchase another writing guide for an English class taken during a previous semester, please check with me so that I can attempt to arrange alternative assignments from that text.) Rhys, Jean. Wide Sargasso Sea. Toronto: Penguin, Kincaid, Jamaica. A Small Place. New York: Farrar, Falkoff, Marc. Ed. Poems from Guantánamo: The Detainees Speak. Iowa City: U of Iowa P, In addition to these books, the class will read articles from the University of Alberta library databases, open websites, and class handouts.

Books you will need

Writing Expectations Students need to come into this course having learned writing skills in elementary and secondary school classes. Those students who have problems with basic language skills should seek help outside of the class. The University of Alberta offers several useful forms of writing assistance, including a free-of-charge Writing Centre. Many books and instruction manuals offer help in these technical areas. Please ask me for help; you will never be penalized for seeking information about these resources.

Postings on Moodle at: (or follow the ‘Moodle’ link at the class website) Please fill in your information and add a likeness of yourself on Moodle. Use an address that you look at regularly. I often send information to the class by , and I will use the addresses you provide at Moodle. Class website:

First Moodle Assignment Due by 10:00am on Tuesday, September 14: Describe your vision of the Caribbean. You may see it as a geographical entity, a source of agricultural or cultural production, a type of destination or something else. Minimum 250 words

Please stay for the entire show. The class ends at 3:20pm. This does NOT mean that you need to get through the door by that time!

See y’all on Tuesday! -Marco