Syllabus and Schedule of Readings

 

 

Instructor:     Dr. James R. Keating

Office:             JH 316 B

Hours:             Tuesday and Thursday 4:45-5:15.

(Students are welcome to visit at any time, however, to discuss specific issues related to the course, I strongly urge making an appointment.)

Phone:             Office:  940-9223 or 940-6400 Ext. 1

Home:  581-8860  (Please leave message on V.M. if I am not there.)

 

e-mail:             jkeating@butler.edu

(I check e-mail daily (except Sunday) and most days more than once.)

 

Seminar Topic:  Looking for Shangri-La

Purpose:  The purpose of this class is to examine the way writers viewed the human condition at various places and times in history.  The idea is to study ways people look for ultimate meaning in life,  passions which inspire and propel them to personal fulfillment, or even greatness.   We will read various books, fiction and non-fiction, and discuss issues that focus on this idea.  I hope we will be able to identify and develop a fuller understanding of certain universal truths by way of what we read, consider, discuss, and write about in this class.   I hope you feel this happens.

 

Writing is an important part of this class—it is one of the most important skills any college student can possibly have.  Expressing yourself in writing is important because it is the way you will express yourself most often in your professional life.  Good, high-quality, writing is the sign of a well-educated person.  Never—never—underestimate the value of good writing!!!

 

Public speaking is important too.  It isn’t that we are all going to appear on television or give speeches as Yankee Stadium.  Most of us won’t.  But we are all called upon to make important comments in many venues, so having speaking skills is important and will be a part of this class.

 

Readings in this class are made up of both fiction and non-fiction.  On the other hand, all of the essays we write involve expository writing…a contradiction, apparently.  However, I chose certain readings as a way to begin our discussions about great and important themes, which are so often expressed in literature.  Such readings help us make discoveries about our own lives—and thereby help us understand the world and our own places in it more fully.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLASS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.

 

CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONICS:  Turn off all cell phones, pagers, etc. and do NOT use such items during class time.  Text messaging, surfing the net, talking on the phone and other such acts are not allowed during class time.  It is disruptive and rude and is not tolerated in professional settings, including this one.  If you forget to turn off the phone and it rings, simply silence it.  Do not answer.  I will do the same if it happens to me.   (A word to the wise:  This kind of thing leaves a very bad impression with the instructor…actually, it drives him nuts…and this is not a good thing.  Is this clear enough?  If not, ask for a more strongly worded explanation.)

 

ATTENDANCE:  University policy requires class attendance.  I understand that absence is sometimes unavoidable; however, such occasions should be VERY infrequent.  No student should miss more than three (3) classes because that amounts to almost 10% of the class meetings.  I know that organizations have events and that there are many social functions that occur at the same time as our scheduled classes.  But those activities are not to be considered as excuses for missing class.  If your presence is absolutely essential at such a meeting or event, then the organization should reschedule its activity.  However, if you feel you will miss more than four classes, then you should consider rescheduling the class.

 

ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES:  Assignments are due and tests will be administered on the dates indicated.  For papers written outside class and for readings, these are DEADLINES.  That is, you may complete and submit written work early if you want.  But the due date is the DEADLINE after which a penalty will be assessed, no matter what the reason for the tardiness.  I strongly suggest that you complete the work ahead of time.  Plan ahead.

 

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS:  When written assignments are given, your work should be typed, proof-read, and should reflect your best efforts.  You must cite all sources.  Do not make pencil or pen corrections.  If you have to re-print entire paragraphs or pages, then do it.  I want your papers to look like you are proud of your work, which you should be.  Most likely you cannot possibly write a good paper with fewer than three drafts and a final document.  This is not to suggest anything negative about YOU.  I can’t do it either.  Almost no one can.

 

READING ASSIGNMENTS:  You must read all assignments.  Plan ahead and read ahead.  This is essential for you to know what we’re talking about in class.

 

PUBLIC SPEAKING:  At least one assignment will include a public speaking component.

 

THE FINAL EXAM:  University policy establishes the time for final examinations in all classes.  Sometimes students want me to change the date or time.  I cannot do this.

 

NOTICE:  It is the policy and practice of Butler University to make reasonable accommodations for students with properly documented disabilities.  Written notification from Student Disability Services is required.  If you are eligible to receive an accommodation and would like to request it for this course, please discuss it with the instructor and allow one week advance notice.  If you have questions about Student Disability Services you may contact Michele Atterson, JH 136, ext. 9308. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guidelines for Formal Paper Submissions

 

1. Each paper should be of the length listed in the schedule of readings.  The page count does not include the title page, contents, abstract, or works cited pages.

 

1. All papers should be double-spaced with one inch margins all around.

 

1. Type should be Times New Roman 12.  Generally italics, underlining, and bold face type are rarely used except to add specific emphasis to a short passage of text.

 

1. Papers you write at the college level generally need documentation.  Whenever you quote,  refer to, or rely on an outside source, it must be cited.  That is, if an idea you express in the paper came from somewhere else, the source must be cited, even if you do not directly quote the source.  I have noticed that many students under-cite.   You should use many good references.  The internet may be used as a source only one time in any paper.  Encyclopedia and Wiki sites (or any other such bogus sources) may not be used at all.  Neither may you use BrainyQuotes, QuoteMachine, or any other quotation generator. Databases, library books, scholarly journals, and periodicals may be used as often as necessary. You will be required to annotate sources with information about the author.  Therefore, you may not use sources that lack a specific author.  (I will say more about that when giving specific assignments.)

 

1. Print on one side of the paper only.  Do not use plastic or cardboard binders.  Staple pages together with a single staple in the upper left hand corner.

 

1. Make a photo-copy or spare printed copy of your term paper as a precautionary backup.  If, heaven forbid, I misplace your term paper, I want you to be able to give me the backup copy.  Do NOT rely solely on a computer disc to do this for you.  Make a paper backup.

 

1. Topics:  Due to the nature of the class, the instructor will provide guidance on this matter.  Each student will develop his or her own themes based on rigorous research and deep, creative thinking on the subjects we discuss.

 

8.         The university provides an excellent Writing Studio for help in writing papers.  I strongly urge you to      use it and as incentive, I will give extra credit to students who use this wonderful source.  I will explain      this in class.

 

9.         The cover page of the paper should include your name and the assignment number.  This page must also include the following statement which you must sign.

 

“I hereby certify that the work included in this paper is my own and that all sources, direct or indirect, have been clearly and properly cited.  I have not copied any sections of this paper, directly or indirectly from books, other students, or any electronic or other sources whatsoever, unless I have cited them properly.”