LARES

Summer Transition and Enrichment Program

2011 English Syllabus

 

 

Instructor: Mitzi Ramos, ABD / Rodolfo Aguilar

E-mail: mramos8@uic.edu / raguil2@uic.edu

Class Location: BSB 265 / BSB 269

Office: LARES, SSB 2640A

Office Phone: (312) 996-3356

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12-1

 

STEP Website: http://tigger.uic.edu/~mramos8/SSS.html

 

 

 

COURSE OVERVIEW

 

Welcome to the LARES Summer Transition and Enrichment Program (STEP) at UIC.  This program is designed to give you some experience and instruction in how to succeed in college level reading and writing. The goals of this program are:

 

·                     To help you improve your abilities to read difficult texts and to practice strategies for understanding difficult material

·                     To improve your writing abilities so that you can succeed at college level writing

·                     To acclimate you to the expectations and challenges of college

 

No matter what your major is, all of your courses in college will ask you to read and write at an analytical level. Your ability to do this will be critical to your success.  As you probably already know, there are many differences between college and high school.  You will have more freedom.  You will have classes less often, and you will be asked to do a lot more reading and writing for homework.  Another difference between high school and college is the level or intensity of the work.  Your professors will ask you to read books that are more challenging and to write well organized, grammatically correct, and intellectually sophisticated analytical papers.  This course will help you build the skills you need to meet these new challenges.  We have no doubt that you are all capable of doing extremely well in college.  However, it does take work, discipline, planning and organization.  No matter how much you struggle, if you continue to work on your reading and writing and if you are willing to take responsibility for your learning, you will succeed.

 

WRITING IS A PROCESS, and this class is designed to aid you in that process.  You will be expected to attend regularly and participate.  Therefore, you are expected to:

 

·                     Attend ALL classes

·                     Be on time for classes

·                     Work to improve your skills in reading and writing

·                     Complete all assigned papers by the given due date

·                     Participate actively in class discussions & writing workshops

 

This course is a non-credit course and does not contribute to your final UIC GPA.  This offers all of us a rare opportunity to focus on conversation about and meaningful feedback on your writing and class performance rather than only on a final letter grade.  We will give you extensive comments on all of your written work, in addition to which you will have ample opportunity to become adept at giving and receiving feedback from your peers. These experiences will allow you to become a more careful and critical reader of your own writing, so that the writing you eventually do for your UIC classes will be the result of your own skilled editing and revision.

 

 

GRADE DISTRIBUTION

 

Daily Writing Prompts (5%)

Writing Project #1, Immigration Narrative (20%)

Writing Project #2, Argumentative Paper (20%)

Writing Project #3, Critical Film Analysis (20%)

Writing Project #4, Portfolio Cover Letter (15%)

 

Group Presentation (10%)

Class Participation (10%)

 

Final Portfolio (Mandatory)

 

 

WRITING PROJECTS

 

Papers: During the course of this program, you will be required to write 4 papers: an immigration narrative, an argumentative essay, a critical film analysis, and a portfolio cover letter. These papers will be worth 75% of your final grade.

 

As with all college papers, the writing projects you will complete in this class must be neatly typed, double-spaced, and clearly printed using 12-point Times New Roman font and 1” margins on all sides. Each page of your paper should be numbered. Do not skip lines between paragraphs, or attempt other essay-lengthening techniques.  If there are format problems in your papers, I will ask you to correct them.

 

Your work should be meticulously proofread and free of careless spelling and grammar errors.  When reading them, I will be looking for depth of thought and analysis, clarity and development of ideas and your attention given to elements of structure, content, and style.  You will have the opportunity to revise each paper with a peer, and meet with me to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

 

Papers are to be handed in at the beginning of class on the day that they are due.

 

Writing Portfolios: No matter what your major is, each of you will be required by UIC to take a full year of English composition courses.  These courses will require you to display proficiency in reading, writing, and thinking skills.  The culminating project of these courses is the completion of a writing portfolio.  The portfolio will contain final copies of the papers completed in the course.  UIC will evaluate this portfolio according to their standards for reading, writing and thinking.  No matter what your grade in the course is, you must pass this final portfolio evaluation to receive credit for the course. 

 

In light of the fact that you will be expected to complete a writing portfolio for the English Department, the LARES Summer Transition and Enrichment Program will help you prepare for this endeavor by also requiring that you produce a portfolio of your final papers in preparation for performing this task in the future. Depending on your English placement, passing the portfolio review might provide some of you with an opportunity to advance an English course.

 

 

GROUP PRESENTATION

 

During the course of the program, you will be required to lead a class discussion (see Tentative Schedule for presentation dates). The day of your presentation, you must come to class with a clear and concise summary of the readings; any background information you may have found on the author or particular reading; insightful comments and observations; and, at least five meaningful open-ended questions per reading. Depending on the assigned readings, you will have anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour to lead the discussion. Consult me for specific details prior to your presentation.

 

 

CLASS DISCUSSION

 

You will be required to participate in class discussions. In order to make this class a success, you MUST be willing to open up and share your experiences, thoughts, and opinions on the topics begin discussed.

 

You will also be exposed to different cultures, opinions and views throughout your years in academia.  Though you may agree or disagree with what you hear, you must respect different points of view.  You are free to challenge or critique what others say, but there must be respect for the opinions of others. 

 

 

ACADEMIC RESOURCES

 

There are many resources to help you succeed in this summer program and at UIC as a whole.  LARES is an excellent resource for students in that it offers advising, tutoring, career counseling and more. This summer, additional tutors will be available to help you with your writing. Please contact your instructor for more information.  

 

We will also work with the UIC Writing Center (Douglas Hall – First Floor) which offers one-on-one consultation with student writers who need help developing ideas, need advice or additional instruction on any aspect of writing. The Writing Center serves all student writers, not just “beginners.” Tutors are prepared to spend 50 minutes per appointment, and there is no limit to the number of tutoring sessions you can receive each semester. Make an appointment and then be on time! Bring the paper on which you’re working, any related drafts, notes, etc., and information about the assignment.  For an appointment, call the Writing Center, (312) 413-2206, or stop by.  For further information, visit the Writing Center’s Website.  We highly recommend using the Writing Center regularly to continue to develop your writing skills.

 

The Academic Center for Excellence can help if you feel you need more instruction in reading or writing; visit the ACE Website or call (312) 413-0032 for more information.

 

 

PLAGIARISM

 

Using, borrowing, or stealing someone else’s ideas and claiming them as your own is against the law.  It is also punishable by expulsion from the university.  For more information about violating academic integrity and its consequences, consult the UIC Department of Student Judicial Affairs website.

 

 

 

 

ELECTRONICS POLICY

 

 

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR CELL PHONES ARE TURNED OFF DURING CLASS!

Not only is it rude and disruptive, but it is a personal pet peeve. Be forewarned!

 

Students are allowed to bring laptops to class, BUT it must be restricted to class work. Failure to adhere to this policy will lead to the revocation of your laptop privileges.

 

                                                                      

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

(Subject to change with prior notice.)

 

 

 

 

WEEK 1                                                Writing Assignment #1:  Immigration Narrative

June 20 (M)

Introduction to LARES Summer Transition and Enrichment Program

Homework Due: Register for July 11th Summer College Workshop

June 21 (T)

Syllabus Overview / Entrance Diagnostic

June 22 (W)

 

Writing Workshop: Writing an Immigration Narrative & Interview Questions

Presentation Workshop: Presentation Guidelines & Tips / Selections

Homework: Interview an immigrant – Points to consider: life before the U.S. (background); decision to immigrate and how they get here (transition); what did they do upon arrival, how have they adjusted (after)

Homework Due Date: Thursday, June 23

June 23 (Th)

Homework Due: Interview responses

In-Class Writing Exercise: Develop interviews into Immigration Narrative

Homework: Immigration Narrative (Draft)

Homework Due Date: Monday, June 27

 

 

WEEK 2:                                     Writing Assignment #2:  Bread & Roses Film Critique

June 27 (M)

Homework Due: Immigration Narrative (Draft)

Film: Bread & Roses / “You Be The Critic”

Summer College Workshop: Professor Betsy Abrams (LC A1) (12:00 to 1:00)

Homework:  Bread & Roses Write-Up (Plot summary, tentative thesis statement, and a list of three film references and how they will be incorporated into overall argument.)

Homework Due Date: Tuesday, June 28

June 28 (T)

Homework Due: Bread & Roses Write-Up

Writing Workshop: Writing a Film Critique

Reading: Film Reviews of Bread & Roses

Presenter: Mitzi Ramos

In-Class Writing Exercise: Thesis Statement Refinement

Homework: Bread & Roses Film Critique (Draft)

Homework Due Date: Thursday, June 30

June 29 (W) 

 Reading: Ana Castillo, Julia Alvarez & Lorna Dee Cervantes (Poems)

Presenters:  (9:00)

Presenters: (10:30)

June 30 (Th)

Homework Due: Bread & Roses Film Critique (Draft – 3 copies)

Reading: Sandra Cisneros (Poem, Introduction & “No Speak English)

Presenters:  (9:00)

Presenters: (10:30)

In-Class Writing Exercise: Bread & Roses Peer Review

Homework: Immigration Narrative (Final Copy)

Homework Due Date: Tuesday, July 5

 

 

WEEK 3

July 4 (M)

No Class

July 5 (T)

Homework Due: Immigration Narrative (Final Copy)

Readings: Debbie Nathan: “Irma’s Story: The Life of An Illegal Alien” from

Women and Other Aliens

Presenters:  (9:00)

Presenters: (10:30)

Readings: Gloria Anzaldua: “How to Tame a Wild Tongue” from Borderlands La Frontera

Presenters:  (9:00)

Presenters: (10:30)

Homework: Bread & Roses Film Critique (Final Copy)

Homework Due Date: Thursday, July 7

July 6 (W) 

Readings: Gary Soto: “Being Mean” from Living in the Street

Presenters:  (9:00)

Presenters: (10:30)

Readings: Jimmy Santiago Baca & Luis Alberto Urrea (Poems)

Presenters:  (9:00)

Presenters: (10:30)

July 7 (Th)

Homework Due: Bread & Roses Film Critique (Final Copy)

Readings: Pedro Pietri & Miguel Piñero (Poems)

Presenters:  (9:00)

Presenters: (10:30)

Writing Workshop: Constructing argumentative thesis statements

           

 

WEEK 4:                                      Writing Assignment #3: Piñero Argumentative Paper

July 11 (M)

Film: Walkout / Note-Taking Exercise, Plot Summary, Reflection

Summer College: Concurrent Workshops (12:00 to 1:00)

Homework: Walkout Write-Up (Plot summary, tentative thesis statement, and a list of three film references and how they will be incorporated into overall argument.)

Due Date: Tuesday, July 12

July 12 (T)

Homework Due: Walkout Write-Up

Writing Workshop: Writing an Argumentative Paper

In-Class Activity: Presentation of Walkout Write-Ups

Homework: Walkout Argumentative Paper (Draft)

Due Date: Thursday, July 14

July 13 (W) 

Reading: Jimmy Santiago Baca: excerpts from A Place to Stand

Presenters:  (9:00)

Presenters: (10:30)

Reading: Luis J. Rodriguez: “La Vida Loca” from Always Running

Presenters:  (9:00)

Presenters: (10:30)

July 14 (Th)

Homework Due: Walkout Argumentative Paper (Draft – 3 Copies)

Reading: Reymundo Sanchez: “Down Brother” from My Bloody Life

Presenters:  (9:00)

Presenters: (10:30)

In-Class Activity: Piñero Argumentative Paper Peer Review

 

 

WEEK 5:                                                               Writing Assignment #4:  Cover Letter

July 18 (M)

STEP: Musicians

Homework: Walkout Argumentative Paper (Final Copy)

Homework Due Date: Thursday, July 21

July 19 (T)

Writing Workshop: Writing a Cover Letter

In-Class Writing Project: Drafts of Cover Letters

Homework: Cover Letter (Draft)

Homework Due Date: Wednesday, July 20

July 20 (W) 

Homework Due: Cover Letter  (Draft – 3 Copies)

In-Class Activity: Cover Letter Peer Review

July 21 (Th)

Homework Due: Walkout Argumentative Paper (Final Copy)

The Counter-Narrative: Recap of summer readings

Homework: Drafts of English Portfolios (Cover Letter, Argumentative Paper, Immigration Narrative, and Film Critique)

Homework Due: Tuesday, July 26

 

 

 

WEEK 6     

July 25 (M)

STEP: Vignettes

July 26 (T)

**LAB**

(MR) BSB 4133 / (RA) SES 205 B&C

Homework Due: Drafts of English Portfolios (Cover Letter, Argumentative Paper, Immigration Narrative, and Film Critique)

In-Class Activity: Final Revisions H

July 27 (W) 

 

Course Evaluations

Exit Diagnostic

July 28 (Th)

*Lecture Center D5*

Homework Due: English Portfolios Submission to English Department (Please bring a final copy of your portfolio: Cover Letter, Immigration Narrative, Film Critique, and Argumentative Paper)

Closing Ceremony

 

 

 

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