Course Topics for Spring 2012 (Last revised 10/24/2011 11:03 AM)

Note: All English 103, 104, 105 and 106 courses differ in their content.  Students should examine the course descriptions below for topics they find interesting.  All of these sections are alike in that they are designed to teach students how to write using research at a level sufficient to allow them to survive their 200-level courses.  Students in English 105 and 106 will be evaluated for College Writing Proficiency (CWP) to make sure they are ready to proceed in upper-division work for their majors.  Click here for the CWP criteria.  Students in English 104 who make extraordinary progress may be asked by their instructors to submit a Writing Portfolio to demonstrate that their prose meets the CWP criteria.  Click here for the Writing Portfolio instructions.  Note that instructors must explicitly indicate that they believe 104 students are ready to meet the CWP criteria before the students may submit a portfolio.

        English 105 does not teach all the research skills for any specific majors.  Additional research skills appropriate to individual majors are required and taught by each major department.  Nevertheless, to help students understand the common kinds of curiosities which scholars pursue and the rules they follow for developing intellectual property, most English 105 sections center their content readings and experiences in one discipline, from which they can draw connections to the rest of them.  The course topic descriptions below are preliminary and may be altered at the instructor's discretion.  If a description is not yet listed, we hope to provide it soon, or you can contact the instructor for the course you are interested in taking. 

English 103.001 (TuTh 3:00-4:15), Jennifer Bess, The College Essay--In this course, we will focus on the organization, coherence, and development required for college papers. Students will engage in the study of the conventions of written English, including grammar, punctuation, and sentence construction, as well as the development of independent pre-writing, writing and revision skills.  Students will begin developing skills to meet the College Writing Proficiency requirement in the class.

English 104.001 (MWF 11:00-11:50), Elizabeth Leik, Working with memoirs to strengthen our writing--We will read two memoirs about writing—Stephen King’s On Writing and Anne Lammott’s Bird by Bird while we write researched essays on learning styles, memoir writing, and an issue that impacts society.  Students will need to purchase the books above as well as The Little Seagull Handbook (W.W. Norton) by Richard Bullock and Francine Weinberg.  The course will teach you skills that will help you toward meeting the Liberal Education requirement in College Writing Proficiency.

English 104.002 (MWF 12:30-1:20), Elizabeth Leik, Working with memoirs to strengthen our writing--We will read two memoirs about writing—Stephen King’s On Writing and Anne Lammott’s Bird by Bird while we write researched essays on learning styles, memoir writing, and an issue that impacts society.  Students will need to purchase the books above as well as The Little Seagull Handbook (W.W. Norton) by Richard Bullock and Francine Weinberg.  The course will teach you skills that will help you toward meeting the Liberal Education requirement in College Writing Proficiency.

English 104.003 (TuTh 9:55-11:10), Ailish Meisner, View of the World from a Grain of Sand: The Personal Essay as Social/Political Mirror-- In this course we will examine short nonfiction works by a wide variety of authors to see not only the viewpoints they present, but the human and social issues they reflect and comment on and the strategies they employ toward those ends. Using what we find, and in response to their information and experience, we will practice and enhance your own ability to develop, organize, and express ideas. We will also work on critical reading skills, sentence skills, and your ability to find, evaluate, and use appropriately information that tests or supports the readings’ claims. You will write frequently, both inside and outside of class. And, further reflecting our theme, we will aim to come together as a community of writers, doing creative and analytical writing exercises, discussing our research and readings, and workshopping and collaborating around our writing both in class and on a class blog.    The course will teach you skills that will help you toward meeting the Liberal Education requirement in College Writing Proficiency.

English 104.004 (TuTh 1:10-2:25),  Barbara Roswell,  The I and the Eye--In this writing workshop, we will explore the many ways that writers use language to evoke emotions, convey information, describe, define, interpret, argue and persuade.  We will alternate between investigating how other writers make choices to fulfill their goals and experimenting with strategies that will allow you to do the same.  Projects will include short essays and summaries, a reflection on your experiences with literacy, an investigation of a health issue of concern to you, and an extended study of an individual artist of your choice.  This course is designed to give you confidence and flexibility as an academic writer and to develop the skills to meet the Liberal Education requirement in College Writing Proficiency, including mastering the conventions of standard written English; developing strategies for planning, organizing and developing your ideas; becoming familiar with different ways to identify, cite and respond to published texts; and creating a clearer sense of your own academic voice.

English 105.001 (MWF 9:00-9:50) Phaye Poliakoff-Chen, Points of View--In these contentious times it is important to hear and critically assess all points of view.  This advanced writing course will focus on examining important issues from various angles, even from perspectives which you may find hard to bear.  Texts include Conversations, by Dominic Delli Carpini and Jack Selzer, and As I Lay Dying, by William Faulkner.  The main objectives of this course are simple:  to become a better writer in general and a better writer of academic papers in particular.  The final project in this class is a research paper on a topic of your own choosing.    Students will work toward achieving College Writing Proficiency in the class.

English 105.002 (MWF 9:30-10:20) Mary Jo Wiese, Poetry and Academic Prose--In the poetry anthology Poetry 180, poet Billy Collins quotes a reluctant student describing the act of examining poetry, ‘Whenever I read a modern poem, it’s like my brother has his foot on the back of my neck in the swimming pool.” (xv-xvi)  This course aims to ease that pain and introduce students to the pleasures of reading, responding and writing about poetry. We will explore a wide variety of poems and analyze their intrinsic qualities as well as their historic contexts. Writing assignments will range from a poetry analysis to a research paper on a poet or songwriter of the student’s choice. Although our focus will be poetry, we will examine the universal traits of fine writing: careful diction, apt structure and vibrant imagery.  Students will work toward achieving College Writing Proficiency in the class.

English 105.003 (MWF 10:00-10:50) Mina Brunyate, Rivers Are Deep--Rivers and fresh water issues provide rich opportunities for writing and research.  Think of the role that rivers have played in shaping cities, literature, and national borders. They have been places of spiritual renewal and baptism. Home to countless plants and animals, rivers have also been conduits into the unknown. As sources of water and energy, rivers hold even more significance today. The paper assignments in this course will offer the opportunity to explore some of these roles more fully. We shall read James Dickey’s novel Deliverance, Marq de Villiers’ Water: The Fate of Our Most Precious Resource, as well as essays by writers such as Mark Twain and John McPhee. In addition, groups will design river cruises that celebrate the ecologies and cultures associated with the world’s great rivers. Students will work toward achieving College Writing Proficiency in the class.

English 105.004 (MWF 11:00-11:50) Charlee Sterling, Reading Harry--Calling all witches and wizards -- Muggles welcome too!  Join us for an exploration of the literary world of Harry Potter. Does the Harry Potter series have true literary value? As we examine some of the many literary texts that either directly influence, or that inform our reading of Rowling’s novels, we will be considering this question through class discussion and writing assignments,  alongside the immense popularity of the series, and whether it will stand the test of time to become a fantasy and children’s ‘classic.’ Parchment and quills required. Students will work toward achieving College Writing Proficiency in the class.

English 105.005 (MWF 12:30-1:20) Phaye Poliakoff-Chen, Points of View--In these contentious times it is important to hear and critically assess all points of view.  This advanced writing course will focus on examining important issues from various angles, even from perspectives which you may find hard to bear.  Texts include Conversations, by Dominic Delli Carpini and Jack Selzer, and As I Lay Dying, by William Faulkner.  The main objectives of this course are simple:  to become a better writer in general and a better writer of academic papers in particular.  The final project in this class is a research paper on a topic of your own choosing.    Students will work toward achieving College Writing Proficiency in the class.

English 105.006 (MWF 12:30-1:20) Mina Brunyate, Religion and Audience: Text and Interpretation--While English 105 continues to focus on the practice of academic writing, it does so in the context of research. Religion provides an interesting forum in which to explore the interweaving of audience and information. Today, this forum is increasingly relevant, as the moral and political ramifications of various religious groups explode beyond national borders. We will read novels My Name Is Asher Lev by rabbi Chaim Potok and Leila Aboulela’s Minaret, a narrative that provides personal insight into Islam. Through gospels and secondary sources, we will explore the identity of Jesus of Nazareth. Additionally, students will select and discuss articles that shed light on contemporary issues with regard to the monotheistic religions. The research papers will provide opportunities to interpret religious text and to articulate historical and contemporary understanding of these religions. Students will work toward achieving College Writing Proficiency in the class.

English 105.007 (MWF 1:30-2:20) Laura Orem, Art in Social Activism--We will explore, within their historical contexts, examples of literature, film, and/or music that offer social or political critiques and calls to action. In the final project, students will create their own work of “altered text” art in response to a current social or political issue, and write an artist’s statement describing both the issue and the artistic process involved in creating their own artwork.  Students will work toward achieving College Writing Proficiency in the class.

English 105.008 (MWF 1:30-2:20) Phaye Poliakoff-Chen, Points of View--In these contentious times it is important to hear and critically assess all points of view.  This advanced writing course will focus on examining important issues from various angles, even from perspectives which you may find hard to bear.  Texts include Conversations, by Dominic Delli Carpini and Jack Selzer, and As I Lay Dying, by William Faulkner.  The main objectives of this course are simple:  to become a better writer in general and a better writer of academic papers in particular.  The final project in this class is a research paper on a topic of your own choosing.    Students will work toward achieving College Writing Proficiency in the class.

English 105.009 (MWF 2:30-3:20) Mina Brunyate, Religion and Audience: Text and Interpretation--While English 105 continues to focus on the practice of academic writing, it does so in the context of research. Religion provides an interesting forum in which to explore the interweaving of audience and information. Today, this forum is increasingly relevant, as the moral and political ramifications of various religious groups explode beyond national borders. We will read novels My Name Is Asher Lev by rabbi Chaim Potok and Leila Aboulela’s Minaret, a narrative that provides personal insight into Islam. Through gospels and secondary sources, we will explore the identity of Jesus of Nazareth. Additionally, students will select and discuss articles that shed light on contemporary issues with regard to the monotheistic religions. The research papers will provide opportunities to interpret religious text and to articulate historical and contemporary understanding of these religions. Students will work toward achieving College Writing Proficiency in the class.

English 105.010 (MWF 2:30-3:20) Laura Orem, Art in Social Activism--We will explore, within their historical contexts, examples of literature, film, and/or music that offer social or political critiques and calls to action. In the final project, students will create their own work of “altered text” art in response to a current social or political issue, and write an artist’s statement describing both the issue and the artistic process involved in creating their own artwork.  Students will work toward achieving College Writing Proficiency in the class.

English 105.011 (TuTh 9:55-11:10) Susan Garrett, Bias, Myth, and Reality--We have two main goals in this section of 105: to help you achieve College Writing Proficiency (CWP), and to further familiarize you with academic writing. To that end, you will write a wide variety of papers: a product review paper, a paper exploring the “reality” shown on television or in movies, and an exploration of some commonly held belief which may or may not be true. At the end of the semester, we will explore the nature of academic writing, and you will have the chance to acquaint yourself with writing in an academic field which interests you.

English 105.012 (TTh 11:45 AM-1:00 PM) Kate Luse, Media Matters--We live in a media saturated culture: in almost any place and at almost any time we can access the media. Thanks to new technologies, not only has our access to media increased, our opportunities for active participation in producing media content have as well. But do these technological developments in media production and distribution also mean that there are few, if any, spheres of our lives left free from media influence? And how does this increased exposure to media change us? How does it impact the way we think, the way we view the world, and our relationships with others?  Click here for the full description of the course.<http://faculty.goucher.edu/writingprogram/english_105_syllabus_luse_F10.htm>  Students will work toward achieving College Writing Proficiency in the class.

English 105.013 (TTh 11:45 AM-1:00 PM) Carol Pippen,  Jane Austen and Her World--This section of English 105 will study three novels by Jane Austen that span her writing life, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Persuasion and look at the England that is portrayed in the novels. The class will pay particular attention to the heroines for whom Austen is famous and the interaction they have with their society as they chart their lives under trying circumstances. The class will use the Library's magnificent Burke Collection of original Jane Austen editions to provide the material needed for research papers. Students will work toward achieving College Writing Proficiency in the class.

English 105.014 (TTh 1:10-2:25) Jonathan Colson, Monster Culture--As critic Jeffrey Jerome Cohen states, “We live in a time of monsters.” Whether the monsters take the form of werewolves, vampires, dragons, beasts, or the forces of illness, monsters do a great deal of cultural work. This course will examine the ways in which monsters challenge and question contemporary culture and shape societies. Students will interrogate historical and recent incarnations of monstrosity and how they reveal what we desire and fear. The course is not for the faint of heart: reading, writing, and researching intensive. Each student will present his/her final research and final essay to the class. As with all 105 classes, the course emphasizes the study and practice of writing processes, including critical reading, collaboration, revision, and editing. We will focus on the aims, strategies, and conventions of academic prose, especially analysis and argumentation. The course will teach independent research writing, the use of scholarly sources, consistency with standard grammar, diction, and MLA style. Students will work toward achieving College Writing Proficiency in the class.

English 105.015 (TTh 1:10-2:25) Kate Luse, Media Matters--We live in a media saturated culture: in almost any place and at almost any time we can access the media. Thanks to new technologies, not only has our access to media increased, our opportunities for active participation in producing media content have as well. But do these technological developments in media production and distribution also mean that there are few, if any, spheres of our lives left free from media influence? And how does this increased exposure to media change us? How does it impact the way we think, the way we view the world, and our relationships with others?  Click here for the full description of the course.  <http://faculty.goucher.edu/writingprogram/english_105_syllabus_luse_F10.htm>  Students will work toward achieving College Writing Proficiency in the class.

English 105.016 (TTh 3:00-4:15 PM) Carol Pippen,  Jane Austen and Her World--This section of English 105 will study three novels by Jane Austen that span her writing life, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Persuasion and look at the England that is portrayed in the novels. The class will pay particular attention to the heroines for whom Austen is famous and the interaction they have with their society as they chart their lives under trying circumstances. The class will use the Library's magnificent Burke Collection of original Jane Austen editions to provide the material needed for research papers. Students will work toward achieving College Writing Proficiency in the class.

English 105.017 (TTh 3:00-4:15) Jonathan Colson, Monster Culture--As critic Jeffrey Jerome Cohen states, “We live in a time of monsters.” Whether the monsters take the form of werewolves, vampires, dragons, beasts, or the forces of illness, monsters do a great deal of cultural work. This course will examine the ways in which monsters challenge and question contemporary culture and shape societies. Students will interrogate historical and recent incarnations of monstrosity and how they reveal what we desire and fear. The course is not for the faint of heart: reading, writing, and researching intensive. Each student will present his/her final research and final essay to the class. As with all 105 classes, the course emphasizes the study and practice of writing processes, including critical reading, collaboration, revision, and editing. We will focus on the aims, strategies, and conventions of academic prose, especially analysis and argumentation. The course will teach independent research writing, the use of scholarly sources, consistency with standard grammar, diction, and MLA style. Students will work toward achieving College Writing Proficiency in the class.

English 106.001 (MW 8:30-9:45) Mary Reisinger--Olympic Writing--Using the Olympic Games as a theme, students will practice academic writing skills including crafting effective sentences and paragraphs, summarizing and evaluating the writing of others, preparing presentations, and using and documenting research.  Students will meet frequently with the instructor and prepare a portfolio of work that will be assessed for College Writing Proficiency.                                                                              

English 106.002 (MWF 12:30-1:20) Laura Orem, “What Does It All Mean?”--The purpose of Academic Writing III is student mastery of all the skills needed to demonstrate College Writing Proficiency. With that aim always in mind, this course will focus on the specific skills needed by each student to achieve CWP. Students will work closely with the instructor as they draft, revise, and write academic papers, beginning with responses to specific prompts and working toward self-directed research projects in an area of personal interest.  With the seemingly limitless availability of information at our fingertips, we will focus on evaluating sources and unpackaging meaning and purpose in an age of Googlization, hyper-exposure, and spin.

English 106.003 (MW 11:00 AM-12:15 PM) Mary Reisinger--Olympic Writing--Using the Olympic Games as a theme, students will practice academic writing skills including crafting effective sentences and paragraphs, summarizing and evaluating the writing of others, preparing presentations, and using and documenting research.  Students will meet frequently with the instructor and prepare a portfolio of work that will be assessed for College Writing Proficiency.                                                         

English 106.004 (TTh 3:00-4:15) Kate Luse, Behind the Scenes--This class is organized around the idea of looking behind the scenes. We will read three books that give us an inside look at an aspect of society. The first book, Complications, focuses on the medical profession, the second, Garbage Land on what happens to our trash, and the third, Traffic, on what causes traffic jams, accidents, and road rage. In the process, you will work on developing the skills necessary for achieving College Writing Proficiency. These skills include the ability to present a thesis and organize a supporting argument and to set that thesis within the context of the current discussion or debate on your topic. You will also develop your research skills, learning how to find and evaluate sources, incorporate them into your own writing, and correctly use MLA citation format. And you will expand your repertoire of sentence structures and vocabulary.  Students in this class will be taught skills and evaluated for the Liberal Education requirement for College Writing Proficiency.