HOMEWORK:
Writing is a skill that is improved through iteration and honest appraisal. Therefore, all homework, except for the final paper, may be resubmitted for a new grade. The point is that you learn the material and that your writing improves, not that you are punished for having trouble. All resubmissions must be turned in promptly and none later than two weeks before the last class. Do not make a "Hail Mary" toss and try to rewrite all of your papers in one week before the deadline; that's not how this works." This is a generous policy that means a lot of work on my part. Please do not abuse it.
We will cover four plays, two or three of which you will see as professional theatre productions. You will write a paper or two about each production. In these papers you will analyze and describe the playwright's craft and, in the case of live productions, whether or not the production contributes to or detracts from the playwright’s intentions.
All written homework must be word-processed with 12 point font, be double spaced, have one inch margins and numbered pages, and be stapled in the upper left corner. Papers must have an appropriate cover page with your name, student ID#, date, and the name of the class. References and citations must be cited in MLA format. Spell-check and proof-read your work! Homework requiring handwriting must be neatly printed. Illegible work will be returned ungraded.
We go to the theater four times during the semester, which is included in that total, but you should still expect to be spending six to seven hours per week on reading, writing, and research for this class. Remember that each play should be read at least twice and there will be research necessary for you to fully appreciate those texts. Rewriting your papers, though not specifically required, is an essential part of developing your skill as writers and is fully expected. Re-writing is not considered in the time assessment for the course; it is your choice to rewrite.
The knowledge in this class is cumulative and the homework is designed to support what is being taught. Homework not originally turned in on time may not be turned in later than two weeks after the due date unless there are extenuating circumstances and an arrangement for the completion of the work has been made with the professor. Late work will be graded down one third of a grade.
Writing will be an important component of the course; one of the required texts is the Pocket Style Manual by Diana Hacker. (This will be required in your English classes as well.)
Response papers will be more fully described on a separate sheet.
CLASS POLICIES:
Attendance Policy: This class meets twice per week; attendance is required. For purposes of grading, each absence in excess of four (two weeks) will lower your grade 1/3 point (A to A-, etc.) Three “lates”—later than 15 minutes—will equal one absence. A note from the office of the Dean of Students regarding a family matter, serious illness, injury or a chronic condition is necessary to be excused beyond this policy.
From the Student Handbook: http://www.suffolk.edu/studenthandbook/19864.php
Your participation in class and in group projects is indispensable to your learning process and the success of the class. The class relies heavily on group projects and your team-mates need you. There will be a great deal of reading, researching, discussion, and presenting in this class. It will be essential for you to be in class, prepared and alert, to glean any benefit from the lectures and class discussions. In group projects it will be essential that you be responsible and dependable to the members of your group.
In the event that the university cancels classes, such as for severe weather, students will be expected to continue with readings and projects as originally scheduled, or on a schedule that the professor has communicated as a result. Any assignments scheduled during those missed classes are due at the next class meeting unless other instructions are posted at the course website.
Grading Policy: Writing assignments will be the major consideration in the final grade. Any written work and any other projects will be graded A-F. The project's grades will be averaged and will account for 70% of your grade. The final paper counts as 30% of your grade. Spelling, grammar, usage, style, and punctuation all count towards your grade on papers. Stylistically, all papers for this class are to be considered formal.
Final Grade: The grades for the projects are averaged and attendance is taken into consideration. Incompletes are given rarely and only as the result of serious and unusual circumstances. The professor reserves the right to take into consideration any special conditions beyond this grading policy that may apply to a fair evaluation of a student.
The knowledge in this class is cumulative and the homework is designed to support what is being taught. Late work will be graded down one third of a grade.
Communication: I will be communicating with you from time to time via email. You need to check your Suffolk University email address regularly, ie: every day. I will not be sending email to any other account. You can link your Suffolk account to another account. If you have trouble doing this, ask someone at computer services for help.
Cancelled Classes: If a class must be cancelled due to a university closure or the professor’s illness, you will receive an email via your Suffolk University email account at the earliest possible time. Again, you should check your email daily.
Class Policies
