Our Goals:
Discussion section provides an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the assigned texts by interacting both with the texts and with each other. My job is to facilitate this interaction. This is' also your job. In section, we will combine free-form discussion, more structured discussion, group work, and focused writing exercises. You are responsible for reading the assigned texts, participating in section activities, and bringing up your own questions and concerns regarding lectures or readings. Because writing is such an important part of your grade for this class, you will also be responsible for written mini-assignments between classes; for example, I might ask you to come to class with a discussion question or a passage you'd like to discuss. The "default" assignment -i.e., what you should do unless I give you a different assignment-will be to write a one-page dialogic journal entry. You should bring completed assignments to class each week. The purpose of the writing assignments, both in class and between classes, is to give you practice in the kind of reading and writing that will help you on the exams and paper.
Section Policies:
• Your participation in discussion section comprises 2Wo of your grade. Since there are 10 section meetings, think of each section as an opportunity to earn 2% of your overall grade. Attendance at section is mandatory; if you miss more than two sections, you will receive zero points on this portion of your grade.
• Although Professor Lim does have ultimate authority regarding grade assignments, I will be responsible for all grading. You must complete the paper and take both exams to receive a passing grade in this course. All contestations of grades (whether for a specific paper, exam, or the course as a whole) must be in writing.
• I encourage you to take advantage of my office hours or to make an appointment to see me at another time. You don't have to have an earth-shaking reason to do so; in fact, I would welcome feedback on how discussion section is going or conversations about topics that you'd like to talk about beyond their coverage in section.
• The paper is due by December 1. If I do not have the paper in my hands at 12:30 when lecture begins, your grade will be lowered by 1/3 of a letter grade for every 24 hours it is late.
• A note on plagiarism: representing the work or ideas of another author as one's own may lead to a failing grade for the paper and course, as well as probation and explusion from the university. JUST DON'T DO IT. If you have questions about how to cite sources, or have other concerns regarding plagiarism, please see me during my office hours.
• If you are not satisfied with the grade you receive on your paper, you may rewrite it after consultation with me. Please let me know as soon as possible after you receive your grade if you intend to rewrite your paper; we can set up a time to discuss your revision requirements.
• If you need to get in touch with me, you may speak with me before or after lectures or sections, leave a note in my English Department mailbox (South Hall 2623), or call me at home between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Do not call the English Department to leave messages for me. Consider my phone nonexistent between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m.