Office Hours: MTWR 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. I am available for in-person or ZOOM appointments. You may call me any time at my office 940-397-4246. My Outlook email will record your call and send it to me as email. I cannot miss it.  

Required books (please purchase ACTUAL books with PAGE numbers):

Beowulf: A Verse Translation. Translated by Seamus Heaney. Edited by Daniel Donoghue. 2^nd Norton Critical Edition. Norton, 2019. ISBN: 978-0-393-93837-1.

Sir Thomas Malory. Le Morte Darthur: Selections. Broadview Anthology of British Literature Edition. Broadview Press: 2015. ISBN: 978-1-55481-159-5.

John Milton. Paradise Lost. Edited by Gordon Teskey. Norton Critical Edition. Norton, 2005. ISBN: 978-0-393-92428-2.

The Showings of Julian of Norwich. Edited by Denise N. Baker. A Norton Critical Edition. Norton, 2005. ISBN 0-393-97915-6.

Course goals

Read literary texts united by their interest in fate, destiny, and providence

Describe key moments in texts; discuss fate, destiny, and providence.

Engage in a writing process and utilize credible sources.

Use sources ethically and follow a designated style guide [MLA].

Demonstrate proficient use of Standard Written English.

PowerPoints 1 & 2 and the Essay

Each PowerPoint is 30 percent of the grade; the Essay is 40 percent.

PowerPoint 1 features description paragraphs and images relevant to Beowulf and Mallory’s Le Morte Darthur [Death of Arthur]. For one of the two stories, we need ONE description paragraph; for the other, we need TWO description paragraphs (you choose which). For the text that you write TWO description paragraphs, make sure they address a different moment from each other, a different passage with a different quote. DO NOT PICK THE SAME SCENE AND QUOTE I USED IN THE MODEL POWEPOINT. PowerPoint 1 is due in drop box before 11:59 PM Friday March 3.

PowerPoint 2 features description paragraphs and images pertaining to Milton’s Paradise Lost and Julian of Norwich’s Showings [Revelations of Divine Love]—we do the same thing. We need TWO description paragraphs for one of the texts, and ONE description paragraph for the other. For the text that you write TWO description paragraphs, make sure they address a different moment from each other, a different passage with a different quote. PowerPoint 2 is due in drop box before 11:59 PM Friday April 14.

The PowerPoint starts with a title slide; each subsequent slide features a description paragraph and at least one relevant image for that paragraph. Students are free to gut the model PowerPoint (see CONTENT in D2L). They may find their own images by googling search terms and adding the word “images.” Students should NOT adapt the model PowerPoint’s description paragraphs for their own use; they should NOT use the same images. Please pick different scenes and passages from those in the model PowerPoints. Pick different scenes and passages from the models found in this syllabus.

A DESCRIPTION paragraph starts with a topic idea (one or two sentences) that say something about fate, destiny, or providence. The paragraph then uses dynamic descriptive details to capture the moment and convey the character’s experience in the story. Avoid broad summary and plot points; bear down on the moment in the text, convey the action, and paint a picture. The DESCRIPTION paragraph closes on a relevant quote that is complete in its own right. For Beowulf, provide parenthetical line numbers; for Mallory, parenthetical page; for Milton, parenthetical book and line numbers; and for Julian, parenthetical page and chapter.

DISCUSSION FORUM, TOPIC, and the THREAD

The most dynamic point of contact between you and me is the THREAD. Here is where you can get my input on your paragraph(s) before they are part of your PowerPoint or the Essay. Go to CONTENT in D2L. Click on the relevant Discussion Forum. Next to the forum’s title is a drop-down arrow for VIEW TOPIC. Click on that topic. You will see the textbox in to which you can directly type or copy and paste. Do not use the attachment function.

The THREAD is optional; it is for those who want input before submitting their assignment to the drop box for a grade. The THREAD is only useful if the submitter does so in a timely fashion.

SUBMISSION TO THE DROP BOX

Click on ASSESSMENTS and then ASSIGNMENTS—there is the drop box.

The thread is not for grading—only my input. PowerPoints 1, 2, and the Essay must be submitted to the drop box in order to count and be graded.

Students must submit their PowerPoints and Essay as documents to the DROP BOX in order for them to be evaluated (by feedback box and attached rubric) and graded. The PowerPoints cannot simply be a link or URL. I do NOT have permission to open password-protected links in Google.

A POWERPOINT must have these items:

SLIDE 1: Title

SLIDE 2: Description Paragraph & image.

SLIDE 3: Description Paragraph & image.

SLIDE 4: Description Paragraph & image.

Feel free to gut the MODEL PowerPoint and supply your paragraphs and images. The images are abundantly available in GOOGLE (that’s where I found mine for the models.

The ESSAY

The ESSAY begins with an INTRODUCTORY paragraph that explains the student’s comparison between two of the four works we are examining. The prompt is as follows: What do these two works have to say about fate, destiny, or providence? The ESSAY features TWO description paragraphs the student has already written; they are from the PowerPoints and represent two different works—the two compared in the INTRODUCTORY paragraph. The ESSAY also needs TWO supporting paragraphs, each featuring the use (and quote from) a scholarly source from one of our required critical editions. The ESSAY closes with a conclusion (about five sentences) that begins with descriptive details from one of the two works the essay is comparing; it closes with a relevant thought about fate, destiny, or providence. The ESSAY is due in the drop box before 11:59 PM Friday May 5.

Plagiarism

Any use of a non-documented source as if it were a student’s original work is academic dishonesty. The grade will be a “0” (no points) for the assignment and the student can no longer attend the course. If the student does not officially withdraw from the course, the semester grade will be an “F.”

Language too close to source

Students sometimes borrow the phrasing of the play or their scholarly sources as if it were their own. Students certainly can use key words from their sources, but they must use their own phrasing—not the source’s.

Attendance

In D2L the class list (under communication) indicates the most recent date the students have logged into the course. I will use D2L to track attendance.

Students with disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantees reasonable accommodation. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

In D2L the class list (under communication) indicates the most recent date the students have logged into the course. I will use D2L to track attendance.

LATE WORK – Late Penalty is 10 points – No late work after Monday May 8

D2L accepts late work, but it is marked for lateness. The penalty is 10 points out of 100. All late work must be submitted to its drop box before 11:59 PM Monday May 8.

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.

Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.

We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.

We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.

Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, (940) 397-4140.

The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MSUTexas e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Obligation to Report Sex Discrimination under State and Federal Law

Midwestern State University is committed to providing and strengthening an educational, working, and living environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are free from sex discrimination of any kind. State and federal law require University employees to report sex discrimination and sexual misconduct to the University’s Office of Title IX. As a faculty member, I am required to report to the Title IX Coordinator any allegations, personally observed behavior, or other direct or indirect knowledge of conduct that reasonably may constitute sex discrimination or sexual misconduct, which includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, or stalking, involving a student or employee. After a report is made, the office of Title IX will reach out to the affected student or employee in an effort to connect such person(s) with resources and options in addressing the allegations made in the report. You are also encouraged to report any incidents to the office of Title IX. You may do so by contacting:

Laura Hetrick

Title IX Coordinator
Sunwatcher Village Clubhouse
940-397-4213

laura.hetrick@msutexas.edu

You may also file an online report 24/7 at Maxient 

Should you wish to visit with someone about your experience in confidence, you may contact the MSU Counseling Center at 940-397-4618. For more information on the University’s policy on Title IX or sexual misconduct, please visit MSU Texas Title IX

Senate Bill 11 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature allows licensed handgun holders to carry concealed handguns on campus, effective August 1, 2016. Areas excluded from concealed carry are appropriately marked, in accordance with state law. For more information regarding campus carry, please refer to the University’s webpage at https://msutexas.edu/campus-carry/rules-policies.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact MSU Chief of Police at police@msutexas.edu.