Instructor: Ann Warren
Office Hours: Via Zoom, by appointment. Email me to make an appointment to meet.
E-mail: annw708@gmail.com
Welcome! In English 215, we'll read and analyze a range of Shakespeare's plays. The reading will introduce you to a wide variety of literature and the analysis will improve your thinking and writing skills.
This course is fully transferable to UC and CSU.
General Nature of the Course
The online version of English 215 involves the same readings, writings, exercises and information as the traditional English 215 course; only the delivery system has changed. Instead of submitting hard copy essays which will be read, commented on, scored and returned, students will submit assignments and have them returned via e-mail; lecture material, course deadlines, and assignment information are available via the Internet; class discussions will take place on a Discussion Board.
You will need to keep track of assignment (reading and writing) due dates by referring to the Class Schedule. It is up to you to keep up with assignment deadlines, especially since late work will be penalized (see note under Assignments). Specific Writing Assignment instructions can be reached through the links on the Class Schedule. Read these instructions carefully, and always e-mail or phone or visit me with any questions you might have.
There is also a series of Lectures on topics related to your reading and writing. Be sure to read the lecture material for each week because this should help you to understand the readings, and will give you valuable information to help with the discussion questions and writing assignments.
So it's up to you to keep up with the reading, to turn in assignments on time, to look at online lecture material and to ask questions when you don't understand what we're doing. I will read the written work and questions you e-mail to me, and I will respond (also via e-mail) with comments, corrections, discussion items, and (I hope) useful answers.
Required Texts
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Hamlet
Othello
Macbeth
Henry V
Richard III
The Tempest
All of these plays are available online. However, if you wish to buy print copies, I strongly recommend the New Folger Library Editions of the plays. They are paperbacks, so they're not expensive. Best of all, they provide some help with the language of the plays. Along with the text of the play, the editor provides a summary of each scene. In addition, the notes are printed parallel with the text on the facing page, instead of at the bottom of the page; this makes it easier to read them without losing your place. And last but not least, they have great introductions.
Assignments
3 essays: 100 points each
Final exam: 50 points
Discussion questions: 20 points each.
(For more information about how and where to submit answers to the discussion questions, see the Discussion Questions page.)
At the end of the semester, your grades will be averaged to determine a final grade for the class. Writing assignments are due on the date assigned on the schedule. Late papers will be penalized 10 points, and will not be accepted at all after one week.
Grading Scale for Writing Assignments
100-90=A
89-80=B
79-70=C
69-60=D
59-0=F
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is using the words, ideas, or information of another without acknowledging the source. Plagiarism, in a college environment, is the equivalent of grand larceny, and as such, it is unacceptable behavior. Anyone caught plagiarizing will fail the class. Each student is responsible for knowing the rules of correct citation and documentation; for more information, see the following guidelines from The Online Writing Lab at Purdue University. These provide clear and complete information as to what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it.
How to Submit Your Papers
Your writing assignments will be submitted to me via e-mail. Save your file as a Word, RTF, or PDF file, and attach the file to your message. When sending assignments, your e-mail message should include your name, the class number (English 215), and the name of the assignment which is attached. Use correct MLA format to set up your pages; for more information see The Online Writing Lab at Purdue University. Make sure that you eliminate spelling, grammar, and other mechanical errors from your writing. Send your e-mail to me at annw708@gmail.com
NOTE: always keep copies of all of your assignments. If there is a problem with e-mail, you will need that copy to re-send for credit.
About Wikipedia, SparkNotes, and Databases
DO NOT cite Wikipedia in academic essays. Since it is not edited by reputable experts, it often has errors and isn't reliable. It's okay to use it as a starting point for your own research, but go on and find other sources to verify the information, and cite those in your essay.
Also avoid SparkNotes, ENotes and similar sites. Teachers hate them since they provide only the most superficial analyses. Avoid citing them in academic papers; instead, go find analyses from more reputable academic sources: university and scholarly websites, peer-reviewed journals in library databases, and books. Don't be scared by that word "databases." The databases are just collected electronic versions of articles published in print magazines, journals, and newspapers. They also sometimes contain e-books. You can search them and find tons of good material. There's more about how to use the databases on the Writing About Literature page.
For more information, use the links on the right to go to any of the Class pages you want to see.
Click on the Gallery link to find out more about the pictures at the top of the pages.
To get in touch with me, use my e-mail. My office hours are listed at the top of this page and on the Class Schedule.
Catalog Description
This is an introductory look at the Shakespeare canon, including a brief look at the theatrical background. The course will concentrate on eight major plays and poetry.
English 215 Student Learning Outcomes
Recognize distinctive features of the literary works, themes, and genres in Shakespeare's works.
Employ critical thinking and college-level methods and terminology of literary analysis to the reading that demonstrates an understanding of these works in context, including, though not limited to historical, philosophical, social, political, religious, psychological, biographical, artistic backgrounds.
Produce well-developed essays with standard MLA formatting and documentation that support premises about literary works by using logical observations supported by textual examples.
College Mission
Los Angeles Harbor College serves our diverse community by providing access to associate and transfer degrees, certificates, economic and workforce development, and adult and noncredit instruction. We promote equity, diversity, and student success through academic programs and support services that ensure our students become productive members of a global society.
Disability Accommodation Statement
It is the policy of Los Angeles Harbor College to accommodate students with disabilities. Any student with a disability who requires reasonable accommodations should contact Special Programs and Services (SPS). If you do not have a diagnosed disability, but you are experiencing learning challenges, please visit LAHC Special Programs & Services Disability Questionnaire Links to an external site.to complete a Disability Screening Questionnaire that will be reviewed by SPS.
I have made every effort to make this course accessible to all students, including students with disabilities. If you encounter a problem accessing anything in this course, please contact me immediately by email and contact SPS.
SPS can be reached at (310) 233- 4629 or visit lahc.edu/studentservices/sps
Title IX Protections
Title IX (of the 1972 Education Amendments) protects students and staff alike from discrimination based on sex, including Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault, which are forms of Sexual Misconduct. Under Title IX, all people in the educational environment must be treated equitably, regardless of sex, sexual orientation or expression, and/or transgender identity.
If you have experienced or learned of a possible violation of Title IX and/or would like to know about options, resources (including confidential services), the law, or District policy, please do not hesitate to contact a Title IX Coordinator.
Title IV Coordinator Contact Information:
Dr. Genice Sarcedo-Magruder, Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Los Angeles Harbor College
Regional Equity & Title IX Officer and Dean
213-891-2315 sarcedg@piercecollege.edu