Syllabus
Instructor: Amy Lawlor
Office: 8210
Voice mail: (650) 358-6889 x9480
email: amysusan@sbcglobal.net
office hours: Thursdays 11:00-12:00 and by appointment
Lit. 267: Filipino American Literature
Spring 2004
3 units
room 1219
T, Th 9:35-10:50
SIRENA
"Drowning is not so pitiful
as the attempt to
rise."
--Emily Dickinson
When
night drew near
we spoke of her
beneath a starlit sky
the air windless and still
there was no other sound
except for that soft whistle
perhaps a whale calf
lost at sea
though in our bones
we knew the sound
that circled us
entering our bodies
like rivers of starlight
was la sirena calling to us
one by one
every man believing
she was out there
a tail fin slicing through the water
trailing a glimmer of light
so
that a sleepless sailor
confused and weary
would think nothing
of leaving his watch
to dive back into
the wine dark water
lured like a fish
until he too disappears
beneath a wreath
of sea grass
--Jaime Jacinto
Course requirements:
required texts:
· When The Elephants Dance, Tess Uriza Holthe
· Returning A Borrowed Tongue ed. Nick Carbo
· Her Wild American Self, M. Evelina Galang
Course description:
This class will offer you the opportunity to explore a cross-section of Filipino American Literature—poetry, short stories and full length novels—most of which dramatize the historical, cross cultural, or immigrant experience of Filipino Americans. We will consider each work in its social, political, and personal context, exploring what is shared in the range of this literature as well as what is unique to each.
We will learn how to analyze and interpret the issues and themes the literature addresses in addition to composing coherent written analyses of them.
Required work:
a) essays: there will be two formal out of class essays during the semester which will give you the opportunity to explore, interpret, and analyze in greater depth the issues and themes the literature addresses.
b) weekly reading journals: these are flexible in scope and allow you to comment on and explore the various questions and issues that come up in the reading in an informal way.
c) quizzes: some may be unannounced so keep up with the reading!
d) midterm and final: these will most likely be in class exams where you will be required to demonstrate your knowledge and grasp of ideas that have been covered in class discussions, lectures, and in your readings as well as your familiarity with authors and works. They are NOT meant to inspire anxiety or fear in you, as long as you keep up and participate and listen to discussions they should be relatively easy.
e) oral or visual project: you must discuss this project with me in advance. This project is very flexible; you can base your project on a particular author or work; the historical background; a relevant theme, issue, or character; or any other information that broadens our understanding of Filipino American Literature.
f) class participation: participation is critical to this course; your contributions are valuable to your classmates and to me.
Grading:
Note: There will be no make ups for missed quizzes, presentations, the midterm or the final exam. Your final grade will be based on the following:
· Essays (20% each)…………………………………….40%
· Journals, Quizzes, & in-class exercises……………….20%
· Midterm and Final Exam (10% each)…………………20%
· Visual/Oral Project……………………………………10%
· Participation…………………………………………..10%
Format for Essays:
All essays (drafts and final copies) must be typed, double spaced with a one inch margin on all sides (12pt font).
If you find that you are having trouble with an essay or assignment, make an appointment with me or with a tutor at the learning center to get help.
Late Work:
I do not accept late work: assignments, essays, homework etc. However, because “life” intercedes with schoolwork occasionally, each student is allowed two late tickets. Twice during the summer I will accept late work, up to one week late—other than that no late work will be accepted so use them wisely. Please note: you cannot pass the class if you miss one of the required papers. Late essays will not receive comments.
Attendance:
Being present in class and prepared is essential to success; summer sessions are very intense because of the short term and we will be moving through material quickly. Your participation and group work cannot be made up in the event of an absence. Roll will be taken at each meeting and the Skyline College attendance policy will be enforced—a student who misses 6 classes can be dropped.
If you are absent, you are responsible for finding out what you missed; you are still responsible for the work due the day you return to class. I highly recommend getting the phone number from two students in class to call if you need to get assignments.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a serious violation of college rules and regulations and will lead to disciplinary action that could include: probation, suspension, or expulsion from the college. Plagiarism is stealing or passing off the ideas or words of another’s as one’s own; this includes using existing material or ideas without crediting the source. Be aware that using information from the web without proper citation is plagiarism. Please see me if you need any clarification about this.
Important note:
Save all copies of your essays on disk and in hard copy form. Never throw out any graded work until after you know your grade for the semester.
Additional things I’m sure you already know:
· No electronic devices in class: cell phones, mp3 players, CD players, etc. I don’t want to see them on your desk or in your ear and I absolutely should never hear them.
· Be on time to class: arriving late and/or leaving early is distracting to the entire class.
· Be polite and listen when someone is talking in class; do not carry on conversations with your neighbor when someone else in class is talking.
Extras:
We will have some opportunities throughout the semester take class field trips to Bay Area literary events. The out of class events are not mandatory although may be offered as extra credit.
My Web Page:
I have a web page set up for the class where you will find class information and my contact information as well. And I guess you know that since you are here!
http://www.smccd.net/accounts/lawlor/
*The above schedule and procedures in the course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.