English 128 -- Science and Literature

Overview:

The hard sciences and literature are often thought of as two entirely separate academic domains, as two entirely separate practices.  This is far from the truth.  This class will bridge that gap, as it explores the intersections of science and literature within the realm of human culture that they share.  We will explore:

• The practice of science as it is represented (or misrepresented) in literature and culture

• Culture’s and literature’s effects on science, on scientific revolutions and the acceptance of new theories

• The ways the practice of science can be understood as literary

This course satisfies the General Education requirements for III-C.

Learning Objectives:

Students will leave this class with:

• A richer understanding of the complex ways culture is shaped by science and technology, and of the ways scientific knowledge and scientific research practices are shaped by culture.

• Improved written and oral communication skills, with a focus on rhetorical skills and argument.

• Improved critical thinking and reasoning skills, especially with regards to the production and cultural absorption of scientific knowledge.

• Improved research skills.

• A deeper appreciation of the way literature can increase our understanding of complex situations.

Literacy in reading basic scientific texts.

Required Texts:

Most of the readings will be online, or in a pdf available on the Canvas site.  Class readings must be printed out and brought to class.  You will also have to purchase two books:  Connie Willis, Bellwether (ISBN: 0553562967, link), and Arthur Miller, An Enemy of the People (ISBN: 0140481400, link).

Policies:

Attendance is required.  You may miss three "personal days" for any reason (and I don't want to know the reason).  After that, your final class grade will drop 1/3 of a letter grade for each additional day missed.  If you have a valid, documented reason for needing to miss more classes (eg, a valid medical reason) talk to me about that early in the course. Chronic or extreme lateness will also not be tolerated, and may count as absences as well.  The same applies to failure to participate in classroom discussion or activities. Cell phones (or other screen devices, like tablets, smart watches, etc.) are absolutely not permitted in class and must be off/put away.  Also, you may not use your computer in class, unless we are doing a classroom activity that specifically requires them. If I have to ask you to put your device away in class, this may count as an absence.

Print out and read the assigned reading.  The reading load is designed to be manageable and it should be varied enough to remain fun and interesting.  If you keep up with the reading, then you can participate actively in classroom discussion and write papers that are engaged and interested.  In lieu of making you buy a very expensive anthology for the class, most of your assignments are in the pdf.  This must be printed out and brought to class.  I don't want you using your computer in class.  Reading will be assessed by periodic, unannounced reading quizzes throughout the semester.  Of course, failing to keep up with the reading is likely to adversely affect other components of your grade besides just the reading quizzes.  For example, without reading it would be hard to bluff your way through:

Active participation in discussions.  This is a seminar-style class, and as such it will be more discussion-driven than other classes you may have taken.  Every student counts.  We will learn from each other here, and discover the connections between our course material as a group.  Discussion skills (framing and supporting a complex argument in real-time, active listening, etc.) are some of the most valuable skills you can take away from an English class.  If you refuse to participate in classroom discussion, you do yourself a disservice by neglecting these skills, and you do a disservice to your classmates by depriving them of your insights and perspectives.  Active and regular participation in classroom discussion will therefore be assessed as a significant part of your overall grade.  Students who contribute thoughtfully to discussion, and who listen respectfully to their classmates, will be rewarded.  Students who don't contribute, or who attempt to dominate discussions at the expense of their classmates, will not.  Here's how to prepare for discussion:

• Read the assigned material before each class.  Reading assignments are designed to be reasonable, usually around six hours of reading per week or less.  This should give you time to read thoughtfully, and re-read passages that seem important. 

• Print out any reading assignments from the web!  It's easer to read them this way, and having the printed text in front of you in class will make it much easier to talk about.  Also, it lets you make notes and underline passages as you read, which brings us to . . .

• Take brief notes as you read.  The margin of the text works well for this.  Jot down questions or observations that occur to you as you read.  These will help you contribute to class discussion.

•  If you are particularly shy or tongue-tied, you may consider writing out a couple of discussion questions before class.

You will notice that there is a web page for the class, which you are reading now.  This more or less takes the place of both a syllabus and a coursepack.  You will be required to access this web page throughout the semester, for readings, assignments and other material. Computer access, internet access, and access to a reliable printer are therefore vital to the class.

Written work will probably be submitted to me electronically.  Hard-copy assignments should be printed on white paper, in a standard 12-point font, with one inch margins. Your papers should be double spaced, and should contain my name, your name, the course number, the date, and a title.  Student work may be retained for assessment and other purposes.

Late papers will be marked down 1/3 of a letter grade for each calendar day they are late.  I will consider giving short extensions on assignments if you contact me ahead of the due date and you have a good reason for wanting the extension.  All assigned work must be completed to pass the course.

Plagiarism

Please refer to your Student Handbook (Tiger Lore) for a complete statement of the University Honor Code, an essential element in the academic integrity of our campus community.  If I believe you to be in violation of the University Honor Code I will refer the matter to the Office of Student Life.  Penalties for violating the Honor Code can include suspension from the University.  In other words, if you plagiarize in this class, I will probably catch you, and you will probably end up in serious trouble.

Plagiarism is the attempt to pass off someone else's text or ideas as your own. If you copy or paraphrase from any outside source, even another student, and fail to formally acknowledge this in your text, you are guilty of plagiarism. If someone else writes a paper for you, or even part of a paper for you, you are guilty of plagiarism. If you are found guilty of plagiarism, you will receive an F for the assignment, an F for the course, and a letter will be sent to your dean. There are no exceptions.

Students with Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, who requires accommodations, please contact Mr. Daniel Nuss, Coordinator of the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities in the McCaffrey Center for information on  how to obtain an Accommodation Request Letter.  Contact:  SSD@pacific.edu or (209) 946-2879.  Then please schedule a meeting with me during office hours or some mutually convenient time to arrange the accommodation(s).

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES           

Please notify me about any special needs during the first week of the semester.  Those students needing accommodations due to a disability should arrange a meeting with me during office hours and provide an accommodations request letter obtained from the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities in the McCaffrey Center.

Grading:

The bulk of your grade will be determined by two exams, two five-page papers and one somewhat longer paper or project which you will present to the class.  There will also be a number of unannounced reading quizzes, which will be no problem if you have kept up with the reading. 

Grade Scale: A 100 – 93 ; A- 92.9 – 90 ; B+ 89.9 – 87 ; B 86.9 – 83 ; B- 82.9 – 80 ; C+ 79.9 – 77 ; C 76.9 – 73 ; C- 72.9 – 70 ; D+ 69.9 – 67 ; D 66.9 – 63 ; D- 62.9 – 60 ; F 59.9-0.

Tentative Schedule of Classes:

As you can see, this schedule is still a work in progress. Since this is an upper-level English class at Pacific, that means that you, the student, are encouraged more than ever to help shape the direction and form of the class.  Student suggestions for additional readings and/or changes to the reading are strongly welcomed. I have a pretty good idea of some of the places this class will end up, but I can't be completely sure until we get there.  I may make changes to the reading schedule to help focus the class themes as they emerge over the course of the semester.

Spring Break. :)

And EVEN MORE SPRING BREAK?! :O

Paper 2 Due, Saturday, April 4

Our final exam will be online. Details TBA.

This syllabus and accompanying material is copyright 2020, Eric Sonstroem.