Graft/Fall/98
8:30 - 9:50  M/W Brown 213
Revised 8/21/98
 
 WRITING ABOUT THE HOLOCAUST - CAI
ENGLISH 112: ELEMENTS OF ENGLISH COMPOSITION II
 
                                                                             Instructor: Lynne R. Graft
Science 331 - Phone: 790-4030
lrgraft@.svsu.edu
Office Hours: 11:30 - 12:30  M, T, W, Th
or by appointment  
 THIS DOCUMENT SERVES AS A BASIS OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN US:
 
REQUIRED TEXTS AND SUPPLIES: COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course allows you to satisfy your English 112 requirement and learn about the Holocaust simultaneously. We will use film, video, narrative accounts, essays, poetry, letters, and archived documents to study the most horrifying time in our history, the Holocaust. We will consider its implications for humanity. We will contemplate the serious questions. We will discover great tragedy and injustice as well as acts of tremendous courage and affirmation. We will explode some myths to reach a new level of understanding as we write to learn and learn while we write.
 
English 112 is a partly individualized course stressing a combination of research skills and critical thinking. Writing in this course is academic rather than personal, although you will have much opportunity to express your own opinions. It is my hope that as we explore various aspects of the Holocaust, your thinking will be expanded, your assumptions will be challenged, and any former opinions examined in a new light. You will be encouraged to develop standards for thinking, reading, and writing, as you learn to evaluate your own work. Included among the writing assignments will be paragraphs, letters, summaries, position papers, evaluations and analyses. In addition, you will contribute twice a week to an electronic dialogic journal, exhibiting your ability to synthesize ideas and use strategies learned in class and from assigned readings.
 
Emphasis will not be on one long research paper, but rather upon the practical and cognitive skills necessary to construct various types of academic papers. The course revolves around student writing, and there will be few class meetings when you are not engaged in writing activity.
 
The process method of writing instruction is used. Clear expression and organization of ideas are emphasized; purpose and audience are stressed. You will be taught a variety of invention techniques and will practice both preliminary drafting and revision in class. In addition, you will participate in collaborative activities and peer evaluation. You will become familiar and comfortable with the Reference Library and both MLA and ACW methods of documenting print and electronic sources.  You will utilize the Internet and the World Wide Web to learn more about your topics. Over 7500 words will be written, including drafts and revisions.
 
I make a conscious effort to make your reading significant and thought provoking. The amount of reading is considerable, but all of it is crucial to your development as a thinker, a writer, and a researcher. Therefore, do not allow yourself to fall behind in this area. Weak readers need to build extra time into their study schedules.
 
It does not matter if you have no computer experience; you will learn what you need to know in order to write your papers on a computer. If you have no typing skills whatsoever, you may experience some frustration. You will need to build lab time into your schedules since all writing cannot be accomplished in class. You will also need to plan for SVSU library time to do your required research. Small municipal libraries do not replicate a university library's facilities. This may require you to make extra trips to campus that you had not planned on, but these are aspects of the university experience that you cannot avoid. Planning a schedule which allows you time only to attend class is extremely unrealistic and ill-advised.
 
 COURSE OBJECTIVES: STANDARDS FOR STUDENT WRITING IN ENGLISH 112

In order to receive a "C" in English 112, students should write papers that demonstrate a working knowledge of the following:

1.  Content and Development

 2.  Organization  3.  Style  4.  Mechanics Students who do not receive at least a "C" in English 112 must repeat the course.
 

EVALUATION
All students need to earn a grade of C or better in English 112 or repeat the course.

Scale used in compilation of grade:
90-100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69 = D

Evaluation will be based primarily upon the quality of written work as well as the progress made. I will be looking for evidence of growth and maturity of thought as well as good command of skills.
Assigned papers will constitute 75% of the final grade. Because I am an advocate of the process method of teaching writing, I will evaluate your process, not just your product. Therefore, the final grade on any paper is a compilation of your total effort - invention through revision.  Retain backup copies of all work.
 
The class is not built around tests or quizzes. However, if a quiz were to become necessary, it would most likely be unannounced. In-class writings may be unannounced. Any quizzes, all written assignments including your electronic journal, class participation and attendance will constitute the remaining 25%.
 
Participation in class discussion and collaborative activities is important. The classroom is at all times democratic. All opinions are valued and respected, as are all questions. The "dumbest" question is the one not asked. Obviously, if you are not in class, you are not participating and will be graded accordingly. More than two absences in the term will lower your grade, and if you miss five or six times, you should expect to fail the course. Discuss any variance with me personally before it occurs. You alone are responsible for obtaining missed assignments and class notes (In-class writing can NOT be made up).
 
Please be on time. Late entries are disruptive and distracting to your classmates and put you at a disadvantage since class begins with the direction for the day's work, and I don't like to start over. Others should not have to stop their work to get you on track. During peer evaluation, papers are exchanged at the beginning of class and if you are not there at that time, you will be at a disadvantage. There is considerable flexibility in a computer class, but being late is not part of that flexibility.
 
The electronic journal is required. Two entries per week are required. Specific instructions for the journal will be put on-line in your mailbox. I suggest you print out a hard copy. Anyone who decides not to submit timely required journal entries will receive no higher than a D in the course. You can see that the journal is important. It is also fun, however, and will become one of the most meaningful aspects of the course. This is where much of your discussion will take place and where much of your thinking will evolve. We will form our journal groups by the third week of the semester.
 
Plagiarism Policy
Plagiarism is academic theft - the use of someone else's words or ideas without proper acknowledgement of the source. Even when unintentional, the act of plagiarism has serious consequences. The SVSU stance on plagiarism can be found in the Student Handbook.  The university has its penalties, including dismissal. I will fail any paper that is plagiarized (partially or completely, knowingly or inadvertently). Course failure would be likely. We will spend considerable time learning proper documentation in this class, but you should always ask when in doubt in order to avoid a possible problem.
 
THERE ARE NO LATE PAPERS. Due dates must be strictly adhered to. Papers may not be handed in late for a lowered grade. Papers not turned in on time are not read and receive a 0 (zero). If you are having difficulty of any kind and anticipate that you cannot make a deadline, see me in advance of the due date to determine if an extension can be granted. This cannot occur except in an emergency situation. This is in reference to death, earthquake, plague, etc., not oversleeping, all night fights with girlfriends, boyfriends, parents; sudden onset of pneumonia; writer's block; etc. If a paper is due and you cannot be in class to turn it in, you must somehow get it to third floor Science and fill out a Record of Student Deposit form with either of the two English faculty secretaries. Your paper will then be put in my office. Your other option is to mail the paper to me, making sure it is postmarked at a post office on or before the due date. Do not slide major papers under my door. They may not be recognized as important by the many feet that trod that path. Inappropriately marked papers left on my desk may, unfortunately, inadvertently be misplaced.
 
If all this seems a bit heavy-handed and authoritarian, please understand that we all need guidelines in order to function effectively. As a reformed procrastinator myself, I tend to build a course with that type of student in mind. If I don't allow you to procrastinate, you won't  :-)
 
You should regard the class as a non-threatening, informal and fun place to be. Before very long, you will become an integral, contributing member of the group and have quite a good time in the process. I believe you will emerge a more critical thinker and writer who realizes that while writing is very hard work, it can also be fun and even exciting. The class requires considerable time and effort on your part, but the rewards will be lasting.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 N.B.: Any student with a disability that may restrict her or his full participation in course activities is encouraged to meet with me during the first week of the semester or contact the SVSU Office of Disability Services, Wickes 145, for assistance.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

8:30 - 9:50  M/W B213                              Revised 20 August 1998
 
 
 

 SYLLABUS ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE - 112/HOLOCAUST - CAI
 

Week One

Monday                  Introductory - Syllabus - Texts - Writing Sample - Lab Orientation
31 August               Get e-mail address
                               Buy: 3 1/2" Disks, prot ector, texts and other supplies
                               Read: Images, "Preface," xi-xii
                               "Rumblings and Danger," 1-3
                               "Why Remember?" Milton Meltzer, 4-7
                               "The Roots," Barbara Rogasky, 8-13
                               "They Wanted Everyone to Know Who the Jews Were," David Adler,
                               14-19
Wednesday             Lab orientation continues: Windows 95, Word, Word Perfect, formatting
2 September           Writing reading responses
                               Read and Annotate from The Holocaust:
                               "Introduction," 1-7
                               "Origins of the Holocaust," 9-12
                               "It Is The Führer's Wish, "Gerald Fleming, 12-26
                               "There Was No Führer Order, Hans Mommsen, 27-38
                               "A Product of Euphoria in Victory," Christopher Browning, 39-49
                               Handouts: Traits of a Critical Thinker,  Vocabulary used
                               in WWII and Holocaust writings and discussions, Summaries
                               Assign: Paper 1 - Content Analyses of assigned readings,
                               due 21 September
                               E-mail address needed for next class!!
 
Week Two
Monday                  LABOR DAY - NO SCHOOL
7 September
 
Wednesday             Video - Genocide - bibliographic instruction room, 3rd floor library
 9 September           Review of Summarizing & Paraphrasing & Plagiarism
                               Simon & Schuster Handbook (S&S), 528-536
 

Week Three
Monday                  Must have e-mail address today.
14 September          E-mail Instruction - Groups Established - Address Books Created
                               Stereotypes & Prejudice - Begin group discussions in electronic journals
                               Read: Images, "In Hiding," 43-44
                               "The Hidden Children," Kristine Keren, 46-8
                               "Hiding to Survive,: Andy Sterling, 54-8
                               "I Shall Live," Henry Orenstein, 60-64
                               Assign: Read Night before 12 October

Wednesday             In Class: DIWE discussion of Fleming, Mommsen, Browning
16 September          Handout - "The Nature of Prejudice & the Historic Roots of Anti-
                               Semitism," Rita Steinhardt Botwinick, A History of the Holocaust: From
                                Ideology to Annihilation. Prentice Hall 1996
                                Read and Annotate from Holocaust: "The Holocaust Experience," 51-53
                                "Helpless Victims," Bruno Bettelheim, 54-59
                                "The Will to Survive," Terrence Des Pres, 59-66
                                "Surviving Extermination Camp Treblinka," Richard Glazar, as told
                                to Gita Sereny, 66-82
                                "Surviving Slave Labor at Maidanek," Alexander Donat, 83-105
                                Assign: Paper 2 - Summaries of Bettelheim, Des Pres, Glazar, and Donat,
                                Draft copies due 30 Sept. - 8:30 class, 5 Oct. - 10:00 class
 
Week Four
Monday                    Content Analyses due    discussion of  Holocaust readings
21 September            Read: Images, "Imprisoned In The Camps," 201-02
                                 "A Prelude To Hell," Elio Romano, 203-12
                                "Streets for Arrivals, Streets for Departures," Charlotte Delbo, 225-231
                                 "Treblinka," Frank Stiffel, 232-244
                                 "The Shawl." Cynthia Ozick, 256-60
                                 "A Living Torch," Sara Nomberg-Przytyk, 265-270
                                 "Letters from Westerbork," Etty Hillesum, 271-276
 
Wednesday                Drafting of Summaries -10:00 class
23 September            World Wide Web Introduction - Scott Mellendorf - 8:30 class
                                  Class meets in library multimedia room, 3rd floor

Week Five           
Monday                     Drafting of Summaries - 8::30 class - plan e-mail peer responses
28 September            World Wide Web Introduction - Scott Mellendorf -10:00 class
                                  Class meets in library multimedia room, 3rd floor
 
Wednesday                
30 September            Video - Hitler Oratory, Propaganda
                                  Read: Holocaust, "The Motivations of the Killers," 149-51
                                  "The Nazi Doctors," Robert Jay Lifton, 152-168
                                  "'Ordinary Men'," Christopher Browning, 168-84
                                  "Hitler's Willing Executioners," Daniel Johah Goldhagen, 184-97
                                   Assign: Paper #5 - "Theories of  Motivation" draft due 2 Nov
                                   Paper 2 draft copies due for e-mail peer response- 8:30 class
Week Six
Monday                      Paper 2 draft due - in-class peer response for summaries -10:00 class
5 October                   Library Reference Instruction - 8:30 class only
 
Wednesday                Paper #2 due  - Summaries
7 October                  Web exploration for analytic paper #5 on motivation
                                  Walker/ACW Style Sheet - print from Netscape
                                   http://www.keele.ac.uk/depts/cs/Stephen_Bostock/Internet/mla.htm

Week Seven
Monday                      Library Reference Instruction - 10:00 class only
12 October                
                                   Reminder:  Rent Schindler's List for Paper #4, to be written 28 Oct.

Wednesday                 Paper # 3 - In-class writing on Night - lab time for perpetrator paper
14 October                 Read: Images, "Resisting Evil," 293;
                                   "Stars," Yaffa Eliach, 247-49
                                   "Taut As A String," Sara Nomberg-Przytyk, 261-64
                                   "Man's Search for Meaning," Viktor E. Frankl, 267-70
                                   "There Were Those," Susan Dambroff, 294
                                   "Jew, Go Back To the Grave," Yaffa Eliach, 307-09
                                   "The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising," Vladka Meed, 326-333
                               
Week Eight
Monday                       Source Evaluation
19 October
 
Wednesday                  Documentation
21 October
 
Week Nine
Monday                        Paper #5 draft due
26 October                   Bring Notes, Invention activities
 
Wednesday                   Paper # 4,  In-class essay on film, Schindler's List
28 October                   Work on thesis statements, Works Cited assignment
                                     Read:  Resistance essays in The Holocaust
Week Ten
Monday                         Lab work day, peer response
2 November                  Bring 2 extra copies of  your typed draft, with sources in place
 
Wednesday                   Paper #5 Due 
4 November                  Assign: Paper #6,  Argument on the Abandonment of the Jews
                                     draft due - 16 November
                                     Read and Annotate from Holocaust:
                                     "Possibilities of Rescue," Niewyk, pp.253-255
                                     "The Abondonment of the Jews," Wyman, pp. 256-268
                                     "Negotiating for Jewish Lives," Bauer, pp. 269-276
                                     "The Failure to Comprehend," Laqueur, pp. 277-291
Week Eleven
Monday                        Argument
9 November

Wednesday                   Video - B.I. room, 3rd floor Library
11 November

Week Twelve
Monday                        DIWE discussion of Wyman, Bauer, Laqueur
16 November

Wednesday                   Quotation Integration - in class assignment
18 November                Classical and Rogerian Argument - which to use
                                     Concession and Rebuttal
Week 13 ,
Monday                         Appeals, logoical, ethical, emotional - M.L. King
23 November                fine tuning argumentative strategies
                                     Draft due next Monday, bring 2 copies, include documentation

Wednesday                   Thanksgiving Break - No School
25 November
 
Week 14
Monday                         Draft due, Argument - peer response- bring 2 copies of paper
30 November
 
Wednesday                    Paper #6 due
2 December

Week 15 

Monday                         Class presentation of individual arguments
7 December
 
Wednesday                    Class presentation of individual arguments
9 December
 
Week Sixteen               Exam Week

Monday                          Class meets 8:30-10:20
14 December