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WRITING REQUIREMENT: you are expected to produce about 20 pages of written work, plus several ungraded "prep" papers, i.e., a few paragraphs designed to help you prepare for class discussion. Of graded work, normally students will write four five-page papers, due on the dates indicated on the syllabus. These are strictly critical papers, that is, they neither expect nor require the use of research or any outside sources, except as specified by the instructor. Students can, however, by choice or default, write 3 instead of 4 papers. You could write 2 5 -page papers and 1 10-page paper. Everyone will write a minimum of 3 papers.

Due dates, with papers to be submitted about every three weeks, are designed to allow a fairly equal spacing for the term. Due dates for the 1st and 3rd papers are flexible, but please note that (1) you must complete and submit two papers (or equivalent, i.e., 1 10-page paper) no later than Fall Break, and (2) there are NO extensions for the final paper, due on December 15, no later than 4:30 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Also note: 1) you must read all the books to earn credit; 2) should bring a copy of the book we are reading to each and every class; 3) are allowed three (3) authorized absences during the course of the term; any in excess of this number may result in a final grade penalty; 4) should look closely at the sheet of grammatical conventions; 5) must complete a course evaluation in class on December 13.