Missouri Western State University

Department of English, Foreign Languages, & Journalism

Division of Liberal Arts and Sciences

English 285-01 - Mochila Review

Course Syllabus- Spring 2006

Instructor: Bill Church

Office: Eder 222-O

Phone: 816 271-5966

email: church@missouriwestern.edu

Office Hours: 1:30 - 2:45 MWF, 12:30-2:00 Tuesday, and by appointment.

Class Meeting Time and Room: 11:00-11:50 MWF, Eder Hall 214

Required texts and materials: As part of your research project, expect to invest in a minimum of three other literary journals that range from $5 to $10 each. Some postage expense (usually around $5 total) will be incurred for students who submit manuscripts to literary journals.

Students with Disabilities: Anyone who has a disability that prevents the fullest expression of her or his potential to succeed in this course must notify me in writing as soon as possible so we may discuss course requirements, options, and accommodations.

Course Description: This course is designed to engage students in applied learning toward the production of contemporary literature. One major collaborative project this semester is to see the 2006 Mochila Review into production by April. We will finalize our selections, prepare them for publication, and promote the journal in a variety of ways. Much of our Mochila work will be proofreading and working with writers regarding changes and bios. Our second major project will be the entire process of producing the next issue of Canvas, which will demand teamwork. Furthermore, we will all need to engage constantly in the necessary "housekeeping" that accompanies the tracking of submissions from and correspondences with writers. Their submissions also serve as texts for our course. A third element will be an individual research project. Each of you is to find three other student literary journals comparable to Canvas. You will research those journals and offer both an oral report and a research paper to share your findings. Your oral presentation will serve as an early draft of your major paper.

Goals:

* To appreciate the purpose, operation, and value of contemporary literary journals

* To gain hands-on experience with all aspects of publishing a literary journal

* To sharpen our aesthetic judgement of other writers' work

* To build team skills

* To read for craft and technique

* To become conversant with key terms

* To gain expertise as aspiring writers who wish to publish

Methods: Students will . . .

* study published works to establish standards

* compare Canvas to its contemporaries

* analyze other contemporary literary journals

* practice copy editing techniques

* consider and prepare sample marketing strategies

* prepare sample calls for submissions

* prepare a sample budget

Grading: Seventy-five percent of your semester grade will be based on your fulfillment of your responsibilities as assigned in the production of the journals. This means that when I assign reading/editing selections, everyone will come prepared to discuss the works. It also means performing the individual editorial responsibilities you accept and working well with one another. Your regular, prompt attendance and adherence to deadlines are essential components of your grade.

The remaining twenty-five percent of your grade will be awarded to your oral presentation and research paper, ten and fifteen percent each, respectively. I will provide specific guidelines for these projects. Oral presentations will be scheduled just prior to midterm. Major papers will be due two weeks after the oral presentations.

NOTE: Prompt attendance at every class meeting is expected. I will take roll at the beginning of each class. Students not present then are absent. Except in cases of documented extenuating circumstances, I will not change an "Absent" to a "Present" for late students. (Extenuating circumstances include medical emergencies, fires, auto accidents, etc. not work schedules, day care, advisement, or studying for other classes.) I grant three absences, no questions asked, before lowering a student's grade. The fourth through sixth absences, unless caused by extenuating circumstances) will result in one-half letter grade deduction from the student's final course grade. The seventh absence will result in automatic failure of the course. If for any reason you foresee problems arriving promptly, please withdraw at once.

Classroom behavior: As stated in the MWSU Student Handbook, instructors "may establish additional classroom rules and expectations for conduct in the classroom. Behavior which disrupts the classroom environment or interferes with other students' ability to learn may be grounds or justification for dismissal from the classroom" (28). Let's establish a cordial and respectful atmosphere in which we can have fun while learning together.

Final Exam: Friday, May 5, 11:30 - 1:20 Eder 214