ENGL 499 (Section 001, Schedule #27923)
Virginia Commonwealth University
Fall 2013
TR 3:30-4:45 :: Hibbs 331
Prof. David Golumbia
Office: 324D Hibbs Hall
Fall 2013 Office Hours: Tues 1:00-3:30pm

Vernaculars, Media, and Literature

This class explores the role of so-called nonstandard or vernacular languages in contemporary worldwide texts and media, largely from the US and locations outside the US where English is one of the spoken languages. Vernaculars include languages and "dialects" that are widespread in culture but usually not taught in schools. Examples of vernaculars that we will touch on include African-American English, Appalachian English, Hawaiian "Creole" English, Haitian Creole, Taglish, and others. In many cases, these practices, while full and complete languages in every diagnostic and linguistic sense, remain the target of intense cultural prejudice. We will explore commonalities and differences in the presentation of these linguistic practices across several genres and places, using the fault lines between languages as a way to see in to the stakes of other cultural and political divisions. Short theoretical readings by Labov, Ngugi, Achebe, Milroy and others; novels and short fiction by writers such as R. Zamora Linmark, Harriet Arnow, Junot Diaz, and Ken Saro-wiwa; a graphic novel; and television and films including The Wire,Trainspotting, and Boyz n the Hood. This class is conducted primarily through vigorous student discussion that reflects thorough preparation before class sessions. Requirements include two short papers, a brief in-class presentation, and a final research paper.

Books to Purchase (available at bookstore, but you are encouraged to acquire used copies of these editions)

1. Dohra Ahmad, ed., Rotten English: A Literary Anthology (edited collection, 2007)
2. Harriette Simpson Arnow, The Collected Short Stories of Harriette Simpson Arnow (Short Stories, US, 2005)
3. Leela Corman, Unterzakhn (Graphic Novel, US, 2012)
4. R. Zamora Linmark, Rolling the R's (Experimental Novel, Philippines/US, 1997)
5. Ken Saro-Wiwa, Sozaboy: A Novel in Rotten English (Novel, Nigeria, 1995)

Films and TV Programs (on reserve at Cabell Media Center)

1. John Singleton (dir.), Boyz n the Hood (US, 1991)
2. David Simon (prod.), The Wire (US, 2002-08)
3. Danny Boyle (dir.), Trainspotting (UK, 1996)

Assignments and Evaluation

Evaluation will be based on written exercises and course participation as follows:

• Oral Presentation (10%): in consultation with the instructor, each student will identify one work of literature or media in which a vernacular language plays an important role, and give students a very brief (5-7 minute) presentation about the work and the issues it raises. The second short paper will be on the text used in their oral presentation (see written assignments below).
• Written assignments: each student will write three papers: two short papers (1250 words; 15% each) and one longer paper (2500 words for undergrads; 30%). One short paper, due about halfway through the term, and the longer paper, due during the exam time for the course, will be on topics either responding to prompts provided by the instructor, or a topic of the student's choosing in consultation with the instructor. The second short paper will be about the text used for the oral presentation mentioned above. Each paper is expected to take the form of a literary interpretation of one or more of tech works on the syllabus or other works of hard science fiction chosen beforehand in consultation with the instructor.
  Link to Short Paper Assignment 1
  
• Discussion questions (15%)
  By 9am of the day on which class meets, for each day's reading, students are expected to submit one or two questions for discussion to the appropriate discussion thread in the course's Blackboard site. Students will receive credit of one point for each question submitted, and can receive no more than one point each day. Students must submit at least 15 questions total, on 15 different days, by 9am of the day class meets, to receive full credit for this part of the course.
• Participation (15%)
  This class is entirely taught by discussion. You are expected to come to class having read the book or watched the film for that day, and to contribute to discussion frequently. Participation includes marks for your attendance and vigorous contribution to class discussions.

Course-Specific Policies

• This course is taught primarily via discussion. Your attendance and participation are vital to its success. A significant portion of your grade (20%) depends on your class participation. "Class participation" does not necessarily mean that you have said what everyone thinks is the smartest thing in the world, but has much more to do with whether other students know your name by mid-semester because you contribute to discussion regularly. More than 2 unexcused absences will count against your final course grade. 4 unexcused absences results in automatic failure of the course. An "excused" absence is one where you have a verifiable illness, or important commitment of which you notify the instructor beforehand, and does not count against the unexcused absence policy. An "unexcused" absence is when you do not show up for class, without verifiable explanation or approval beforehand.
• No late work is accepted in this class. Work handed in late is automatically marked down one-third grade (e.g., a B becomes a B-) for each day it is late, and after one week becomes a failing grade for the assignment.
• You are expected to have done the primary reading and any other primary course assignments before the beginning of course each week.
• All work in this course is subject to the University's Honor System. You may work in teams for some assignments, but all written work must be solely your own, and any reliance on published work must be properly cited.
• Final grades for the course will not be released until the entire class has submitted online course evaluations.

OFFICIAL VCU POLICY STATEMENTS

E-mail Policy
Electronic mail or "e-mail" is considered an official method for communication at VCU because it delivers information in a convenient, timely, cost effective and environmentally aware manner. Students are expected to check their official VCU e-mail on a frequent and consistent basis in order to remain informed of university-related communications. The university recommends checking e-mail daily. Students are responsible for the consequences of not reading, in a timely fashion, university-related communications sent to their official VCU student e-mail account. This policy ensures that all students have access to this important form of communication. It ensures students can be reached through a standardized channel by faculty and other staff of the university as needed. Mail sent to the VCU e-mail address may include notification of university-related actions, including disciplinary action. Please read the policy in its entirety: http://www.ts.vcu.edu/kb/3407.html

VCU Honor System: Upholding Academic Integrity
The VCU Honor System policy describes the responsibilities of students, faculty and administration in upholding academic integrity, while at the same time respecting the rights of individuals to the due process offered by administrative hearings and appeals. According to this policy, "Members of the academic community are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity." In addition, "All members of the VCU community are presumed to have an understanding of the VCU Honor System and are required to:

• Agree to be bound by the Honor System policy and its procedures;
• Report suspicion or knowledge of possible violations of the Honor System;
• Support an environment that reflects a commitment to academic integrity;
• Answer truthfully when called upon to do so regarding Honor System cases, and,
• Maintain confidentiality regarding specific information in Honor System cases.”

The Honor System in its entirety can be reviewed on the Web at http://www.assurance.vcu.edu/Policy%20Library/VCU%20Honor%20System.pdf. More information can also be found on the Division of Student Affairs website at http://www.students.vcu.edu/studentconduct/students/student_honor_system.html.

Student Conduct in the Classroom
According to the Faculty Guide to Student Conduct in Instructional Settings (http://www.assurance.vcu.edu/Policy%20Library/Faculty%20Guide%20to%20Student%20Conduct%20in%20Instructional%20Settings.pdf), "The university is a community of learners. Students, as well as faculty, have a responsibility for creating and maintaining an environment that supports effective instruction. In order for faculty members (including graduate teaching assistants) to provide and students to receive effective instruction in classrooms, laboratories, studios, online courses, and other learning areas, the university expects students to conduct themselves in an orderly and cooperative manner." Among other things, cell phones and beepers should be turned off while in the classroom. Also, the university Rules and Procedures prohibit anyone from having "in his possession any firearm, other weapon, or explosive, regardless of whether a license to possess the same has been issued, without the written authorization of the President of the university..." For more information, visit the VCU Insider online at https://docs.google.com/a/vcu.edu/file/d/0B7z3ZniSHWXVU1ZmcFpIQ1J2UXM/edit?pli=1.

Students with Disabilities
SECTION 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended require that VCU provides "academic adjustments " or "reasonable accommodations" to any student who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.  To receive accommodations, students must request them by contacting the Disability Support Services Office on the Monroe Park Campus (828-2253) or the Division for Academic Success on the MCV campus (828-9782). More information is available at the Disability Support Services webpage: http://www.students.vcu.edu/dss/ or the Division for Academic Success webpage at www.specialservices.vcu.edu/disabilityss.

Any student who has a disability that requires an academic accommodation should schedule a meeting with the instructor at the student’s earliest convenience. Additionally, if coursework requires the student to work in a lab environment, the student should advise the instructor or a department chairperson of any concerns that the student may have regarding safety issues related to a disability. Students should follow this procedure for all courses in the academic semester.

Statement on Military Short-Term Training or Deployment
If military students receive orders for short-term training or deployment, they should inform and present their orders to Military Student Services and to their professor(s). For further information on policies and procedures contact Military Services at 828-5993 or access the corresponding policies at http://www.pubapps.vcu.edu/bulletins/about/?Default.aspx?uid=10096&iid=30704.

Excused Absences for Students Representing the University
Students who represent the university (athletes and others) do not choose their schedules. Student athletes are required to attend games and/or meets. All student athletes should provide their schedule to the instructor at the beginning of the semester. The Intercollegiate Athletic Council strongly encourages faculty to treat missed classes or exams (because of a scheduling conflict) as excused absences and urges faculty to work with the students to make up the work or exam.

Campus Emergency information
What to Know and Do to Be Prepared for Emergencies at VCU:

• Sign up to receive VCU text messaging alerts (http://www.vcu.edu/alert/notify). Keep your information up-to-date. Within the classroom, the professor will keep his or her phone on to receive any emergency transmissions.
• Know the safe evacuation route from each of your classrooms. Emergency evacuation routes are posted in on-campus classrooms.
• Listen for and follow instructions from VCU or other designated authorities. Within the classroom, follow your professor's instructions.
• Know where to go for additional emergency information (http://www.vcu.edu/alert).
• Know the emergency phone number for the VCU Police (828-1234). Report suspicious activities and objects.
• Keep your permanent address and emergency contact information current in eServices.

Important Dates
Important dates for the Fall 2013 semester are available at: http://academiccalendars.vcu.edu/ac_fullViewAll.asp?term=Fall+2013

VCU Mobile
The VCU Mobile application is a valuable tool to get the latest VCU information on the go. The application contains helpful information including the VCU directory, events, course schedules, campus maps, athletics and general VCU news, emergency information, library resources, Blackboard and more. To download the application on your smart phone or for more information, please visit http://m.vcu.edu.

Class Registration Required for Attendance
Students may attend only those classes for which they have registered. Faculty may not add students to class rosters. Therefore, if students are attending a class for which they have not registered, they must stop attending.

Withdrawal from Classes
Before withdrawing from classes, students should consult their instructor as well as other appropriate university offices.  Withdrawing from classes may negatively impact a student’s financial aid award and his or her semester charges. To discuss financial aid and the student bill, visit the Student Services Center at 1015 Harris Hall or contact a financial aid counselor at http://www.enrollment.vcu.edu/finaid/contact.html

Student Financial Responsibility
Students assume the responsibility of full payment of tuition and fees generated from their registration and all charges for housing and dining services, and other applicable miscellaneous charges.

Week-by-Week Syllabus

Week One. Introduction

• Thurs Aug 22. No reading

Week Two. Critical Reading

• Tues Aug 27. William Labov, "The Logic of Nonstandard English" (on Blackboard)
• Thurs Aug 29. Lesley Milroy, "Standard English and Language Ideology in Britain and the United States" (on Blackboard)

Week Three. Critical Reading

• Tues Sep 3. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, "The Language of African Literature," and Chinua Achebe, "English and the African Writer" (both on Blackboard)
• Thurs Sep 5 (no class, instructor away)

Week Four. Poetry

• Tues Sep 10. Selections from Rotten English: poems by Louise Bennett, Kamau Braithwaite, Robert Burns, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Langston Hughes, Rudyard Kipling, and Claude McKay
• Thurs Sep 12. Selections from Rotten English: poems by Linton Kwesi Johnson, Paul Keens-Douglas, Tom Leonard, Mary McCabe, Mutabaruka, M. NourbSe Philip, and Ntozake Shange

Week Five. Short Fiction

• Tues Sep 17. Selections from Rotten English : short fiction and novel selections by Zora Neale Hurston, John Kasaipwalova, Mark Twain, Irvine Welsh; Gloria Anzaldúa, “How to Tame a Wild Tongue”
• Thurs Sep 19. Selections from Rotten English : short fiction and novel selections by Oonya Kempadoo, Sapphire, Patricia Grace, Rohinton Mistry, and Earl Lovelace

Week Six. Rolling the R's

• Tues Sep 24. Rolling the R's, beginning - page 71
• Thurs Sep 26. Rolling the R's, page 72 - end

Week Seven. "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao"

• Tues Oct 1. "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" (short story version in Rotten English)
• Thurs Oct 3 (no class, instructor away)

Week Eight. Unterzakhn

• Tues Oct 8. First short paper due.
• Thurs Oct 10.

Week Nine. Student Presentations I

• Tues Oct 15. Student Presentations
• Thurs Oct 17. (no class, VCU reading period)

Week Ten. Student Presentations II

• Tues Oct 22. Student Presentations
• Thurs Oct 24. (no class, Open Access week)

Week Eleven. Boyz N the Hood

• Tues Oct 29.
• Thurs Oct 31.

Week Twelve. Harriet Arnow Short Stories

• Tues Nov 5. "Introduction," "Marigolds and Mules," "A Mess of Pork," "Ketchup-Making Saturday"
• Thurs Nov 7. "An Episode in the Life of Ezekial Whitmore," "The Two Hunters," "No Lady," "Home Coming," "Blessed—Blessed"

Week Thirteen. Sozaboy

• Tues Nov 12. Beginning-page 85. Second short paper due.
• Thurs Nov 14. Page 86-end.

Week Fourteen. The Wire

• Tues Nov 19. Season 1, Episode 1: "The Target"
• Thurs Nov 21. Season 4, Episode 1: "Boys of Summer"

Week Fifteen. Student Presentations III

• Tues Nov 26. (virtual class) Student Presentations
• Thurs Nov 28. (no class, Thanksgiving)

Week Sixteen. Trainspotting

• Tues Dec 3.
• Thurs Dec 5.

Final paper due in my English Dept mailbox (Hibbs Hall), or via email, by 3:50pm, Tuesday, Dec 17, 2013, per the registrar's exam schedule. There is no other final exam for the course.

Last updated November 13, 2013.