English Composition II

Course Description

English Composition II focuses on literary analysis and interpretation through sustained reading, writing, and discussion. Building on skills developed in ENGL 1101, this course emphasizes close reading, critical interpretation, and the development of coherent, evidence-based arguments about literary texts. Students engage with multiple critical approaches and learn to situate their interpretations within broader cultural and intellectual conversations.

Core Question

How do I write effectively in different contexts?

Learning Outcomes

• Read critically and respond to literary texts in well-developed written forms.
• Analyze and interpret texts using multiple critical perspectives.
• Adapt writing to purpose, audience, and context.
• Integrate and document sources appropriately.
• Demonstrate control of academic writing conventions.
• Use recursive writing processes, including drafting and revision.

Required Texts and Materials

• Sipiora, Phillip. Reading and Writing About Literature. Prentice Hall.
• Wilson, August. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Plume, 2020 edition.

Major Assignments and Evaluation

Reading (20%): Assigned readings include primary literary texts and selected secondary materials. Reading quizzes assess comprehension of key details and cannot be made up.

Reading Journal (20%): Ongoing journal connecting literature to lived experience, contemporary culture, or other relevant texts.

Essays (50%): Four formal interpretive essays. Some essays require research and the use of secondary sources. All essays must be completed and submitted to pass the course.

Final Exam (10%): Two-hour, in-class comparative essay responding to course readings.

Attendance and Participation

Regular attendance is required. Because this course depends on discussion and in-class work:

• More than four absences may result in course failure.
• In-class work cannot be made up.
• Students are responsible for all material covered during absences.

Participation includes preparation, discussion, group work, peer review, and active engagement.

Academic Integrity, Plagiarism, and Use of AI

All work submitted must represent the student's own intellectual effort. Plagiarism includes presenting another person’s words, ideas, or structure as one's own without proper acknowledgment.

The English Department maintains a more detailed definition of plagiarism, which applies to this course.

AI tools may be used responsibly and transparently to support brainstorming or revision. Submitting work that is wholly or substantially generated by AI as one's own constitutes academic dishonesty.

Research, Evidence, and Citation

All academic claims must be supported by evidence. MLA format is required for all formal print writing.

Institutional and Departmental Policies

Students are responsible for complying with all Middle Georgia State University and English Department policies regarding withdrawal, academic integrity, accessibility accommodations, classroom conduct, and plagiarism-prevention tools.

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