Maggie Sokolik, Ph.D., Instructor
Follow me on Twitter: @maggiesokolik. We're using the hashtag #cwp11x Opens in new window for this course.
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This is an introductory-level course intended for students who are preparing for the Advanced Placement examination in English Literature and Composition, or for anyone wanting to study literature at an introductory level. There are no prerequisites for the course.
You should expect to spend about 4-5 hours each week on the course in reading, doing homework, and responding to discussions. However, this time will vary with your skill as a reader and writer. Discussion is an important part of learning; plan to participate in one discussion every week.
Our course teaching assistants (TAs) and discussion moderators are here to ensure that discussion goes well, that problems are solved, and that you understand the expectations in the course. However, they do not grade homework or essays. In addition, all communication with course TAs, instructors, and moderators should happen within the course. Please do not email anyone personally with questions; with so many students in a course, it's not possible for us to answer you individually.
We expect you to interact in the discussion areas according to the rules of edX.org and with respect for others at all times. Violators will be warned, their posts removed, and if violations continue, they will be removed from the course. Please use the "Problems" area to let the staff know of issues, or mark a discussion for review if you think it violates community standards.
New material for the course is released every week, on Tuesday at 16.00 UTC. It will help you to keep track of deadlines if you go to your own profile and change your time zone to where you live and/or work.;
Required Texts
(Frankenstein and Dracula are included in the course)
Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus, by Mary Shelley 1818 Edition
Dracula, by Bram Stoker
Beloved, by Toni Morrison
Beloved is not included in the course. You can find new or used copies online or at local bookstores, or in a local library. This book is under copyright, and we cannot legally provide it to you.
A note about piracy of materials: The course and its material are offered for free, and we encourage you to take advantage of all the resources. However, we do not support the theft of copyrighted material. Offering pirated material in the course will result in such offers being deleted. Continued violations of this rule could result in being banned from the course. Don't pirate! Writers and publishers are workers, too, and deserve to be paid for their work.
Recommended Texts
These textbooks are not required. If you are new to MOOCs, this book may be helpful:
Frankenstein, Dracula, and Gothic Literature, edited by Maggie Sokolik. This book is available on Amazon in paperback and as an e-book. Opens in new window
This book contains the full texts of the Frankenstein and Dracula books, which are used in this course. There are also notes on Gothic literature and discussion questions to guide your reading.
If you prefer to read books in paper form, we recommend the paperback book, which will allow you to annotate, take notes, and carry the book with you easily.
How to be a Successful MOOC Student, by Maggie Sokolik & Dorothy Zemach, Wayzgoose Press
This book is available on Smashwords Opens in new window (this site does not charge an additional fee for international purchases) or on Amazon.com Opens in new window
If you are not a native speaker of English, you may find this recommended eBook helpful.
50 Ways to Practice Reading, by Belinda Young-Davy, Wayzgoose Press
Available on Smashwords Opens in new window and on Amazon.com Opens in new window
Grading Policy
This course requires that you score 50% or higher as an average of all assignments that are marked as homework, essays, or exams.
Homework is 10% of your grade. There are three assignments.
Multiple Choice Practice Tests are 40% of your grade. There are three practice tests, the lowest score is dropped.
Practice Essays are 40% of your grade. There are two practice essays.
The Final Exam is worth 10%.
You need to finish all assignments by the date due to get credit. Remember to change the time zone in your profile in order to accurately track your due dates and times.
Verified certificates are available; see the edx.org website for information on fees.
More information about policies is found at the edX student FAQ.