FAQs

This is a seminar class, which means that the aim of the class is to learn in discussion with others. You can, of course, use computers to take notes or to refer to reading material; however, I urge you to turn off notifications and put your devices away when you're not using them. Nothing kills a discussion faster than a room full of glowing screens. Remember, we are only together for 3 hours a week--please make mindful use of that time.

Many readings for this class will be available on our ASULearn site as PDFs; however, you will need to purchase, rent, or otherwise obtain the books listed below. I have ordered these through the App State bookstore, and many should be available through our ASULearn site as eBooks. However, you can also rent them from the library or acquire them through a third-party seller. I do not care which editions of the texts you get. Keep in mind that there will be one additional text to buy, which we'll be voting on as a class.

• Buchi Emechta, The Joys of Motherhood: A Novel [1979]

• Mariama Bâ, So Long a Letter [1979]

• Salman Rushdie, East, West [1994]

• Mohammed Hanif, A Case of Exploding Mangoes [2009]

• Ling Ma, Severance [2018]

• Fernanda Melchor, Hurricane Season [2020]

• Percival Everett, Erasure [2001]

• Mohsin Hamid, The Reluctant Fundamentalist [2008]

• One additional text, to be chosen by the class

Every Thursday I will send a reminder email with tasks and assignments for the following week through our ASULearn page. The ASULearn page is the best place to look for up-to-date information about class activities, readings (which are subject to change), special events, and announcements. I will send out important updates via the announcements feature, so you should have your settings set up so that announcements will go directly to your App State email account. You should consider the information and dates on the course site to be the definitive version of class activities and expectations.

The last two years have presented stressful and unforeseen challenges and this semester will likely continue to present difficult situations. I am committed to extending as much compassion as possible during this time (as I hope you will as well). If you test positive for COVID or suspect you may have COVID, under no circumstances should you come to class. Email me as soon as possible, and, if you are able and willing to attend class, I'll set up a Zoom link so you can attend virtually. Staying in touch is the best way to ensure that we are all on the same page regarding expectations for the successful completion of the course.

As you can see at this link, masks are now mandated for students and faculty while indoors. I expect you to be masked during our class at all times. In accordance with App State's policy, if you are not masked, I will ask you to leave the classroom.

• Grad school is a difficult time with a lot of competing priorities. Set aside several blocks of time every week to complete the work for this class.

• For the first few weeks we'll be reading only scholarly writing, which is often complex and denser than literary fiction. Although you'll be reading fewer pages, make sure you are reading slowly and carefully (perhaps even more than once) so that you not only absorb the argument, but are able to engage in a conversation about how the argument works.

• Read with a pen in your hand – be an active reader. Mark points in the text (or in a notebook) that confuse you or intrigue you; make note of keywords; make notes if you think of an idea or if you make connections between this text and other aspects of our course material.

• Always bring the texts currently under discussion to class and be prepared to use them. We are striving toward making arguments with evidence.

• Always get in touch with me if you have any questions or concerns. I'm happy to help and want you to have the most engaging and useful experience possible.