13 August 2016 - Textbook

To: Prospective English 1301 Students From: Mr. Hall Via: Mrs. Herrington Date: 13 August 2016 Subject: The Book The Norton Field Guide to Writing with Readings and Handbook, 3rd Edition. If you buy a new edition you will have free ‘net access to something called The Norton Field Guide to Go. I don’t know what that is. If you find it useful, enjoy it, but I’m not assigning you anything from it. The book will undoubtedly be expensive. However, last year the ebook version was half the price of the print version, and you will be welcome to use that instead of the dead-tree thing. I approve of the use of little Orwellian Telescreens in the classroom for such purposes. When I don’t want you accessing the little plastic box that lights up and makes noises, I’ll tell you. And, no, this is not permission to access MyFaceSpaceBook or other puerile sites during class. You will need the book. It will be expensive. However, here are some suggestions that might help you reduce your cost: 1. A 1st or 2nd edition will do fine for this class. Search used-book sites and sources for a second-hand copy. Begin now; don’t wait until September when prices will be higher and when second-hand copies might be sold out. 2. Share. This works especially well with siblings and close friends. “Share” means share; this does not mean that you allow the class mooch to leech off you as he has been doing for the last twelve years. Tell him to buy his own stuff. 3. The book might be available for rent on the Orwellian Telescreen, but always be careful about who you give a credit card number to (I know that should read “to whom you give a credit card number,” but, hey, sometimes a rule can sound a little cunky.). 4. And, as I said above, the ‘net edition might be half the price of the print edition. Do not buy anything else related to the text: no disks, downloads, programs, ‘net access, or other impedimenta which will surely be advertised to you.