Gothic Novel &
Horror Fiction Engl 113 T/R 12-1:15pm, SH 229 Fall 2011 |
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Dr. Katherine D. Harris Office Hours: Wed 11:30-1:30 + online tools Office: FO 220 Phone: 408.924.4475 Emails: katherine.harris@sjsu.edu |
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Course Description ♦ Course Objectives ♦ Course Policies ♦ Grading Policy |
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Grade Distribution ♦ Late Policy ♦ Plagiarism ♦ Required Books |
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Course Description |
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Slasher films used to be a great way to spend "date night." However, we've become so jaded about horror films (and the girl who always falls during the chase scene) that we are amused by them instead of genuinely terrified and awe-struck. These movies were inspired by horror fiction, including Stephen King's The Shining and multiple incarnations of Frankenstein and Dracula. All of these literary texts originate from the Gothic novel tradition, where psychological disintegration is quelled by sweeping landscapes. In this course, we'll establish the definition of "gothic" by reading Matthew Lewis' The Monk. Moving through the nineteenth century, we'll explore monsters, landscapes and female victims as they appear in Gothic novels. In the twentieth century, we'll discover that "gothic" becomes synonymous with "horror," very similar to King's The Shining and Stanley Kubrick's film version. Students will bring in horror films and media (e.g., video games, novels, etc.) from the last 10 years to finish off our semester. | ||
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES | ||
Students shall achieve the ability to write complete essays that demonstrate advanced proficiency in all of the following:
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Required Books & Materials (See Reading List on Amazon; most available on Library Course Reserve) |
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Suggested (most on Reserve in King Library):
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Grade Distribution | ||
10% Class Discussion
& Participation (SLO 1) 10% In-Class/Out-of-Class Essays (SLO 3,4,5) 20% Group Presentation (SLO 1,2,3,4,5) 20% Mid-Term Exam (SLO 1,2) 20% Final Project (SLO 3,4,5) 20% Final Exam (SLO 1,2) [top] |
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Class Discussion & Participation | ||
This course studies the evolution of a particular genre. Since we will build on our definition of �gothic� and �horror� from the first day of class, your participation in each class meeting is imperative. This class is largely discussion-based; arrive to class prepared with the proper readings. Our meeting space is the technology-rich environment of a Smart Classroom complete with Smart Board, video projector, sound system, VCR, and DVD player. If you find something relevant to our readings, please bring it in or put it on the screen at the beginning of class. This type of engagement will only enhance your participation grade. For further tips on performing well in class, see below. A student�s participation is
assessed by his/her contribution throughout the semester. Use the
following as guidelines for this portion of your final grade: |
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If you miss class, contact a classmate for notes, reading assignments and handouts. | ||
In-Class Essays (ICE) & Out-of-Class Emailed Essays (OCE) Each week we will write essay responses to an assigned question about the current reading assignment or the previous meeting�s lecture. As the semester progresses, this essay may turn into an out-of-class emailed essay of approximately 300-500 words. Your understanding of that week�s keywords, concepts and class discussion are imperative to produce a sufficient piece of writing. Each OCE/ICE will receive a grade based on the quality of your response. This weekly writing will also allow you to practice your in-class writing skills. We will discuss what makes an effective response. The OCE is formal writing that should conform to MLA style with proper citation format and should be edited for grammar and typographical mistakes. Sloppy writing will be penalized by a letter grade. There are no make-ups for an ICE/OCE; you simply receive a zero for that essay. An OCE needs to be emailed by the date and time specified in order to receive credit; a late OCE will receive a zero. Please be aware that missing even a few of these essays will cause your final grade to drop significantly. The lowest grade in this entire group of essays will be dropped. |
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Group Presentation For the Group Presentation, a group of students will research the production, illustrations, reviews, etc. of a novel and present those findings on that novel�s first day (20 mins). A brief piece of writing (300 words) will be submitted to mark the group�s presentation. Each Research Presentation will be graded on its effectiveness and clarity. To enhance your presentation, you may use handouts, digital information or dramatic performance. See detailed instructions here for presentation. See your group members here! or check the online schedule for the most recent list. [top] |
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Final Project Though we begin our Gothic journal in the 18th Century, we will discover that the genre continues well into the 20th and 21st-centuries. Since we have been discussing various media forms of the Gothic and Horror, you have wide latitude for your final project. The project will be delivered in three phases: The proposal will deliver your initial thoughts on the topic and argument; the final draft represents a full, complete argument that uses evidence effectively and discusses both the content and structural details from primary texts; and the class presentation allows you to share your project with your classmates. Further instructions will be distributed.
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Mid-term and
Final Exams Each exam will consist of definitions, short answer and essay questions. Portions of the Final Exam will be comprehensive. Keywords defined in lectures and a study guide will aid in studying for these exams. |
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Grading Policy | ||
The
Department of English reaffirms its commitment to the
differential grading scale as defined in the official SJSU
Catalog ("The Grading System"). Grades issued must represent
a full range of student performance: A = excellent; B = above
average; C = average; D = below average; F = failure. Courses
graded according to the A,B,C,NoCredit system shall follow the
same pattern, except that NC, for NoCredit, shall replace D or
F. In A,B,C,NoCredit courses NC shall also substitute for W (for
Withdrawl) because neither NC nor W affects students� grade
point averages.
In English Department courses, instructors will comment on and grade the quality of student writing as well as the quality of the ideas being conveyed. All student writing should be distinguished by correct grammar and punctuation, appropriate diction and syntax, and well-organized paragraphs. For your final grades,
100-90 is an A, 89-80 is a B, 79-70 is a C, 69-60 is a D, and
below 60 is an F. Pluses and minuses are the middle of each
range. In calculating the final grade, a set number will
represent each letter grade; for example, B+ is 87.5, B is 85,
and B- is 82.5. |
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Course Policies | ||
Late Assignments/Essays Any late Reading Responses will not be accepted. For all other assignments: If you cannot meet a deadline, you must contact me at least 48 hours prior to our class meeting to discuss the situation. If this is not done, for every day that an essay is late, you will be penalized one grade step: A becomes A-, A- becomes a B+, etc. The weekend will count as one day. If you miss your group presentation date, it is simply a zero (and unconscionable). Unless you have prior permission, do not email your assignment to me in lieu of attending class.
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Classroom
& Online Environment Respect your fellow students and I: Arrive on time (excessive tardiness will effect your participation grade) and do not partake in disruptive behavior. We will all be respectful of each other in both our face-to-face and online communications. If you are late, wait for an appropriate moment to enter so you do not disturb the class. Turn off cell phones or put them on silent mode during the class period. You are welcome to use your laptop with the caveat that it is used to enhance our discussions. |
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Email
Protocols, Office Hours & Online Contact Email is the best possible way to contact me (9am-5pm) and has the added bonus of recording our conversations. When emailing me, please consider it a formal communication: include the appropriate salutation, your name, your question/comment, and be aware of tone. Know that long conversations over email are not fruitful merely because of the limitations of technology. If you have an extended question or dilemma that cannot be answered by our online materials, please visit me during office hours, schedule a phone conference, or arrange for an online chat/video chat. If I�m in my office, I will usually turn on Google Chat. You might also be able to get my attention on Twitter. I will amass a class email list and will occasionally send out information regarding our meetings or the readings. Please provide an email address that you check daily.
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General Information | ||
SJSU Writing Center Visit me during office hours for help with your writing. For even further help, go to the Writing Center located in Clark Hall, Suite 126. Call for appointments at 924-2308 or go online at www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter . Work with tutors in a one-on-one environment. Make appointments online at the above website. |
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Library Liaison For library research questions, contact Toby Matoush, the English Department�s Library Liaison: (408) 808-2096 or toby.matoush@sjsu.edu . King Library has created an extensive and very useful list of the library�s resources specifically for English majors. |
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Student Technology Resources Computer labs for student use are available in the Academic Success Center located on the 1st floor of Clark Hall and on the 2nd floor of the Student Union. Additional computer labs may be available in your department/college. Computers are also available in the Martin Luther King Library. A wide variety of audio-visual equipment is available for student checkout from Media Services located in IRC 112. These items include digital and VHS camcorders, VHS and Beta video players, 16 mm, slide, overhead, DVD, CD, and audiotape players, sound systems, wireless microphones, projection screens and monitors. |
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Academic
Integrity Instances of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Cheating on exams or plagiarism (presenting the work of another as your own, or the use of another person�s ideas without giving proper credit) will result in a failing grade and sanctions by the University. For this class, all assignments are to be completed by the individual student unless otherwise specified. If you would like to include your assignment or any material you have submitted, or plan to submit for another class, please note that SJSU�s Academic Policy S07-2 requires approval of instructors.
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A Word about
Plagiarism & Turnitin
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Campus Policy on Compliance with
Americans with Disabilities Act If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities register with DRC to establish a record of their disability. The DRC website is http://www.drc.sjsu.edu .
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Dr. Katherine D. Harris
Last updated:
12/01/2011 01:32 PM