ENGL 120: Why Read?
Monsters and Fairy Tales
Professor Kate Durbin
Fall 2013
Office: Mendenhall Belfry
Office Hours: MW by appointment
E-mail: katedurbinteacher@gmail.com (NOT MY WHITTIER)
Class Blog: www.whyreadfairytalesmonsters.blogspot.com
Moodle: I don't use it
Required Texts:
My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me Edited by Kate Bernheimer
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Dracula by Bram Stoker
The Norton Fairy Tales
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
A Writer’s Reference by Diana Hacker
Readings via links on Class Blog (check syllabus)
*Make sure you have the copies of the books that are in the Whittier College bookstore. You can order them online, as long as they are the same editions of the bookstore copies and they arrive early enough (I recommend 2-day shipping on Amazon). If you order and your book doesn’t arrive, that’s not going to fly as an excuse for skipping your reading. Make it happen.
The first book we will be reading is Dracula—so purchase that one immediately.
Course Description:
“Reading a book is like re-writing it for yourself. You bring to a novel, anything you read, all your experience of the world. You bring your history and you read it in your own terms.” –Angela Carter
“Give me a man or woman who has read a thousand books and you give me an interesting companion. Give me a man or woman who has read perhaps three and you give me a dangerous enemy indeed.” –Anne Rice
In a time when literary reading is on the decline, what might the value of reading be? Might it be possible, as Anne Rice suggests, that it is dangerous not to read? A question like this is further complicated when it comes from the writer of horror stories, stories that are seen as “dangerous.” There are different kinds of dangers in this world--some good, some bad. Why might it be valuable not only to read in an era of vast inattention, but also to read “dangerous” narratives? What might these narratives, of our monsters and our fairy mythos, reveal to us about our cultural fears, desires, and what we believe it means to be human?
Is ignorance the greatest danger? What might reading give us that prevents dangerous ignorance? Is this something that only reading can give? This will be "the" question this class attempts to broach.
This class will serve as an introduction to the aesthetics and critical reading of monster narratives and fairy tales. The primary goal of this course is to help you become a better reader of literature, with an enhanced ability to analyze, discuss, and write about literary texts. By the end of the course, you will have garnered new skills and intensified old ones to help you appreciate the joy and complexity of literature, and the gifts only it can offer you. You also might become a little more dangerous, even monstrous—in a good way.
This course satisfies the Liberal Education requirement COM 2. INTD 100 is a pre-requisite. It is assumed that you have a basic working knowledge of grammar, paper formatting, and MLA style.
Course Requirements:
For this class you will write three papers, one paper revision, and do one group presentation. The papers will be 4-5 pages in length, and you will receive separate instructions for all of them. One will be an in-class essay. You will also have short exercises and quizzes throughout the semester.
All papers must be typed and carefully proofread. Papers should always have a title. If you have grammatical or stylistic questions consult reference guides such as A Writer’s Reference or the OWL @ Purdue website. If you are using a computer lab, always be sure to give yourself extra time, and to save your material frequently.
Plagiarism—claiming ownership of ideas and language that are not your own—is simply unacceptable. Plagiarized papers will result in a failing grade for the course, and a report will be submitted to the office of Student Life.
Participation and Attendance:
There will be moments when I will lecture. Aside from these times, class should operate like a seminar. This means that it is imperative that you read the material--on time--and are prepared to discuss this material in class. Part of your grade is participation-based, and it is required that you speak up in class in order to receive full credit with participation. You will also be quizzed regularly on the reading, and failing to do the reading will severely harm your class score.
Always be prepared, and always come to class on time. Classes for which you are more than ten minutes late will count as absences, and two tardies count as an absence.
A Writer’s Reference by Diana Hacker
Readings via links on Class Blog (check syllabus)
*Make sure you have the copies of the books that are in the Whittier College bookstore. You can order them online, as long as they are the same editions of the bookstore copies and they arrive early enough (I recommend 2-day shipping on Amazon). If you order and your book doesn’t arrive, that’s not going to fly as an excuse for skipping your reading. Make it happen.
The first book we will be reading is Dracula—so purchase that one immediately.
Course Description:
“Reading a book is like re-writing it for yourself. You bring to a novel, anything you read, all your experience of the world. You bring your history and you read it in your own terms.” –Angela Carter
“Give me a man or woman who has read a thousand books and you give me an interesting companion. Give me a man or woman who has read perhaps three and you give me a dangerous enemy indeed.” –Anne Rice
In a time when literary reading is on the decline, what might the value of reading be? Might it be possible, as Anne Rice suggests, that it is dangerous not to read? A question like this is further complicated when it comes from the writer of horror stories, stories that are seen as “dangerous.” There are different kinds of dangers in this world--some good, some bad. Why might it be valuable not only to read in an era of vast inattention, but also to read “dangerous” narratives? What might these narratives, of our monsters and our fairy mythos, reveal to us about our cultural fears, desires, and what we believe it means to be human?
Is ignorance the greatest danger? What might reading give us that prevents dangerous ignorance? Is this something that only reading can give? This will be "the" question this class attempts to broach.
This class will serve as an introduction to the aesthetics and critical reading of monster narratives and fairy tales. The primary goal of this course is to help you become a better reader of literature, with an enhanced ability to analyze, discuss, and write about literary texts. By the end of the course, you will have garnered new skills and intensified old ones to help you appreciate the joy and complexity of literature, and the gifts only it can offer you. You also might become a little more dangerous, even monstrous—in a good way.
This course satisfies the Liberal Education requirement COM 2. INTD 100 is a pre-requisite. It is assumed that you have a basic working knowledge of grammar, paper formatting, and MLA style.
Course Requirements:
For this class you will write three papers, one paper revision, and do one group presentation. The papers will be 4-5 pages in length, and you will receive separate instructions for all of them. One will be an in-class essay. You will also have short exercises and quizzes throughout the semester.
All papers must be typed and carefully proofread. Papers should always have a title. If you have grammatical or stylistic questions consult reference guides such as A Writer’s Reference or the OWL @ Purdue website. If you are using a computer lab, always be sure to give yourself extra time, and to save your material frequently.
Plagiarism—claiming ownership of ideas and language that are not your own—is simply unacceptable. Plagiarized papers will result in a failing grade for the course, and a report will be submitted to the office of Student Life.
Participation and Attendance:
There will be moments when I will lecture. Aside from these times, class should operate like a seminar. This means that it is imperative that you read the material--on time--and are prepared to discuss this material in class. Part of your grade is participation-based, and it is required that you speak up in class in order to receive full credit with participation. You will also be quizzed regularly on the reading, and failing to do the reading will severely harm your class score.
Always be prepared, and always come to class on time. Classes for which you are more than ten minutes late will count as absences, and two tardies count as an absence.
More than three absences may result in a lower grade; more than six may result in a failing grade. Any absences at all can only mar your performance in the class. Inform me in advance regarding major religious holidays or other significant reasons for being excused.
Class Policies:
No laptops unless I approve them for notetaking (ask first). I don’t want to see your phones out—if I do, I will take them away, no exceptions. If it seems you are not paying attention or you are talking while I am talking, you may be asked to leave the classroom and take an absence for the day. If you show up without having done your work, you may also receive an absence for the day. On workshop days, it’s absolutely necessary that you come prepared with your drafts of your papers. On those days if you come unprepared you will be asked to leave, no exceptions.
Class is only 50 minutes long, so you should have no reason to get up and leave the room unless it’s an absolute emergency. That also means that you should not have more than one or two emergencies in an entire semester, as emergencies by their very nature are rare. Please use the facilities before class—it’s your job to be in class on time as you would for a job. Please do not show up to class then ask if you can leave to get a drink of water or use the restroom. If you do so, you are tardy.
Abiding by these policies will allow us a pleasant, productive class session. Anyone who repeatedly abuses these policies is treating his or her peers with disrespect, and will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Communication (Blog):
I will communicate with you regularly via this class blog, so check it for updates here. I ask that you check it every 24 hours, and in the mornings before class. I will also post any updates to the Course Schedule here. You don’t need to print the syllabus out, but you may want to.
Class Policies:
No laptops unless I approve them for notetaking (ask first). I don’t want to see your phones out—if I do, I will take them away, no exceptions. If it seems you are not paying attention or you are talking while I am talking, you may be asked to leave the classroom and take an absence for the day. If you show up without having done your work, you may also receive an absence for the day. On workshop days, it’s absolutely necessary that you come prepared with your drafts of your papers. On those days if you come unprepared you will be asked to leave, no exceptions.
Class is only 50 minutes long, so you should have no reason to get up and leave the room unless it’s an absolute emergency. That also means that you should not have more than one or two emergencies in an entire semester, as emergencies by their very nature are rare. Please use the facilities before class—it’s your job to be in class on time as you would for a job. Please do not show up to class then ask if you can leave to get a drink of water or use the restroom. If you do so, you are tardy.
Abiding by these policies will allow us a pleasant, productive class session. Anyone who repeatedly abuses these policies is treating his or her peers with disrespect, and will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Communication (Blog):
I will communicate with you regularly via this class blog, so check it for updates here. I ask that you check it every 24 hours, and in the mornings before class. I will also post any updates to the Course Schedule here. You don’t need to print the syllabus out, but you may want to.
Papers
All papers, other than rough drafts, will be submitted electronically ONLY via email. I will give you a specific time that they are due, and anything after this time is considered late. For every half hour your paper is late, your grade is lowered one whole letter score. Do not turn in late papers.
All papers, other than rough drafts, will be submitted electronically ONLY via email. I will give you a specific time that they are due, and anything after this time is considered late. For every half hour your paper is late, your grade is lowered one whole letter score. Do not turn in late papers.
I ask that you submit your paper both as an attachment in .doc or .docx form, as well as copy and pasted in the body of your email. Please do your best to maintain proper MLA formatting when you copy and paste. I will send you a "receipt" when I receive your email, usually within 12 hours--provided you turned your paper in on time. If you don't receive the receipt, I didn't get your paper.
Your grades and my notes on your papers will also be returned to you electronically via email—so check for them there.
Literally the only papers you will turn in hard copies of are your rough drafts for workshop. You are usually required to bring two copies. DO NOT JUST PRINT ONE COPY IF I REQUEST TWO.
Your grades and my notes on your papers will also be returned to you electronically via email—so check for them there.
Literally the only papers you will turn in hard copies of are your rough drafts for workshop. You are usually required to bring two copies. DO NOT JUST PRINT ONE COPY IF I REQUEST TWO.
You may NOT bring your laptops instead of hard copies for workshop. There are very few things you have to print in this class, so please be considerate when it’s time to actually print something.
Email:
I do not check the Whittier email address EVER so please contact me via katedurbinteacher@gmail.com. I do check this email address several times a day, and will get back to you asap. I recommend this over any other means of contacting me. Please do not send me facebook messages related to class concerns. Thank you.
Grade Breakdown:
Paper 1: 20%
Paper 2: (in-class) 20%
Paper 3: 25%
Paper Revision: 10%
Presentation: 10%
Attendance, participation, reading quizzes, and brief assignments: 15%
Students with Disabilities:
Students desiring accommodations on the basis of physical, learning or psychological disability for this class are to contact Disability Services. Disability Services is located in the Library building, first floor, room G003 and can be reached by calling extension 4825.
Email:
I do not check the Whittier email address EVER so please contact me via katedurbinteacher@gmail.com. I do check this email address several times a day, and will get back to you asap. I recommend this over any other means of contacting me. Please do not send me facebook messages related to class concerns. Thank you.
Grade Breakdown:
Paper 1: 20%
Paper 2: (in-class) 20%
Paper 3: 25%
Paper Revision: 10%
Presentation: 10%
Attendance, participation, reading quizzes, and brief assignments: 15%
Students with Disabilities:
Students desiring accommodations on the basis of physical, learning or psychological disability for this class are to contact Disability Services. Disability Services is located in the Library building, first floor, room G003 and can be reached by calling extension 4825.
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