Syllabus

SYLLABUS

English 229(A)                                                                      
GCC:              Fall 2019

Gothic Literature                                                                  
TIME:            M/W 8-9:15

INSTRUCTOR: LILLIAN RUIZ       
Phone: 775-1236

Office: N328A                                      
Office Hours:  M/W 12-1, T/TH 9-10,  or by appointment

Mailbox: Humanities Office   E-Mail: ruiz@gcc.mass.edu   

Course Blog: eng229.blogspot.com

TEXTS:

The Best of H.P Lovecraft (Ballantine) - Bloch

Danse Macabre (Berkley) – King

The Exorcist (Harper) - Blatty

Frankenstein, Dracula, Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde (Signet) – Ed. King

The Gold Bug and Other Tales (Dover) - Poe

Great Ghost Stories (Dover) – Ed. Grafton

The Haunting of Hill House (Dramatists Play) – Jackson

Night Shift (Signet) – King
Supernatural Horror in Literature  (Dover) – Lovecraft

* Note: It is assumed that students will have a good dictionary and thesaurus for reference.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

From the course catalog: A critical and analytical study of the gothic tradition in both classic 
and modern supernatural literature, with some attention to film. Students examine the 
significance of the supernatural horror tale in its larger literary, social, and cultural context.

Prereq: Eng 112, 114, or 116

English 229 offers a general introduction to the content and techniques of gothic 
literature through examination of representative short stories, novels, and films. 
This course emphasizes critical thinking, critical reading, and critical writing.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

As a result of successfully completing this course, students will be able

1.     To appreciate the study of the supernatural horror tale as enjoyable, significant and 
relevant.

2.     To become familiar with the major works in the gothic tradition

3.     To examine the major themes/characteristics of the genre

4.     To evaluate the horror tale in other media (i.e. film)

5.     To improve oral and written communication skills

PROCEDURES:

Procedures include class discussion, group work, and mini-lectures.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Students are expected to complete all reading and writing assignments by the due date. Two out-of-class papers will be assigned.  Students will submit periodic journal entries discussing their reactions to the readings (see JOURNAL).  A final exam will also be given.

INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES DISABILITY STATEMENT:

Greenfield Community College values inclusion and equal access to its programs and activities and is committed to fostering an environment of respect and full participation.  Our goal is to create learning environments that are equitable, inclusive, and welcoming.  If there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that result in barriers to your inclusion or accurate assessment or achievement, please notify the instructor as soon as possible.  If you are a student with a disability and may need reasonable academic accommodations, please contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) as soon as possible to discuss your needs and options.  The ODS is located on the fourth floor of the Core in the Wellness Center, C423.  For an appointment, please call (413) 775-1332.

JOURNAL:

Reading and writing about literature is an ongoing process, and the journals are meant as an opportunity for students to discuss their reactions to the readings.  Guidelines will be very informal, as each student should use this assignment as an opportunity to explore the readings in the way he or she feels would be most beneficial.  Some suggestions will be given in class, and on occasion I may present a specific question or problem to be explored in the journal. However, on the whole the journals should reflect whatever relevant thoughts, questions, etc. the individual student has about the readings. The journals will also provide an excellent opportunity to brainstorm paper topics and final examination questions.  Journals should be written on loose sheets of paper and numbered as they will be collected and graded.  They may either be typed or neatly handwritten in blue or black ink. Journals will be graded excellent, good, satisfactory, less than satisfactory, or unsatisfactory.  Late journals will lower your grade by one full grade, and no late journals will be accepted after one week has elapsed unless you have made other arrangements with me beforehand.  Please use a staple if your journal is over 1 page long.

ATTENDANCE:

Class activity and discussion is extremely important and cannot be made up.  Thus, absences and tardiness will be negatively reflected in your participation grade (while each case is different, anything more than two absences could lower your grade).  In the event that you absolutely must be absent, you are required to get that day’s notes and assignments from another student.  Excessive absences could result in failure.  You do not need to notify me that you are going to be absent for a particular class.  However, do speak with me if you miss several classes.

CONSULTATIONS:

Students may consult with me during office hours or by appointment.

PAPERS:

All papers are due at the beginning of class on the days specified.  All papers should be typed, double-spaced, and have one inch borders.  Pages should also be stapled.  Drafts do not require a separate cover page, but final copies do.  Cover pages should list the paper title, your name, the course and section number, my name, and the due date. Do not submit a plastic or cardboard report cover. Late papers will lower your grade by one full grade, and no late paper will be accepted after one week has elapsed unless you have made other arrangements with me beforehand.  Please be sure to keep a copy of any paper you submit for yourself.  Paper assignments will be distributed through the term.

* Note: Students have the option of revising the first paper if they so choose (please consult with me prior to revising a paper).  Late papers cannot be revised. The original graded paper must be submitted with the revision.

PLAGIARISM:

The Modern Language Association Handbook: Third Edition defines plagiarism as the “act of using another person’s ideas or expressions in your writing without acknowledging the source . . .  In short, to plagiarize is to give the impression that you have written or thought something that you have in fact borrowed from someone else” (21).  Do not plagiarize in your papers or writing.  Plagiarism will result in stiff classroom penalties, and may also lead to college disciplinary action.

GRADING (approximate percentages):

10%   Participation (attendance, in-class assignments and activities, etc.)

15%   Journal

25%   Essay # 1

25%   Essay # 2

25%   Final

100%

A = Excellent, B = Good, C = Satisfactory, D = Poor, F = Failing