English 221- Popular Literature: Gothic and Horror Fiction

Winter 2013

Instructor: Laura Burns

Office: R230M
Office Phone: 425-564-2373
Email:
laura.burns@bellevuecollege.edu

 

Office Hours: I’m teaching online this quarter, but will be on campus most days of the week except Fridays, typically after 10:30. Contact me through email and we can set up an appointment. I check in online every day of the week, Monday-Friday in the early morning, mid-day, and early evening. I also check our class site most weekends.


Please note: I check my Canvas email much more often than my BC email, including many evenings and most weekends. Please send ANY emails regarding the class to the Canvas Inbox for English 221.

 

 

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS:

            Frankenstein,by Mary Shelley (1831 edition)

Dracula, by Bram Stoker
(Both of the above books are included in the text ordered for this class: Frankenstein, Dracula, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, ISBN 0451523636, Signet publishers. This edition includes a preface by Stephen King that is required reading. We will NOT be reading Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.)

Great Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe
(ISBN 1416534761, Simon and Schuster)

Tales of H.P. Lovecraft, edited by Joyce Carol Oates.

(ISBN 0061374601, Harper. This edition contains an introduction by Joyce Carol Oates that is required reading.)

The Haunting of Hill House, by Shirley Jackson

            Salem’s Lot, by Stephen King

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson

 

MOVIES WE’LL WATCH:

Most of the movies we’ll watch are available free on youtube, and I’ll be providing the youtube link within the module. However, if you wish to watch better versions (youtube quality can vary), please plan ahead to find them through Netflix, On-Demand, or on Amazon Instant video for a small fee. The two below are NOT on youtube, so you’ll need to plan ahead for how you’ll get copies:

 

Van Helsing, 2004, director Stephen Sommers (you’ll need by the 3rd week!)
The Walking Dead, season 1, episode 1


In a link in this module, please read:

• Student Procedures and Expectations, Arts and Humanities Division

Introductory Remarks

Course Description

This course will help you to develop skills in reading and analyzing fiction, as well as introduce you to the fascinating world of gothic and horror fiction. We’ll read writers from many different time periods, as we explore how the very earliest gothic works are still influencing horror writers today. We’ll also discuss the various elements of fiction: character analysis, plot, narration, use of symbols, theme, tone and style. The course will depend on your contributions through class discussion and writing assignments on the works we read.

 

English 221 is an entirely online class, meeting on our online platform of Canvas. Also, this online course is NOT a correspondence course, completed on your own timetable in isolation. You must participate in this course in an ongoing manner to successfully fulfill the requirements of the course. We will be using CANVAS rather than BLACKBOARD, a process which began in fall quarter 2012, so be prepared to spend some time learning this new platform for online learning at BC.

 

Course Outcomes for Popular Literature Courses

 

Student Responsibilities

Because of the special method of course delivery, several requirements must be met.

• In order to use our class website effectively, you should complete the Canvas student orientation and be aware of the ideal web browsers to use and the basic tools. Follow the link in BC's Distance Education page for this orientation: http://depts.bellevuecollege.edu/helpdesk/students/canvas. I’d suggest watching at least the first SIX videos, so that you’re well informed about basic tools.

• Always keep me informed if you have problems with the technology, and I will find help for you. You may also contact the Distance Education office directly by email or phone: landerso@belleveucollege.edu or 425-564-2438. They can be extremely helpful with technology! However, I expect that you bring some expertise with you to help in solving problems that arise. Ultimately, your computer and internet services are your responsibility. If you are signed up for the online section and you have computer problems, you may use the computer labs on the BC campus if you have an emergency.

My Expectations

As you know, every teacher has expectations. These are mine.

1. I expect that you signed up for this course because you want to learn to read and discuss gothic and horror fiction using critical analysis skills. Therefore, I expect that you will fully participate in all the discussions, papers and readings/viewings that I’ve assigned for this course.

2. I expect that you have come to this class with college level reading and writing skills. Note that our reading schedule is heavy, although I’ve broken it up during a few weeks where we watch movies. In those weeks, you should be reading ahead to be prepared for the next week.

3. I expect that you will use standard English for all your communications (i.e., email, assignments, discussions, etc.) in this class. Please no texting abbreviations or unusual capitalization (or lack thereof). Multiple sentences need to be arranged in paragraphs with correct punctuation. Disjointed sentences that fail to use standard English will receive a failing or very low grade. That said, I must confess to occasionally using a smiley face when I'm offering constructive criticism (always kindly meant, I assure you). Other than that, let's avoid emoticons and similar texting "codes."

4. I expect that you will participate in ALL the literature discussions and writing of the formal papers. Discussions CANNOT be made up. You will always have 7 days to participate ; if you don’t post within that time frame, you lose the points for that discussion. (Two discussion weeks have a holiday, but I will still post the discussion questions so that you’ll have the full 7 days.) There are no exceptions and no make-ups.

5. I expect that you'll keep track of due dates, reading assignments and class activities using the CALENDAR, which you'll find a link to on our homepage. Checking this calendar, the announcements and the reminders on the homepage frequently will be vital to your success in the class.

6. I expect that you will show respect to everyone by responding to e-mail and discussion postings in a way that is not judgmental, degrading, or derogatory. Even though we may disagree with the interpretations of others, please use some self-restraint and compassion in responding to others' ideas. Logical and questioning responses are encouraged. Choose your words and the tone of your message with utmost care. I also expect tolerance for others' abilities and learning styles.

7. I expect honesty. I expect that you will neither do work for others nor use work done by others. Cheating and/or plagiarizing will not be tolerated. Plagiarizing is cheating, as is copying answers on a test, glancing at nearby test papers, swapping papers, buying papers, using ideas from other sources without proper documentation, writing papers for others, or having them written for you. BCC utilizes a plagiarism detection software, and I use it for random spots checks. Plus, if I even remotely suspect your paper sounds plagiarized, I will submit it to this site. If you cheat or plagiarize, the following actions will be taken:

• you will receive a grade of "0" on the work (period).

• A report of the incident will be filed in the Dean of Students' Office. This report may become part of your permanent record or the Dean may choose to pursue further disciplinary action.

From the Student Code: “Cheating, stealing and plagiarizing (using the ideas or words of another as one’s own without crediting the source) and inappropriate/disruptive classroom behavior are violations of the Student Code of Conduct at Bellevue College. Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to: talking out of turn, arriving late or leaving early without a valid reason, allowing cell phones/pagers to ring, and inappropriate behavior toward the instructor or classmates. The instructor can refer any violation of the Student Code of Conduct to the Vice President of Student Services for possible probation or suspension from Bellevue College. Specific student rights, responsibilities and appeal procedures are listed in the Student Code of Conduct, available in the office of the Vice President of Student Services.” The Student Code, Policy 2050, in its entirety is located at: http://bellevuecollege.edu/policies/2/2050_Student_Code.asp

 

8. Personal conferences on your papers can be held in my office if you can/want to come to the campus and we can work out a mutually convenient time; otherwise, e-mail or local phone conferences can be held. If you can’t meet me during my office hours, please contact me first to set up an appointment BEFORE coming to the campus.

What do I have to do for this class?

Literature Discussions: This class is based almost entirely on weekly discussions. I have created an individual forum in the discussion area for weekly discussions on the written texts and movies. Instructions and requirements for participating in discussions are posted in this module. I do my best to participate in the discussion; however, I cannot possibly respond to every comment or answer.

10 Discussions (1 per week) 15 points each x 10 = 150 points total.

Papers: There will be two papers in this class, both synthesizing two or more of the texts we’re reading, of approximately 3-4 pages. Please see the calendar for due dates. Assignment descriptions are posted in the module scheduled two weeks before the due date. Both papers must be turned in through Turnitin.com. A link is available in the module with the paper description.

One of the out-of-class papers may be rewritten for the full amount of points. This rewrite must be turned in by the due date in the calendar. Please submit ONE document that includes both your newly rewritten version, as well as your original one that contains my comments. The rewrite is your final grade for that particular paper; the original grade is erased.

2 Papers 24 points each x 2 = 48 points total.

Opening Week Assignment: 2 points

TOTAL COURSE POINTS: 200 points

* NOTE.  To figure out your grade at any time, simply divide the total points you have earned by the total points you have submitted to that point. I use standard percentage markings:

95-100% = A
90-94% = A-

87-89% = B+
84-86% = B
80-83% = B-

77-79% = C+
74-76% = C
70-73% = C-

65-69% = D+
55-65% = D
51-54 = D-

Below 51% = F

Hardship Withdrawal

Please be aware that I only award HW grades in cases of medical emergency or military service, and you must discuss the grade at the time the situation arises. A HW grade will not be issued to replace a low grade.


How do we communicate with each other?

In the course navigation list on the left hand side of the homepage, you will find links to class announcements, the class discussion area, assignments and your gradebook. This course is arranged by modules. Just click on “modules” and they will appear in a linear listing. All relevant links to specific discussions, assignment descriptions and assignment submission areas are located in the relevant module.

STUDENT RESOURCES

 

Disability Resource Center:

The Disability Resource Center serves students with a wide array of learning challenges and disabilities. If you are a student who has a disability or learning challenge for which you have documentation or have seen someone for treatment and if you feel you may need accommodations in order to be successful in college, please contact us as soon as possible. If you are a student with a documented autism spectrum disorder, there is a program of support available to you.

 

If you are a person who requires assistance in case of an emergency situation, such as a fire, earthquake, etc, please meet with your individual instructors to develop a safety plan within the first week of the quarter.

 

The DRC office is located in B 132 or you can call our reception desk at 425.564.2498. Deaf students can reach us by video phone at 425-440-2025 or by TTY at 425-564-4110. . Please visit our website for application information into our program and other helpful links at www.bellevuecollege.edu/drc

 

Student Writing Lab

If you’re inexperienced with writing literature papers, we have a Writing Lab available with free tutors who are trained in many different kind of composition assignments. The Lab is in D204, and you may call for an appointment at (425) 564-2494. Typically the Lab schedules appointments for the following week on Thursdays, and the spaces can get filled up, so do plan ahead!

 

Bellevue College Affirmation of Inclusion

Bellevue College is committed to maintaining an environment in which every member of the campus community feels welcome to participate in the life of the college, free from harassment and discrimination. We value our different backgrounds at Bellevue College, and students, faculty, staff members, and administrators are to treat one another with dignity and respect. http://bellevuecollege.edu/about/goals/inclusion.asp

 

 

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Site Updated: 12/2012