Instructor Information
Name: Matthew Wappett, Ph.D.
Office Hours:T/Th 11-12 pm or by appointment
Office Location: Center on Disabilities and Human Development 121 West Sweet Ave, Rm. 116B
Phone: 208-885-6144
Fax: 208-885-3628
Email address: wappett@uidaho.edu
Website: http://www.idahocdhd.org or http://academiamiscellania.blogspot.com
Course Meeting Information
Meeting Dates: August 23 - December 17, 2010
Day and Time: MWF 1:30-2:20
Location: TLC 141
Course Description
This class is a year-long exploration of monsters and the themes surrounding the concepts of evil and monstrosity. We will look at the creation, development, and multiple reiterations of the monstrous, through both classic and contemporary works in literature, film, and art. Application of this information will help the student identify the philosophical, social, political, and cultural mechanisms used to influence and shape contemporary conceptions of the monster in the real world.
Course Learning Objectives
To discover the methods and explore the creation of the "monster myth." This exploration will examine the monstrous from a multitude of literary and visual sources--most important, the interrelationship of the monster to both culture and society.
- To transfer an understanding of the monster in fiction to the monster in real life, creating an awareness of the process of monster making both from the perspective of the monster and the perspective of the monster maker.
- To examine and discuss the theories of literary, visual, and theatrical analysis that will help unlock both the hidden symbolism of the monstrous and sublime cultural intellect found in the creation of the monster.
- To understand and apply critical thinking and problem solving techniques to resolve abstract concepts, social organization, and mental perception as they relate to the human need for the monster.
- To learn research skills.
- To demonstrate achievement of course goals through seminar discussions of cultural issues, film viewing critiques, and course projects combining the thought of the class surrounding these wide-ranging discussions and discoveries.
Common Core Discovery Course Objectives
- Develop academic skills necessary for success in this and other college courses.
a. Enhance note-taking abilities
b. Practice active reading
c. Develop a working knowledge of university library computer databases
d. Develop successful time management skills
e. Enhance computer skills
- Develop effective communication skills
a. Practice conveying your ideas in written and oral form
b. Develop interpersonal skills that include participating in class discussions, posing thoughtful questions, listening to others, and responding to others
c. Accomplish tasks through group work
- Develop the ability to think critically
a. Learn how to identify and evaluate arguments
b. Learn how to identify and question assumptions
c. Develop the ability to assess multiple perspectives on a single issue/topic
- Develop the ability to use effectively a variety of methods of inquiry
a. Develop an awareness of methods of inquiry used in a variety of academic disciplines
b. Practice gathering data from a variety of sources, e.g., texts, public documents, interviews, panels, surveys, observation, internet sites develop the ability to synthesize insights and information from various disciplines.
- Be introduced to a number of academic disciplines and their interdependence
- Become aware of and sensitive to the diversity of humankind
a. Develop an understanding of diverse values, attitudes, and interpretations
b. Become aware of how values are shaped by culture
c. Critically examine personal values and attitudes
- Understand contemporary experience in light of past events that have shaped present circumstances
- Experience the diversity of campus culture by attending lectures, concerts, theater productions, gallery exhibits, etc.
Course Texts and Materials
You are responsible for obtaining your own copy of the required texts.
Fall Semester:
- The Elements of Moral Philosophy by James Rachels
- The Thinker’s Guide to Evil by Peter Vardy
- Medea translated by Celia Luschnig (this is in the Library E-Reserve)
- Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney
- Grendel by John Gardner
- Other readings as assigned will be provided online by the instructor through the website or E-Reserve.
Spring Semester (these will be updated...so don't buy them yet!):
- Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller (1997). DC Comics. ISBN-10: 1563893428
- Frankenstein (Norton Critical Editions) by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (1995). W.W. Norton Publishers. ISBN-10: 0393964582
- Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? By Philip K. Dick (1996). Del Rey Publishers. ISBN-10: 0345404475
- Dracula (Norton Critical Editions) by Bram Stoker (1996). W.W. Norton Publishers. ISBN-10: 0393970124
- The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Norton Critical Editions) by Robert Louis Stevenson (2002). W.W. Norton Publishers. ISBN-10: 0393974650
Assignments
- Attitude and Participation (200 points): You are expected to attend class, participate, and to contribute to group discussions and projects. This does not mean piping up in class every day, but it does require attention and engagement. This is a graded element of the course. Half of this portion of the grade will be determined by the instructor and half by group members, who will describe and grade your group contributions at the end of the semester. The number one element tied to a good grade in this class, and all university classes, is attendance and participation...this has been backed up by research time and time again. If you are here, prepared, and participate you will do great.
- Short Writing Assignments (?it's up to you?) (approximately 10 points x 15 weeks = 150 points): I will give you regular in class quizzes or short writing assignments to assess your reading for the week. These short assignments will be worth 10-20 points and will take no longer than 5 minutes. If I get the sense that you are doing the reading and are coming to class prepared to discuss the content I will phase these out...otherwise you can expect approximately one per week.
- Mini-Project #1: Specific Examples & Illustrations of Ethics and Evil (50 points each): As we discuss the issues surrounding ethical theory and evil I will be asking you to find specific examples from popular culture to illustrate the ideas and to help you personally define what you consider to be evil. Further guidelines will follow:
- Historic Evil
- Evil in Literature
- Evil in Film
- Evil in Music
- Evil in the News
- Mini-Project #2: Critical Thinking Application--Definition of Evil Essay(100 points): Construct a definition of what it means to “be” evil". Place your discussion in a modern context using current social norms, ethics, and morality. We will work through this assignment together, and I will hand out more explicit guidelines in class. Your paper must address the critical theories and approaches discussed in class up to this point. Length: 3 to 5 pp.
- Mini-Project #3: Creative Application of Theories—Mask Project (150 points):
Around mid-terms we will look at how different cultures around the world have used masks to embody their monsters and innermost fears. You will have to build a mask that portrays the definition of a monster you have developed and refined through MP #1 and MP #2. You will create a mask, wear that mask, and then reflect on the experience of being a "monster". I will hand out more information about this project around mid-terms.
- MP#4: Critical Thinking / Argument Analysis Essay: Trying Grendel for Crimes of Monstrosity (200 points)
At the end of the semester we will put on a mock trial to determine whether Grendel is guilty of crimes of monstrosity. There are two graded portions of this assignment:
- A formal (typed) outline (I will hand out a template in class)
- An essay based on that outline
- I will hand out more information about this assignment after mid-terms.
After-Class Sessions
Throughout the Semester we will have after-class sessions that you will be required to attend. Because this course is 4 credits we have the opportunity to make up the extra credit with fun evening and weekend activities. At the present time we are working on scheduling these, and the dates will be posted here when we have finalized the rooms and venues...but here's a quick summary of the after hours activities:
- Grave of the Fireflies / Jin-Roh Movie Night
- Introduction to Martial Arts and the Heroic Journey: Sept. 18 from 9 am-2 pm
- Hero Movie Night
- Mask Making Night Session
- Medea Movie Night
- 13th Warrior Movie Night
- Beowulf & Grendel Movie Night
- Dragon/Grendel Movie Night
Late Assignment Policy
Normally, all late assignments are penalized 10% for each day late (20% for any paper due on a Friday and turned in on the following Monday). After three days late assignments will receive a grade of no higher than "C". Assignments will not be accepted more than one week late, and a grade of 0 will be recorded for that assignment.
Grading Scale and Grading Policies
Your final grade will be based upon the percentage of total points earned by you over the semester:
- A = 90% - 100%
- B = 80% - 89%
- C = 70% - 79%
- D = 60% - 69%
- F = Less than 60%
I do give A's, and I do give F's. Both require work and are earned; neither should be a surprise. If you're concerned about the quality of your work, or don’t understand a grade please come and talk to me. Here’s what grades in my class mean:
- A = Exceptional work that goes beyond the expectations of the course.
- B = Very good work that meets all expectations.
- C = Good work that just demonstrates a basic understanding of course material.
- D = Less than satisfactory work that demonstrates little understanding or effort. D’s are also earned by a failure to attend regularly
- F = Failure. Students most regularly fail courses in three ways: failing to complete assignments, failing to complete assignments on time, and failing to attend class is also a good way to earn an F.
The final grade students receive is based entirely on points earned and lost through assignments, homework, attendance, and contribution to discussions. Unless I have made a mathematical error, final grades are non-negotiable. Also, I won’t grade you down because I don’t like you, and I won’t grade you up because I do like you.