English 1130: The Modern Novel, Poetry, and Film Erin Robb Office: A303-g Voice Mail: Office Hours: Wednesdays 12:3

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1 English 1130: The Modern Novel, Poetry, and Film Erin Robb Office: A303-g Voice Mail: Office Hours: Wednesdays 12:30-2:30, Thursdays 3:00-4:00 or by appointment Course Content Welcome to English 1130! Over the next 14 weeks, we will be exploring the three major genres of media: the novel, poetry, and film. Through mixed media, class discussion, and group work, we will share our ideas about the purpose(s) of art, film, and literature and compare the similarities and differences of form and content between the genre styles. We will also situate the course readings in the context of contemporary society in order to both understand the material better and explore our own approaches to critical analysis. Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of English 1130, you will be able to discuss literature and film using a variety of discipline-specific terms make stylistic connections between different types of media write, draft, revise, and format an analytical essay think critically and creatively appreciate more the value of literature and film Required Texts (in the order they will be discussed in class) Poetry handouts (provided for you in class) The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde (novel)* A Short Guide to Writing About Film, by Timothy Corrigan (film textbook)* Man with a Movie Camera (film) The Third Man (film) Not Without My Mother (film) Lost in Translation (film) Grendel, by John Gardner (novel)* * you are responsible for acquiring these three texts. They are available for you in the Langara Bookstore. Suggested Texts A good English dictionary, such as The Concise Oxford English Dictionary College Style Sheet, by Jon Furberg and Richard Hopkins Methods of Delivery This course will use a variety of methods, including lectures, interactive PowerPoint presentations, class discussion, group work, music, YouTube clips, and film. 1

2 Assignments and Mark Distribution In-class essay on poetry 15 % In-class essay on The Picture of Dorian Gray 20 % Take-home film essay 25 % Final exam 30 % Quizzes 10% Note: In order to pass this course, you must complete ALL assignments and have a good attendance record. If you miss more than eight classes, for any reason, you will be asked to leave the course. Any missed class will incur a 0.5% deduction from your overall grade (unless you have a doctor s note). Grading Elements that are evaluated in all ENGL 1130 writing: Mechanics (grammar, punctuation, spelling) Content (accuracy, insight, creativity, originality, terminology) Style (clarity, unity, focus, coherence) Organization (sentence, paragraph, essay structure) Format for take-home essay (neatness, thoroughness, consistency) All assignments will receive a letter grade only. The table below shows the numerical grade equivalents and descriptions. Grading Information Letter Grade Percentage Equivalent Description A % Outstanding A % Fantastic A % Excellent B % Very Good B % Good B % Pretty Good C % Acceptable C % Below Average C % Poor D % Very Poor F 0 49 % Unacceptable The Literary Essay Grading Guidelines Created by Julia Denholm, adapted by Erin Robb A typical A range paper (A-, A, A+) has the following characteristics: The prose is error-free, or very close to it. The introduction begins by identifying the author(s) and text(s) used, an appropriate and relevant topic, and goes on to preview the evidence the essay will focus on. It ends with a clear and interesting thesis statement. 2

3 The main body paragraphs begin with clear ideas that are connected to the thesis and that form a logical argument in support of that thesis. Some claims may be stronger than others, but all ideas are well supported by specific evidence and quotations from the text(s). The evidence is followed by analysis, which explains how the evidence proves the claim. Overall, the essay is coherent and focused with a high level of independent thought. The conclusion restates the thesis and either summarizes the main points of the essay (without copying exact wording), connects the thesis to a major literary significance of the text(s), or connects the essay s idea to a relevant literary topic. A typical B range paper (B-, B, B+) has the following characteristics: The prose may contain a few errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, diction etc., but these are relatively minor and infrequent and do not seriously interrupt the flow of the essay. There may be instances of minor awkwardness in the prose. The introduction begins by identifying an appropriate topic, goes on to preview the evidence the essay will focus on, and ends with a suitable thesis, which may need minor revision. Most of the main body paragraphs begin with clear ideas, most of which are connected to the thesis. The argument may have gaps, may lack original insight, and may not be entirely convincing, but, overall, the essay has a clear focus. Most of the paragraphs provide evidence that supports the claim. Most of the evidence is followed by analysis, which explains how the evidence proves the claim. The analysis offers reasonably insightful and persuasive explanations. A typical C range paper (C, C+) has the following characteristics: The prose may contain a variety of minor errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, diction etc., which interrupt the flow of the essay to some extent. Some passages of the prose may be awkward and/or confusing. The introduction may begin by discussing off-topic or vague ideas. The introduction has a thesis, though the thesis may be too vague/narrow/banal/obvious, or otherwise in need of revision. At least some of the main body paragraphs begin with clear ideas, some of which are connected to the thesis. The essay may not form an obviously coherent argument and may lose focus along the way. Almost all ideas are from class lecture and discussion, with very few original insights made. At least some of the paragraphs provide support, though the evidence does not necessarily support the claim. At least some of the evidence is followed by analysis. The analysis may require evidence that is not provided. The analysis may not support the claim, and it may be somewhat banal. 3

4 A typical C- or D paper has the following characteristics: The prose has more errors than a C range paper (including, perhaps, a limited range of serious errors, such as faulty verb agreements, comma splices, fragments), but the structure and content of the paper have enough C range features to warrant a passing grade. OR The essay may have serious structural problems (no recognizable analytical paragraphs, for example), but it expresses reasonable ideas and the prose is at least at a C level. Possible reasons for a failing grade (any one of the following may apply): The prose contains a variety of serious language errors such as many comma splices, sentence fragments, subject-verb agreement. The essay has little or no argument. It may, instead of expressing and supporting ideas, simply give a plot summary. The essay is significantly shorter than the required length. Any part of the essay violates the course policy on plagiarism and cheating. My Policies for English Attendance: You are expected to attend every class on time and to be prepared to participate in discussion. Remember to complete the day s homework and reading before coming to class, and to bring the appropriate text(s) with you. If you do miss a class, you are responsible for collecting any notes and handouts from a classmate. Please do not or ask me to tell you what you ve missed. You will lose 0.5% every day that you miss (except for documented absences). You will be asked to leave the class if you miss more than eight classes for whatever reason. 2. Missed in-class assignments: If you miss an assignment in class, you can make it up provided you have a legitimate excuse and documented proof (like a signed and dated doctor s note). You are responsible for arranging another time with me to write the assignment if it is an in-class assignment. 3. Late paper policy: In fairness to students who work hard to meet deadlines, late papers will be penalized 5% per day (including weekend days). Assignments will not be accepted after marked papers have been returned to the class. 4. Notetaking: Taking notes is a learning activity that helps you organize and retain information. You are expected to take notes during lectures, class discussions, and PowerPoint presentations. Please note that you will not have access to the PowerPoint slides after viewing them in class. 5. Courtesy: You are expected to act professionally and courteously towards your instructor and your classmates. Turn off your cell phone and music before class begins, avoid talking during inappropriate times, and do not ever, ever sleep during class. 4

5 6. Tutor Policy: You are not permitted to use tutors to edit, rewrite, or significantly revise your work. Work that is substantially improved by a tutor is considered plagiarized and is subject to the plagiarism penalties (see below). A reputable tutor will teach you how to identify your own errors and will help your improve your own work. 7. Plagiarism: Penalties for plagiarism are severe. For a first offense, a grade of zero will be given with a note to the Dean, and, if there is a second offense, an F in the course will be given and a note will be sent to the Dean. Blackboard Site Our Blackboard site, which you can access from the link in the Course Tools section of your mylangara account, will contain helpful links to relevant material about the texts we discuss. It will also include helpful hints for assignments and links to useful writing tools. I encourage you to browse around the site to get the most out of the course. In-class Poetry Test (15%) Assignment Details and Guidelines The poetry test will assess a number of skills: your ability to analyze and develop insight for a poem, your essay-writing skills, and your expertise at using literary language. The purpose of this assignment is to see if you can connect the surface (literal) meaning of a poem with (one of) its deeper (figurative) meanings by looking at (one of) the three major elements of poetry: meaning, sound, and/or structure. You will have 55 minutes to read, analyze, interpret and write a literary insight essay on a poem that you have not read before. Your essay should be about five paragraphs in length. In-class Essay on The Picture of Dorian Gray (20%) On this in-class essay, you will have a choice of two or three topics from which to choose. All topics will be based on class lectures and discussions, so it is wise if you take notes during class activities concerning this novel so you ll have something to study from. You will also be given the essay topics one day before the inclass essay, so that you have time to think about and prepare your insights. Again, you ll have 55 minutes to write a well-organized persuasive essay that has clear topic sentences which support your thesis, specific examples from the novel to support your ideas, and a thoughtful explanation or analysis of this support. You will be able to use the novel for the essay along with any underlining or brief marginal notes you may have written in your copy. Besides the usual writing criteria, I will also be looking for demonstration of your insight and understanding of the novel especially its themes and characters. I ll also be looking for your ability to focus a tightly argued essay around a central main idea: your thesis statement. 5

6 Poetry Poetry and Novel Novel English 1130 Syllabus: Topics and Readings Week One: Jan 4-8 Week Two: Jan Welcome to the course! Introduction to Poetry (All poems will be provided for you on handouts) Meaning in Poetry Swimmer s Moment Siren Song Musee des Beaux Arts Sex Without Love The Cinnamon Peeler Sound in Poetry Arms and the Boy Male Butterflies Court Falling Leaves The Sunlight on the Garden Ars Poetica Structure in Poetry r-p-o-p-h-e-s-s-a-g-r Chansons Innocentes Hawk Roosting Thursday: POETIC TERMS QUIZ (4%) Week Three: Jan Week Four: Jan Poetry Review and Writing Skills Friday: IN-CLASS POETRY ESSAY (15%) Monday: CONTENT QUIZ: Dorian Gray (1%) Introduction to The Picture of Dorian Gray Langara Coll Week Five: Feb 1-5 Week Six: Feb 8-11* The Picture of Dorian Gray The Picture of Dorian Gray ve Thursday: IN-CLASS ESSAY on The Picture of Dorian Gray (20%) *Olympic Holidays Begin Feb. 12 Week Seven: Feb OLYMPIC READING WEEK! 6

7 Film Film and Novel Film Review Week Eight: Mar 1-5 Week Nine: Mar 8-12 Introduction to Film Film showing: Man with a Movie Camera (108 min. shown Wed., 12:30 and 4:30, and Thur., 6:30) Thursday: FILM TERMS QUIZ (4%) Week Ten: Mar Week Eleven: Mar Film showing: The Third Man (104 min. shown Wed., 12:30 and 4:30, and Thur., 6:30) Monday: CONTENT QUIZ: Grendel (1%) Introduction to Grendel Film showing: All About My Mother (101 min. shown Wed., 12:30 and 4:30, and Thur., 6:30) Week Twelve: Mar 29-Apr 1* Week Thirteen: Apr 6-9* Grendel Film showing: Lost In Translation (film, 102 min. shown Wed., 12:30 and 4:30, and Thur., 6:30) Thursday: TAKE-HOME FILM ESSAY DUE (25%) Langara Coll *College Closed Fri., Apr. 2 Week Fourteen: Apr Course Review and Exam Preparation *College Closed Mon., Apr. 5 Grendel ve 7

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