posted: 12/1/2008
|
Spring 2009 (session A) |
Ted Morrissey (CV) |
ENGLISH 201-70—Literature
on Film
(3 Credit Hours)
I. Course Description: English 201 Literature on Film is a literary analysis
course in which the student intensively examines a poem, short story, play and
novel to develop analytical skills, which are applied to films, made from
pieces of literature, allowing for a comparison of literature and film and an
understanding of the elements of fiction in the two media. Prerequisite:
English 111 with a grade of “C” or better. IAI HF
908.
II. Textbooks:
Austen,
Jane. Pride and Prejudice. 1813.
Ed. Candace Ward.
Guevara, Ernesto
Che. The Motorcycle Diaries: Notes on a Latin American Journey.
Proulx,
E. Annie. “
Shakespeare,
William. Much
Available at SCI's Bookstore.
Note regarding texts:
Ever mindful of the cost of college, I have chosen inexpensive copies of
the texts. They are cheaper because
there isn’t much editorial footnoting or endnoting. Some students find more annotated editions of
the texts useful, especially Much Ado about Nothing and Pride and
Prejudice. For my own purposes,
I’ll be referencing the Norton edition of Much Ado and the Longman
Cultural edition of Pride and Prejudice.
The following films are
not required, but since you will be writing about at least two of these films,
you may find it useful to purchase them as it is helpful to view a scene you
are analyzing several times. You could
also rent them through libraries; however, this approach is less reliable than
purchasing them because it is difficult to say when they may be available; and
when they arrive, they may be damaged (rental material is often abused). I purchased three of the four films from
Walmart; one from Amazon. There are
various outlets in Springfield that carry DVDs.
Otherwise, you may want to try an online source like Amazon, where the DVDs
can be purchased new or used; and Netflix, where they can be rented or purchased.
The Motorcycle
Diaries. Dir. Walter Salles. Perf.
Gael García Bernal. DVD. FilmFour, 2004.
Much
Pride and
Prejudice. 2005. Dir. Joe Wright. Perf. Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, and
Donald Sutherland. DVD. Universal Home Entertainment, 2006.
Note: I will go
over much of this syllabus in class but not every word. It is your responsibility to read the entire
syllabus and ask questions if you do not understand any part of it. Being familiar with the contents of the syllabus
will enhance your performance in this course.
III.
SCI: The mission of
BU:
IV. Goals, objectives
and outcomes:
A. Goals:
1. To develop a critical
awareness of both literature and film through the examination of their
similarities so that each is revealed as art contributing to an understanding
of life.
2. To learn to analyze various “texts,” including film versions of
literature.
3. To develop analytical expression in both writing and oral presentation.
B. Common Student
Learning Objectives:
CK-1 Content Knowledge
(Lifelong learning): Know and apply the central concepts of the subject matter
CK-1 Content Knowledge (Lifelong learning): Use current research to support
assumptions and beliefs
CS-1 Communication Skills (Lifelong learning and leadership): Communicate
effectively in oral and written forms
PS-2 Problem-Solving Skills (Lifelong learning and leadership):Seek information
and develop an in-depth knowledge base, grounded in research
SR-2 Social Responsibility (Service and Leadership): Make ethical and informed
decisions
SP-1 Self-Direction and Personal Growth (Lifelong learning): Develop a sense of
intellectual curiosity
GP-1 Global Perspectives (Diversity): Recognize the importance of diversity of
opinion, abilities and cultures.
C. Course Based Student
Learning Objectives: Students who have successfully completed ENGLISH 201 will
be able to . . .
1. Examine the elements
of poetry, short fiction, drama, and the novel as a means of evaluating
literature. (CK-1, CS-1)
2. Examine, closely, films based on these literary genres as a means for
evaluating films through common elements of fiction. (CK-1, CS-1)
3. Examine the similarities and differences of films and literature so that an
appreciation for both may be gained. (CK-1, CS-1, PS-2)
4. Begin to establish criteria for evaluating both film and literature. (CK-1)
5. Be conversant with literary, theatrical, and film terminology, knowing how
each relates to its medium and how each coordinates or differs with terms in
another medium. (CK-1)
6. Recognize the validity of artistic interpretation as it derives from
original creation. (GP-1)
7. Develop the ability to make critical judgments in response to literature and
to support those judgments through analysis. (CK-1, CK-2, CS-1, PS-1, SR-1)
SCI’s
SCI’s
Resource Director: Amy Sayre-Roberts aroberts@sci.edu
Consider using
Smarthinking Online Tutorials to assist with paper writing, etc.: http://www.sci.edu/academics/smart/index.html
V. Teaching
Methodology:
The classroom is
considered a discourse community in which students collaborate in the learning process.
Students will be involved in peer work, group discussions, pre- and rewriting
activities, and projects. There will be intervention in students’ writing process, and response to
student writing, by both the instructor and other students. To be successful,
students must come to class prepared, which means having all reading and
writing assignments done before they are due.
VI. Course
Requirements:
Attendance: As in every
other class, absences will negatively affect your grade. To avoid class disruption,
students must be seated by 6:00. Arriving between 6:00 and 6:05 will be
considered a “late” (three lates equal one-half
hour absence); between 6:05 and 6:30, one-half hour absence; between 6:30 and 7:00, one hour
absence; etc. Missing an entire class session equals 4.0 hours. If you attend only part of the class session,
you run the risk of being counted absent for the entire session at the
instructor’s discretion. Missing six hours is an
automatic F, regardless of a student's current grade.
Your goal should be to
attend all classes and to have an absence only when it is a true emergency. If
you know you are going to be absent (or late), you should contact me as early
as possible. This will not “excuse” the absence, but it is considered the appropriate
behavior in college. College is like a job in this respect: If you were going
to miss work, you presumably would call your supervisor in advance—you
would not simply fail to come to work, then wander in the next time you were scheduled (if so, you
would not be scheduled a next time).
Behavior: Be attentive to
the instructor and your classmates. Private conversations and jokes are rude
and disruptive. Turn off your cell phone too.
Work:
1. Completion of all assigned
readings and writings according to given deadlines.
2. In-class and out-of-class assignments.
3. Participation in peer activities, sharing of written work, and group
discussions.
4. Active involvement in mechanics of all writing projects.
5. Conferences regarding writing assignments as needed.
6. Final project.
Academic Integrity Statement
Academic
and professional environments require honesty and integrity, and these qualities are expected of every student
at Springfield College-Benedictine University. In accordance with such
expectations, academic integrity requires that you credit others for their
ideas. Plagiarism, whether intentional
or not, is a grievous offense. Any time you use words or ideas that are not
your own, you must give credit to the author, whether or not you are quoting
directly from that author. Failure to do so constitutes plagiarism.
Any
incident of plagiarism and/or academic dishonesty may result in serious
consequences. Penalties for academic dishonesty vary depending on the severity
or extent of the problem but are always serious.
The
following are consequences you may face for academic dishonesty:
·
a
failing grade or “zero” for the assignment;
·
dismissal
from and a failing grade for the course; or
·
dismissal
from the Institution.
Please
refer to the Springfield College Benedictine University Catalog or the Student
Handbook for a complete discussion of the Academic Integrity policy.
VII. Evaluation
Criteria:
There are numerous
required activities for this course, and not all of them will be graded. Work
(generally described as “homework”) that does not receive a
numerical score, may
be given one of three grades: A check mark indicates an assignment was
completed in an acceptable and timely manner; a plus signifies that an assignment
was completed with special thoroughness and accuracy; and a minus signifies
that an effort was substandard. Each check is worth one point; a plus 1.5
points, and a minus .5; the total will be multiplied by an appropriate number
determined by the instructor to establish a homework grade.
Note that there will be
frequent reading quizzes, and these grades will be counted as homework even
though they are completed in class, because you did the reading “at
home.” Also note that you must be in class at the
time the quiz is given; you cannot make up a missed quiz, even if you attend
class on the same evening that the quiz was given. That is, if you arrive after the quiz has
been collected, you will have to take a zero for that homework grade. Students are expected to complete
all assignments, graded or not.
Points will be deducted
for issues of misspelling and nonstandard mechanics according to the SCI
English/Speech Department Guidelines for the Evaluation of Formal Composition
(unless the departures from standard written practice are knowingly done for
creative or rhetorical effect).
Late
papers will not be accepted, and each will be scored as a zero. Assignments are due
even if you are not physically in class.
If you do not turn in the First Critical Paper on time, you may turn it
in by the due date for the optional revision; however, you will not be able to
improve the grade you receive for this “revised” draft;
also, this draft must be submitted to Blackboard’s SafeAssign as if it were turned
in on time in the first place.
Final Grade will be based
on a percentage of the total score: A = 90 to 100%; B = 80 to 89%; C = 70 to
79%; D = 60 to 69%; F = 0 to 59%. Note that the instructor reserves the right to bump up a
grade if the student demonstrates special effort in the course. Behaviors like perfect attendance, meaningful
participation in class discussions, and in general an eagerness to learn and to
improve one’s reading and writing skills could be taken into
consideration when calculating the final grade.
Grade Appeal Process
According to the Springfield College Catalog, grade
appeals must be initiated 90 days prior to the end of one semester after the
course in question has been completed. The process for appealing a grade is
outlined below.
First,
contact the Instructor.
1.
A
student must appeal to his/her instructor in
writing (e-mail is acceptable) and provide specific reasons why his/her
grade should be changed.
2.
The
instructor must respond to the student in
writing (e-mail is acceptable) and provide a copy to the division chair.
Second, contact the Division
Chair.
3.
If
the student wishes, he/she may then appeal to the division chair in writing (e-mail is acceptable) and
provide specific reasons why his/her grade should be changed without the
instructor’s permission. The student should understand that overwhelming
evidence must be presented to the division chair to prove that the current
grade is incorrect.
4. The division chair must respond to the
student in writing (e-mail is
acceptable) and provide a copy to the academic dean.
Lastly, contact the Academic Dean.
5. If the student wishes, he/she may appeal
to the academic dean in writing (e-mail
is acceptable) and provide specific reasons why his/her grade should be changed
without the instructor’s or the division chair’s permission. The
student should understand that overwhelming evidence must be presented to the
academic dean to prove the grade is incorrect.
6. The academic dean must respond to the
student in writing (e-mail is
acceptable). The academic dean’s decision is final.
Student Withdrawal Procedure
It is the
student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from a course by
completing the appropriate form, with appropriate signatures, and returning the
completed form to the Advising Office.
Please refer to the Student Handbook for important financial information
related to withdrawals.
Incomplete
grades: According to the SCI catalog, students requesting an incomplete
grade for a class must have completed at least 75% of the course work. Students must make a request to me in writing
no later than one week before final exams explaining in detail why they cannot
finish the remainder of the coursework.
Acceptable reasons are student illness requiring bed rest or
hospitalization, major family crisis, or circumstances beyond the student’s control. I will only issue an incomplete grade at my
discretion.
Due to the accelerated nature of the course,
should you experience a medical condition which prevents you from attending any
class(es), appropriate medical documentation must be provided immediately so it
may be determined what, if any, accommodations are reasonable or possible.
Drop Dates
January 20 - Last
day to drop with 100% refund
January 26 - Last day to withdraw with 25% refund
February 16 - Last day to withdraw from
class
See Adult Accelerated
Calendar
Directions for Written
Work:
Keep all assignments,
formal and informal, prewriting, revisions, and final drafts until final grades
are received.
Out-of-class Paper
Requirements:
Each paper must be . . .
1. Typed (printed) in
12-point, Times New Roman font, double-spaced.
2. Presented in MLA style and format (see A Writer's Reference
(from ENG 111 or 112))
3. Three to five pages in length (not including required Works Cited page) and
represent a “completed” paper.
4. Submitted to Blackboard’s SafeAssign feature.
Three Keys to Success:
* Attend all classes and
be on time.
* Turn in all assignments on time.
* Ask for help when you need it.
One or More of the
Following Will Lead to Failure:
* Miss class and/or
consistently be late.
* Fail to turn in assignments or to turn them in on time.
* Not asking for help when you need it.
VIII. Weekly
Assignments:
(Note: Syllabus is subject to change).
|
Week 1 January
13 Classic
Novel Adaptation |
Before
the first session, read: |
|
Week 2 January
20 Classic Novel Adaptation |
Read: * Pride
and Prejudice, Chs. XXXVI-end (138-262) Sample mini-essay Reflection
on readings & film / Discussion / Quick
Response |
|
Week 3 January
27 Drama/Poetry
Adaptation |
Read: Reflection
on reading / Discussion / Quick Response |
|
Week 4 February
3 Drama/Poetry
Adaptation |
Read: * Much
In
class: *
Film: Much Reflection
on readings & film / Discussion / Quick
Response Prewriting
for first critical paper: Issues in Pride
and Prejudice and/or Much Ado about Nothing (Note: Verify movie quotes by looking up the title
on the Internet Movie database, and
clicking on “memorable quotes.”) |
|
Week 5 February
10 Memoir/Translation
Adaptation |
First Critical
Paper Due: Issues in Pride and Prejudice and/or Much Read: Reflection on reading
& film / Discussion / Quick Response |
|
Week 6 February
17 Memoir/Translation
Adaptation |
Read: Reflection on reading / Discussion / Quick Response |
|
Week 7 February
24 Short
Story Adaptation |
Revision
of First Paper Due (optional) Read: Reflection on reading
& film / Discussion / Quick Response Prewriting for second
paper: Issues in The Motorcycle Diaries/Brokeback Mountain (Note: Verify movie quotes by looking up the title
on the Internet Movie database, and
clicking on “memorable quotes.”) |
|
Week 8 March
3 Synthesizing
Print & Film Texts |
Second
Critical Paper Due: Issues in The Motorcycle
Diaries/Brokeback Mountain (400 pts.) – make sure to also upload your paper to Blackboard
(requirement) In-class Final (Group) Project & Presentation Due: Connecting print text and film text (200 pts.) |
Grades:
First Paper 400 pts.
Second Paper 400 pts.
Final Project & Presentation 200 pts.
”Homework” 100 pts.
Total 1,100 pts.
IX. Americans with Disabilities Act (
If documentation of the disability (either learning or
physical) is not already on file, it may be requested. Once on file, an
individual student’s disability documentation is shared only at that
individual’s request and solely with the parties whom the student wishes
it shared. Requests are kept
confidential and may be made by emailing aroberts@sci.edu
or by calling 217-525-1420, ext. 233.
X. Assessment:
Assessment will be an on-going part of the course. In
addition to providing feedback on essays and homework assignments, the
instructor will ask that you complete a Quick Response form
at the conclusion of each class period. Your responses may be shared with the
class if the instructor determines that it would be useful to do so.
Instructor assessment:
You are invited to visit RateMyProfessor.com,
and give your instructor an informal evaluation. This is purely for the
instructor's own use; your rating has no bearing on his employment with the
college; nor will it affect your grade since it is completely anonymous.
XI. Illinois Articulation Initiative: ENG 201 has been approved by the Illinois
Articulation Initiative as meeting the criteria stipulated for HF
908.