Syllabus

Course Description
Course Goals
Common Core Discovery Course Objectives
Attendance Policy
Academic Honesty
Extra Credit
Assessment
Activity Requirements That Are Graded
Grade Evaluation Summary
Texts
Art Supplies
Films
Description of Projects
Schedule

Course Description:

This class is a year-long exploration of both monsters and the themes surrounding the concept of 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 societal, political, and cultural mechanisms used to influence and shape contemporary conceptions of the monster in the real world.

Course Goals:

• 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:

GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVES – SKILLS

• Develop academic skills necessary for success in this and other college courses

• enhance note-taking abilities

• practice active reading

• develop a working knowledge of university library computer databases

• develop successful time management skills

• enhance computer skills

• Develop effective communication skills  

• practice conveying your ideas in written and oral form

• develop interpersonal skills that include participating in class discussions, posing thoughtful questions, listening to others, and responding to others

• accomplish tasks through group work

• Develop the ability to think critically

• learn how to identify and evaluate arguments

• learn how to identify and question assumptions

• develop the ability to assess multiple perspectives on a  single issue/topic

• Develop the ability to use effectively a variety of methods of inquiry 

• develop an awareness of methods of inquiry used in a variety of academic disciplines

• 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.

GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVES – CONTENT

• Be introduced to a number of academic disciplines and their interdependence

• Become aware of and sensitive to the diversity of humankind

• develop an understanding of diverse values, attitudes, and interpretations

• become aware of how values are shaped by culture

• 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.

Attendance Policy:  From the UI Catalog

      M-1. Attendance. Students are responsible for class attendance; in all cases of absence, students are accountable for the work missed. In the case of officially approved absence and on the request of the student, the instructor is obligated to provide an opportunity for the student to make up for missed work. In general, an absence is considered "official" when the student is: (a) participating in an approved field trip or other official UI activity (e.g., athletics, debate, music, or theatre arts); (b) confined under doctor's orders; (c) called to active military duty during emergency situations; or (d) granted a leave of absence from UI for reasonable cause by his or her academic dean.

      M-2. Repeated Absences. In courses where a substantial amount of the content can be mastered only or primarily through class participation, regular and punctual attendance is essential and may, therefore, be reflected in grading. Instructors will make clear at the beginning of each course the extent to which grades are dependent on attendance. Instructors may report to the registrar students who are repeatedly absent from classes (a form is available from departmental and college officials). Absences may be considered excessive when their number equals or exceeds the number of credits in a particular course.  

Academic Honesty:  From the Student Code of Conduct in the UI Faculty/Staff Handbook:

      1. Cheating on classroom or outside assignments, examinations, or tests is a violation of this code.  Plagiarism, falsification of academic records, and the acquisition or use of test materials without faculty authorization are considered forms of academic dishonesty and, as such, are violations of this code.  Because academic honesty and integrity are core values at a university, the faculty finds that even one incident of academic dishonesty seriously and critically endangers the essential operation of the university and may merit expulsion.  (For more information about plagiarism, see http://www.class.uidaho.edu/english/comp/plagiarism.htm )

      2.  The operation of UI requires the accuracy and protection of its records and documents.  To use, make, forge, print, reproduce, copy, alter, remove, or destroy any record, document, or identification used or maintained by UI violates this code when done with intent to defraud or misinform.  Entrance without proper authority into any private office or space of a member of the faculty, staff, or student body is a violation of this code.

      3.  Instructors and students are responsible for maintaining academic standards and integrity in their classes.  Consequences for academic dishonesty may be imposed by the course instructor.  Such consequences may include but cannot exceed a grade of “F” in the course.  The instructor should attempt to notify the student of the suspected academic dishonesty and give the student an opportunity to respond.  The notice and the opportunity may be informal and need not be in writing. Penalties for any disciplinary infraction must be judicially imposed. 

      4. Instructors may report incidents of academic dishonesty to the dean of students.  Upon receiving such a report, the dean of students shall provide the student with written notice that a report has been made and an opportunity to meet with the dean to discuss the report.  The dean of students shall maintain the report and any record of the meeting for a period of time deemed appropriate by the dean.  The dean of students may file a complaint against the student after the meeting has taken place or the student has elected, either affirmatively or through inaction, not to meet with the dean.  

Extra Credit: Don't ask.

Assessment:

Core discovery courses like this one are part of the new model for general education at the University of Idaho.  The goal is to introduce students to an interdisciplinary topic and demonstrate how knowledge from different sources is put together into a coherent story.  Along the way, students will be asked to exercise writing, speaking, and thinking skills.  An important part of this model is assessment, which is how the University verifies that students are getting what they are supposed to get from the course.  Several class periods will be set aside each semester for assessment exercises, such as focus-group discussions and in-class essay exercises.

Activity Requirements That Are Graded:

• Attitude, Attendance, and Participation
  
  You are expected to attend class and participate while there.  This does not mean piping up in class every day, but it does require attention and engagement.
            
• Study Questions Responses
  
  Each week, there will be five study questions that you will need to fill out on-line at the course homepage, print out, and submit by the end of the first day of class that week. These questions will concern the readings assigned for that week.
  
  
• Electronic Portfolio 
  
  An electronic portfolio is a collection of the work that you have completed for this course.  It is not all that you have done: it has required elements and others that you choose.  The point of the portfolio is to display what you consider to be the best of your work.  You can use the template for this course (we will provide you with it), or you can develop your own design.  However, you must include the following sections in your portfolio in the form of buttons that will link to the appropriately named pages: Introduction, Film Reviews, Sketchbook (comprised of drawings and journal entries), Mini-projects, Expo Entry, and Links.  You are not limited to these areas, however.
  
  
• Sketchbook/Journal

Each student will be required to keep a sketchbook/journal.   It is to become your companion and confidant.  It will be used in assignments, both visual and written.  You will use it to sketch, experiment with visual processes, take notes, record observations, thoughts and ideas… it will be one of your most important tools.  Sketches are not meant to be finished drawings.  Sketchbooks for artists are like journals for writers.  They provide a continuous source of ideas for future compositions and processes.

• Take verbal and visual notes in the class
• Record the development of your ideas for the outside assignments, mini projects etc. 
• Record visual impressions of things seen, felt, remembered or imagined.
• Experiment with different techniques, tools and mediums.
• Attach clippings of text or visual images and photos that interest you
• Use your sketchbook/journal to critique assigned movies, notes from guest lecturers and associated activities.
   
• Mini-projects
  
  There are three of these projects. They are designed to utilize your critical thinking skills and to combine skills you are learning from the disciplines of philosophy, art, film, and literature.  Guidelines for the mini-projects are found on the "Mini-projects" page of the course web site.  Projects will be based on material (art, readings, films) from the course. 
  
  
• Movie review
  
  This review will be 6 double-spaced pages in length. More information on this will be forthcoming. The list of movies can be found below.
  
  
• Monsters Conference
  
  At the end of the semester, we will have a conference in which groups read essays based on the group theme.  Each presentation will be seven minutes, a seven-page paper extracted from students' longer final project of ten pages.  Each group will develop a display about their project.  You will be given more details on this conference as the semester proceeds.

Grade Evaluation Summary:

The mini-projects, movie reviews, and expo project will be assigned letter grades (or the numerical equivalent). The study question responses, electronic portfolio, and sketchbook/journal will be evaluated with a +/check/- scale, where "+" means good, "check" means passable, and "-" means no credit. 

Texts:

Batman: The Dark Knight, Frank Miller
Blade Runner, Philip K. Dick
2001: A Space Odyssey, Arthur C. Clarke
Covering Islam, Edward Said

Films:  

Blade Runner
2001: A Space Odyssey
Mask
Island of Dr. Moreau

Art Supplies:

B2 pencil
Sketchbook/journal, especially ordered for the class
 

Schedule: 

Please note that reading is due on the first day of class of the week assigned.

Week 1:  1/15 -- 1/17 

Activities:  Syllabus review; Spring orientation
Reading:  Batman: The Dark Knight
Assignment: Get course materials and read them

Week 2:  1/20 -- 1/24

Activities:  Discuss Batman; Discuss literacy and the visual
Reading:  Batman: The Dark Knight
Assignment:  Assign MP#1 & MP#2

Week 3:   1/27 -- 1/31

Activities:  Discuss Batman; Work on MP#1
Reading: Batman: The Dark Knight
Assignment:  Assign electronic portfolio and final project
Thursday Night Activity: Film:  Mask, 7:00 pm

Week 4:  2/3 -- 2/7

Activities:  Discuss Blade Runner; Compare with Frankenstein
Reading:  Blade Runner
Assignment:  MP#1 due

Week 5:  2/10 -- 2/14

Activities:  Discuss Blade Runner; Discuss empathy and what it is to be human
Reading: Blade Runner 
Thursday Night Activity:  Film: Blade Runner, 7:00 pm

Week 6:  2/17 -- 2/21

Activities:  Discuss film version and compare to book; Discuss MP#2
Reading:  Blade Runner, the film
Assignment:  Assign groups for final project

Week 7:  2/24 -- 2/28

Activities:  Discuss 2001; Discuss technology and monstrosity
Reading:  2001: A Space Odyssey
Assignment:  MP#2 due
Thursday Night Activity: Film: 2001: A Space Odyssey, 7:00 pm

Week 8:  3/3 -- 3/7

Activities: Discuss 2001; Discuss Monsters Conference 
Reading:  2001: A Space Odyssey
Assignment:  MP#3 assigned

Week 9:  3/10 -- 3/14

Activities:  Discuss film version and compare with book; Discuss MP#3
Reading:  2001: A Space Odyssey, the film
Thursday Night Activity: Film: The Island of Dr. Moreau, 7:00 pm

Week 10:  3/17 -- 3/21

SPRING BREAK   

Week 11: 3/24 -- 3/28

Activities:  Discuss Covering Islam; Work on Monsters Conference
Reading:  Covering Islam
Assignment:  MP#3 Due

Week 12:  3/31 -- 4/4

Activities:  Discuss Covering Islam; Work on Monsters Conference
Reading:  Covering Islam

Week 13:  4/7 -- 4/11

Activities:  Discuss Covering Islam; Work on Monsters Conference; Begin presentations
Reading:  Covering Islam
Assignment: Prepare presentations

Week 14:  4/14 -- 4/18

Activities:  Presentations; Monsters Conference
Reading:  None
Assignment:  Presentations; Monsters Conference (4/18-4/19, UI Commons)

Week 15:  4/21 -- 4/25

Activities:  Discuss current issues
Reading:  TBA
Assignment:  TBA
Thursday Night Activity: Film: TBA, 7:00

Week 16: 4/28 -- 5/2

Activities:  Discuss current issues
Reading:  TBA
Assignment:  TBA; Film Review due

Week 17:  5/5 -- 5/9 

Activities:  Discuss current issues; Fill out evaluations
Reading:  TBA
Assignment: TBA 

Week 18:  5/12 -- 5/16 

Activities:  Submit journal/sketchbook; Complete electronic portfolio