Examines the elements of fiction and what has made fiction, especially the novel, distinctive, popular, and enduring. Readings may include formal, cultural, and historical theories.
•Textual/Visual Analysis: Students will learn to read, analyze, and interpret cultural products (cartoons, political treatises, fictions, films).
•Interpretive Frameworks: Students will become familiar with a variety of social, political, and philosophical theories and apply those theories to creative texts and to their own cultural observations.
•Historical Analysis: Students will study literary and cultural texts within an historical framework to become familiar with the various forces that shape artistic and commercial production. They will learn to interpret history actively, rather than passively accepting information.
PDF's of readings are online in Canvas. Two books totaling $22 require purchase, as noted in Canvas.
Assignments
All assignments should be posted to the class Canvas site. Final grades will be calculated according to the following proportion:
Introductory slide=1 point extra credit
4 Online responses to Discussions in first month: 5% each, totaling 20% of final grade
1 In-class oral report: 10% of grade Attendance & class participation: 10% of grade
1 leadership/co-leadership of one class discussion: 10% of grade
Assignment 1 short essay: 15% of final grade
Assignment 2 (poster or ArcGIS file) 10% of final grade
Assignment 3 (group presentation/discussion leadership): 15% of final grade
Assignment 4 (slide): 10% of grade
Grading Policy
Superior performance in discussion, writing, and presentations: 90-100=A
Above-average, high-quality performance in discussion, writing, and presentations: 80- 89=B
Average (not inferior) performance in discussion, writing, and presentations: 70-79=C
Below-average performance in discussion, writing, and presentations: 60-69=D
Unacceptable performance in discussion, writing, and presentations: less than 60=F
ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED: Discussions of the course readings and of student responses to these readings are significant components of the course; participating in discussions will help students prepare essays and presentations. You are expected to attend ALL class meetings unless you have a compelling reason not to do so. More than two unexcused absences could result in an unsatisfactory grade. Submit appropriate documents for medical, athletic, religious, or other justified absences. Even if you miss participating in a discussion, you should read the required material for that day, review the information posted in the day’s agenda in Canvas Pages, and prepare the response to the Discussion prompt or turn in any written assignment that is due.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
*How do I interpret the human experience through creative, linguistic, and philosophical works?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:
*Students will effectively analyze and interpret the meaning, cultural significance, and ethical implications of literary/philosophical texts or of works in the visual/performing arts.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
*Ethical Reasoning
*Information Literacy
*Intercultural Competence