MONSTERS
Mrs. Povall
758-2241 ext. 71265
kpovall@rhcsd.org
Course Description: The Monsters English elective examines the dynamics of horror. The inquiries
of students and teacher will cross disciplines, cultures, and time periods, focusing especially on
monsters as “other” as well as cultural dark-side manifestations. We will explore myths, literature,
art, and film, and we will pay special attention to the most popular monsters in our own culture:
vampires, werewolves, the Frankenstein monster, etc. We will explore different categories of
monsters, such as grotesque animals of the land and sea, terrifying variations of the abhuman,
transforming doppelgangers, and diabolical man-made monsters. Some questions we might
consider include: Why do different cultures “create” the monsters that they do? How do monsters
and what they represent change over time and in different genres? How does literature and film both
support and dispel stereotypes of different groups through monsters? Can monsters ever be good?
Course Objectives:
 To expose students to cultural issues relating to horror and the monstrous and to foster an
appreciation for artistic endeavors in these areas
 To increase intellectual maturation and clarification of our own values through examination
of ideas and attitudes in literary, filmic, and cultural contexts
 To foster an ability to move beyond paraphrase to analysis of difficult texts; to encourage
students to interact with these texts, to think critically about them, and to see connections
between them, using writing as a tool
 To encourage students to be active participants in their own educational experiences by
promoting teamwork, presentations, creative engagement with material, and class discussion,
and to provide an atmosphere where knowledge can be discovered rather than handed down
Reading List:
Please note that I am including only the novels we will be reading. There will also be a number of
excerpts from novels, short stories and poems.
Grendel by John Gardner
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
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Expectations
The following are expectations which will allow you to succeed in this class:
1. Be Responsible
2. Be Respectful
3. Be Prepared
4. Maintain solid attendance: You need to be here every day. Unforeseen circumstances such as a
death in the family, illness, etc. are obviously acceptable reasons for not being here.
5. Be on time: This means when the bell rings, you are in your assigned seats and ready to begin
class.
6. Bags and purses: Bags and purses are not allowed on your desk. They are a distraction and
must be put on the floor or kept in your locker.
7. Electronic devices: Any electronic devices (iPods, cell phones, CD players, etc.) are not allowed
in the classroom. It is school policy that any cell phone must be taken away, NO WARNINGS.
The same goes for audio devices – they will be taken away, NO WARNINGS
8. Class Participation: In order to succeed in this course, each student must be completely
prepared with all assigned reading and must undertake an active, responsible role in all classroom
activities. The grade for class participation is not awarded simply for attendance. Each student
must earn it by contributing to the exchange of ideas upon which every successful course depends.
As far as classroom decorum goes, here are some guidelines: don’t talk disruptively, especially when
others are talking. Have your textbook with you every class, and have it on your desk and opened to
the relevant pages. Take notes. Don’t read the paper or do work for other courses in class. Falling
asleep in class is the height of rudeness. Don’t behave as if I’m on television and I can’t see or hear
you. So, an average participation score indicates that you are present, prompt, and prepared for
class. A superior score in this area indicates that you offer constructive, thoughtful feedback and
respect others and their opinions. Serious participation in group work, effort, and general niceness
also play a part in your participation score.
Supplies: It is expected that you will bring the following supplies with you to every class:
1. A 3-ring binder with ample looseleaf
2. Pens (blue or black ONLY)
3. Pencils
4. Highlighters (any colors)
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Homework Homework MUST be handed in on time. Daily homework will NOT be accepted after the day
that it is due. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!!
 Major projects and papers will be accepted late, however, 10 points will be deducted DAILY.
 Repeated late or incomplete assignments will result in parental notification and probable failure.
 Please consult your assignment sheet on a regular basis.
GradingGrading for this class is based on the following assignments:
Tests
Papers
Projects
Quizzes
Homework
Participation
Final ExamThe final exam for the course will be either a three-hour cumulative assessment with multiple choice
questions and at least two essays OR a portfolio focusing on the research and analysis of one of the
monster genres that we study during the semester. We will decide as a class in the second quarter
which option most students prefer. Details will follow. The final exam counts for one-third of the
student’s overall grade.
Extra HelpAny student who is working conscientiously yet still encountering difficulty, is encouraged to
make an appointment to see me for extra help. I am available after school, and during my free
period (should you have a study hall then). If you have a question, or need to contact me: 758-2241
(ext.71265) or email: kpovall@rhcsd.org
Plagiarism
Please be aware: The FIRST OFFENSE of cheating on a quiz, test, or copying someone’s
homework, will result in a Zero as the grade, a behavioral referral, parental notification, and any
school imposed sanctions.
In addition, Plagiarism (claiming another’s work, or part of another’s work as your own) is an
extremely serious offense which warrants AT LEAST ALL of the punishments listed above if not
more. Caution: if you are using the Internet as a source, and you fail to make me aware of that fact-you will be committing Plagiarism.
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