Intro to Lit
Introduction to Literature ENG 1063 Sec. 2
Literature of the Fantastic
School of Arts and Humanities
Instructor: Anderson M. Rearick III, PhD.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
January, 2014. CAMP 306
Credit: 3 Hours
Time: 11:30 am - 01:40 pm: Mondays through Fridays
Contact Info:
Dr. Rearick's Office: RH 138 – I (Within School of Arts and Humanities Suit in Regents Hall 138)
Office Hours: Daily 8:00-11:30 & 2:00-3:00 or by appointment (there are meetings sometimes at 10:20)
Office (740) 392-6868 Ext. 3508
Home Phone (740) 392-3738 (please no calls after 8:00)
Email: anderson.rearick@mvnu.edu
Course Description:
The purpose of ENG1063, Introduction to Literature, as described by the Online Catalogue: is to be a
"study of literary genres through representative readings. Prerequisite: ENG1083G." Beyond familiarizing
students with the general nature of literature, this edition of our class will emphasize works presently
classified as “Literature of the Fantastic,” including works based on myth, folk tale, legend and speculative
science. The class will meet five times a week for three and a half weeks to discuss the nature of literature
using as raw material the readings listed as well as a series of handouts to be dispersed during the semester.
Class Procedure:
ENG1063 Introduction to Literature will, as noted above, meet daily for three and a half weeks to discuss
the nature of literature using the below reading list as raw material drawn from textbooks as well as a series
of handouts to be purchased either in the bookstore or accessed via the web. The class’ core is organized
around— rather than divisions by literary types or a chronological review—discussions centering on some
of the important ideas which seem to find their best manifestation in overtly imaginative texts which play
realities usual beyond those of readers.
The following reading list is not exclusive and, in fact, many important works (probably including some
your favorites) have been excluded. This class can only function as an introduction, not an exhaustive
study. I encourage you to think of the texts for this class not as a single resource but a series of
inexhaustible treasure chests, capable of refreshment and inspiration time and time again.
Students will be evaluated by a series of six tests, class participation, a short paper (2 pages plus a page for
citations) and a final. Also the option for extra credit will made available for those who are willing to do
extra work.
The purpose of this course is. . .
1. to expose the student to a wide range of literary genres: poetry, drama, novel and short story
2. to introduce the student to a wide ranger of authors of different cultures, genders and ages.
3. to encourage the student to consider what makes a work of literature worthy--how should the cannon be
formed?
4. to introduce some of the important common issues which authors--in spite of their different backgrounds,
cultures, and mediums--often examine.
5. to consider the appeal of and some concerns over works which are often lumped together as literature of
the fantastic.
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Intro to Lit
Actual Reading Texts
The purpose of this course is to broaden the student's understanding of the human condition, to widen his or
her understanding of how people think, and develop their own sense of what is worthwhile and beautiful.
Thus these texts have value long after the student completes this class and should be looked upon as the
beginning of what may become a treasure trove of future reading. One final note, readings listed on a day
in a syllabus are expected to be completed by that day.
Criticism
A Christmas Carol in Prose by Charles Dickens
Dover Binding Paper
Copyright 91ISBN 0-486-26865-9
Required
Some chapters from An Experiment in Criticism
by C.S. Lewis
Cambridge University Press; Rep edition
(January 31, 1992)
ISBN: 0521422817
Note Required (Readings are online)
Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell
ISBN-10: 9780982332207
ISBN-13: 978-0982332207
Required
“The Internet Literary Vocabulary Page”
accessed from Dr. Rearick's Reading Corner and
Moodle.
Required
Plays:

Resource

Bulfinch's Mythology - All Three Volumes - The
Age of Fable, The Age of Chivalry, and Legends
of Charlemagne by Thormas Bulfinch
Paperback: 496 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Platform (January 9, 2010)
ISBN-10: 1440426309
ISBN-13: 978-1440426308


The Anthology:
The Treasury of the Fantastic Edition © 2013
Edited by David Sandner and Jacob Weisman.
ISBN-10: 1616960965
ISBN-13: 978-1616960964
Required
The Bacchae by Euripides found in
Euripides: The Bacchae and Other Plays
Translated by Philip Vellacott
Hamlet by William Shakespeare film Dr
Kenneth Branagh
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the
Witch and the Wardrobe Dr. Andrew
Adamson based on the novel of the same
name by C. S. Lewis
The Thing Dir. John Carpenter 1982 based
on the novel Who Goes There by John Wood
Campbell, Jr
Hand outs:
Unless specified by Dr. Rearick, such hand-outs
should be considered required reading like any of
the assigned texts. These are available either at
the Cougar’s Bookstore or online / Required
The Novellas
Grading:
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
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Six (6) Tests = 40% -- (plus one “try out” quiz which does not count)
Literary Response Paper = 10%
Class Participation = 20% (Online Forums and Class Attendance)
Final Exam = 30%
Grading Scale:



100 - 93 = A Exceptional! A cut above--unusually good.
92 - 90 = A - Very, Very Well Done! -- above expectations.
89 - 87 = B + Well Done! A fine Job!
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Intro to Lit






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86 - 84 = B Really Good
83 - 80 = B - Pretty Good
79 - 77 = C + Solidly in there
76 - 74 = C Clearly a concrete understanding of the subject
73 - 70 = C - Understanding of subject is workable
69 - 60 = D Passing but weak
59 and below is an "F" Fell short of required understanding of material (see below on attendance).
Class Participation: Lecture will only play a part in this class' activities. Literature is meant to be talked
about. Students are encouraged to express their opinions and share their unique insights. Each of us brings
something special to a text that is ours alone. Thus, your comments are very important to me. I learn
things from students all the time.
Your online class home on Moodle will have ongoing discussion questions. Students should interact online
at least twice a week. Including this week that is a total of eight. This amount of activity earns a 89%
which is a “B+.” Going beyond this number of entries earns an A- and on and is described in the Extra
Credit section later.
Attendance: Also important for your “class participation grade.” Every class we meet is actually two
classes in a standard term. Since we are functioning on an intensive schedule, it is vital that you be in class
throughout the semester--even on days when a play is being shown in class. Therefore attendance will
factor into your class participation grade. Three absences will be allowed and then five points will be
taken from the student's "participation" score starting at 85 (90 - 5) and continuing. Students who are
involved in a recognized activity for the school (Mandate weekends, traveling musical groups, athletes)
need to see the instructor ahead of time so arrangements can be made. Students are not required to attend
the extra viewing sessions, these are meant to assist.
Tests: Six tests based on the readings and class discussion will be given throughout the semester. Plan for
these to be given on Wednesdays and Fridays. They will be given in class and maybe online. Students
should keep copies of the graded exam as study guides since they will form the backbone of the final. They
will be held on the 4th9th, 11th16th, 18th. and the 23rd
A Lit Paper You will submit in MLA form a short paper (3-5 pages) on of the works covered during the
semester. It should draw from one primary text (the work itself) and at least one secondary text (a critical
comment). This will be due Friday Jan, 18th Further guidelines will be made available at a later date.
The final exam, which is scheduled for the last half of the last day of class, Thursday Jan.24th, is
accumulative and based strongly on the tests given throughout the semester. Do not be surprised if part of
the day is used to cover NEW material. This class is so cramped I may need some time for some final
readings. The exam itself will not take more than an hour.
Extra Credit: A student can add extra credit to his or her grade by writing an extra paper or papers using
MLA format on outside reading concerning any of the works or authors covered in class. Furthermore,
another option for extra credit is to view or listen to and then write a review about tapes or video films on
reserve in the library. Credit will vary according to the assignment. Also remember the online discussion
can be expanded beyond the required entries is optional, but an “A” student takes advantage of options.
A Cautionary Comment About “Extra Credit:” Many students take advantage of the option of extra credit
and I am pleased to offer the opportunity. However, students should understand that extra credit does not
make up for the overall performance in class. Extra Credit is a boost. If pursued to its fullest it can add up
to about five points on your over-all numerical score. That pushes a “B+” to an “A-” or an “A-” to an “A”.
Do not expect a solid “B” [85] to be changed to an “A” [93] by extra credit. There have been cases when a
high “B” [87] has been kicked up to an A- [90] but students in such cases were close to a B+ from the start.
Extra Credit works, but don’t expect more from it than it can give.
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Intro to Lit
Literature on the Web: As we make our way through the readings you may wish to visit my web page, Dr.
Rearick's Reading Corner, located at:
http://nzr.mvnu.edu/faculty/trearick/english/rearick/readings/re_intro.htm
This address is reachable both on and off campus. Those of you who are local and do not have a computer
should remember that the Knox Public Library offers web access for a limited time, and--of course--the
labs of the campus library and computer labs are available to you.
Other web pages relating to works of literature which might be of interest to the student can be accessed
from this index page by title, author, genre, sub-genre, time period, or nationality. I have tried to place
some ideas and even sometimes some test questions connected with our class readings within these files.
Also in several cases there are links to study guides, e texts, and even connections to relevant web pages on
the net. Furthermore you will find similar links within your Moodle class home.
Disability Services Access: Students who qualify for and desire accommodations in this course due to a
disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, must follow the Disability Services
Policies and Procedures as put forth by the office of Academic Support. The guidelines can be accessed in
electronic form at the web address http://www.mvnu.edu/academics/services/dservices.html and in a
hard copy at the Academic Support office. Call extension 4540 for further information.
On a personal note, I am disabled because of eyesight; my son is disabled by breathing complications, and
so I am especially sensitive to the needs and challenges faced by otherwise qualified students. I "toughed"
it out when I was at ENC, but the world has changed for the better and there are many resources available
to you I wish I had, resources I in fact presently use in my office such as a close circuit TV attached to the
screen of my computer as well as speaking programs which allow text to be read to me. Pursue these
things and see me if you have any such needs.
Class Schedule Jan 2014
Week One: Jan. 6-10
Try to take the online Practice Quiz tonight on Moodle
entitled “Just Checking.”
Note: Readings listed on a day are being covered that day
and should be read. The only exception is the first day but
even this should be ready by the next time. If pages
numbers are included the work can be found in the
Sandner’s and Weisman, Bulfinch, or the supplemental
readings text.
Terms: Here are some terms which you should know by the end of this section. They
could well appear in our text. Look up on our glossary for the literary meanings of the
following:
allegory
genre
sub-genre
verisimilitude
canon
willing suspension of disbelief
cultural text
Literature of the Fantastic
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Intro to Lit
Remember to look at the Glossary available at Dr. Rearick's Reading Corner under the
heading: "Resources." A link is also available in Moodle in the assignment folder.
Monday: Jan 6 First Day of Class
Canceled due to Winter Emergency
Introduction: The Natures of Literature: “Welcome to the Wide World of Books!”
Readings:
Poems:
o "There is No Frigate Like a Book" by Emily Dickinson 758
o "This is My Letter to the World" by Emily Dickinson (Handout)
Essay
o "Literature; Now What the Heck. . .?" (Handout)
Longer Works:
o A Christmas Carol in Prose by Charles Dickens Stave One 1-28 (these
pages refer to the Scholastic Classics edition)
Tuesday: Jan 7 Second Day of Class
Canceled due to Winter Emergency
Readings:
Poems:
o No poems
Essay
o Bulfinch's “Preface” to Bulfinch's Mythology pg 8-10 and his
o “Introduction” to the section "Stories of Gods and Heroes" pages 11-17.
Longer Works:
o A Christmas Carol in Prose by Charles Dickens Stave Two: The First of
the Three Spirits" from The Christmas Carol
Wednesday: Jan 8
First day to meet
Readings:
Poems:
Homeric Hymns translated by Shelley
o “To Venus”
2-3
o “To Mercury”
4-25
o “To Earth Mother of All”
25-26
Essay
o No Essay
Longer Works:
o A Christmas Carol in Prose by Charles Dickens “Stave Three: The
Second of the Three Spirits.”
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Intro to Lit
Thursday: Jan 9
Readings:
Poems:
“Hymn to the Sun” by Ikhnaton (Egyptian)
66-69
From The Metamorphous by Ovid
o “Book 1: The Creation, the Ages, and the Flood”
49-63
From The Odyssey by Homer
o “Book 1”
(Opening lines of)
26
o “Book 9”
27-37
Essay
o From Bulfinch's Mythology “Prometheus and Pandora”
pg. 17-21
o From Bulfinch's Mythology “The Adventures of Ulysses” pg. 139-148
Longer Works:
o A Christmas Carol in Prose by Charles Dickens “Stave Four: The Last of
the Spirits.”
Friday: Jan 10
Readings:
Poem (Drama)
o The Bacchae by Euripides translated by Philip Vellacott pg 191-244
Essay
o “The Introduction” The Bacchae and Other Plays by Philip Vellacott pg.
9-11 and 29-38
o From Bulfinch's Mythology “Bacchus and Ariadne” pg. 98-100
Longer Works:
o A Christmas Carol in Prose by Charles Dickens “Stave Five: The End of
It.”
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