GENERAL HONORS 101 Sec. 093, .094 & .095
INTRODUCTION TO HORROR FICTION
GH 101: Freshman Humanities Tutorial. Reading, Writing and discussion on topics in the Humanities to be announced in advance.
9:30, 11 & 2 TTH Room: Simpkins 308 for 9:30 & 11
Simpkins 120 for 2PM class
Dr. Alice Robertson
Office: Simpkins 115/116 Office Hours: 12:30 – 3:30 W, 1:30 -2 TTH
Phone: 298-1111
Welcome to General Honors 101:
& by appointment email: ab-robertson@wiu.edu
The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the popular genre of fiction in general and the sub-genre of horror in particular. Through close and critical reading of selected novels and short stories, we will trace the history of horror, examine the characteristics of this sub-genre, and investigate how horror works on a modern reader – what frightens you and why. The ultimate goal of the course is to give you an understanding of what horror is, how it works, and why it works generation after generation; we will also examine the cultural contexts of particular horror texts to determine what they reflect and reveal about a particular culture in a particular time and place – for example, Dracula and Victorian England. Together we will read a series of short stories and novels, beginning with the early 19 th
Century works of Mary Shelley and Edgar Allan Poe and finishing with 21 st
Century best selling authors Stephen King and Anne Rice. Thus we will examine almost two centuries of horror fiction through class discussion, collaborative group work and the pairing of our written texts with their film counterparts to better understand the literary genre itself, the societies in which the stories are set, and the audiences that, generation after generation, are captivated by them.
TEXTS FOR THE CLASS:
Two Poe short stories and one film
Horror Fiction: An Introduction, Gina Wisker
Frankenstein, Mary Shelley and two films
Dracula, Bram Stoker and two films
Jaws, the Spielberg film
The Haunting of Hill House, Shirley Jackson
The Shining, Stephen King and scenes from the film with Jack Nicholson
Interview with the Vampire, Anne Rice and scenes from the film

REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTS:

A one page typed response to each fiction text, including the films. If two films are shown for one novel, only one response, possibly comparing the two, is due.

A one page typed summary and oral presentation to class of one of the 16 horror types; make copies so that all of your classmates can have one to put in the class anthology.

Mid-term and final take home exams.

A 5-6 page critical paper of a horror story we don’t read in class, with sources and documentation required if you are taking the course for Eng 280 credit.

Final individual student projects that can include, but are not limited to, another analysis paper, creative writing stories, video, physical artifacts, drawings, story boards and/or scripts for a television series or a film, etc.

Two or three films will be shown at night or late afternoon. You are required to attend these as part of the class (popcorn or candy might be provided).
 A class anthology that includes each student’s horror summary, an introduction, a table of contents with each student’s name and title, and a specially designed cover. Students can volunteer tp produce the intro, contents, and cover foe extra credit.
GRADING PROCESS:
Responses
Critical paper
Summary of horror types
Mid term exam
50 pts.
20 pts.
50 pts.
80 pts.
A 323-340
A- 305-322
B+ 293-304
B 281-292
D+ 221-232
D 209-220
D- 197-208
F 207-0
Final exam
Final individual project
50 pts.
30 pts.
Participation
CLASSROOM POLICIES:
60 pts.
Total: 340 pts.
B-
C+
C
C-
269-280
257-268
245-256
233-244
1.
Attendance is required. Each class you miss costs you 2 participation points.
2.
Assignments, including the responses and exam, are due on the date assigned at the beginning of class that day. Call or email me BEFORE that time if you cannot meet the deadline and we will arrange another deadline for you.
3.
All writing assignments, except those done in class, will be word processed and double spaced with one inch top and side margins and 10 or 12 point font.
4.
Class work and participation in group projects and whole class discussion are essential to forming a community of readers and writers in this class.
Therefore participation is an integral part of your grade.

5.
Behavior in class should be a no brainer. You are all adults. Act like adults – responsible, civilized adults, that is. Respect each other and me. Everyone has a right to express their opinion on every topic we discuss, and all of you are encouraged to do so every class. Your opinion matters, always. But you are expected to use appropriate language for an academic setting and to respect your peers and your instructor. No one will be allowed to verbally attack another person or group in the class or to use profanity at any time.
This is an academic environment and you are expected to act in an appropriate manner. Anyone violating these ground rules will be asked to leave class that day and will lose participation points for that class.
6.
Cell phones and all other portable electronic devices will be turned off
BEFORE ENTERING this class.
“In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA), academic accommodations may be made for any student who notifies the instructor of the need for an accommodation. It is imperative that you take the initiative to bring such needs to the instructor’s attention, as she/he is not legally permitted to inquire about such particular needs of students. Students who may require special assistance in emergency evacuations (i.e. fire, tornado, etc.) should contact the instructor as to the most appropriate procedures to follow in such an emergency. Contact Disability Support Services at 298- 2521 for additional services.”