Dr. Gavin Schulz
English 2342, HCC--Southwest
Spring 2016
Forms of Literature: Gothic Horror
PURPOSE OF THE COURSE
The purpose of the “Introduction to Fiction” course is to introduce students to Western World literary forms, philosophical attitudes,
and political trends--from a specifically fictional vantage. We will be focusing in depth on the distinction between the Neoclassical and Romantic
traditions, psychological concerns of character development, and the argumentative process. On the one hand, the course should demonstrate that
to read is to learn; on the other hand, it will hopefully show that even literary texts can be interesting (and that the more popular forms of fiction
can be literary).
COURSE INFORMATION
Instructor: Dr. Gavin Schulz
Section: CRN# 95651
Eagle Online: eo2.hccs.edu
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
The Dark Descent. Ed. David G. Hartwell. New York: TOR, 1987. ISBN-10: 0312862172
ISBN-13: 978-0312862176
Jackson, Shirley. The Haunting of Hill House. New York: Penguin, 1987. ISBN-10:
0143039989 ISBN-13: 978-0143039983
IMPORTANT DATES
January 19
First Day of Classes
February 1
Day of Record
March 14-18
Spring Break
March 25
Spring Holiday
April 5
Last Day to Withdraw, 4:30 p.m.
May 8
Last Day of Classes
May 9-13
Final Exams (No Classes; Only Final Exams)
May 15
Semester Ends
CONTACT INFORMATION
Office Hours: We do not have offices, but I will be available after class to meet with you on an appointment basis.
HCC E-mail: gavin.schulz@hccs.edu
How often I will check: I will check my email at least every morning; however, I generally do not check email after about 3 p.m., so
if you email me late in the day, do not expect an immediate response. The standard rule for all courses is to respond within 24 hours.
You must use your HCC email account when contacting me! Because of Phishing and viruses, I will not open emails from
students that do not originate from the HCC email system! This means you must contact me from your HCC email account, or from the
Quickmail system found within our Eagle class (both send all emails directly to one’s HCC email inbox).
HCC EMAIL
*You expect me to get your emails and respond within 24 hours; your instructors expect the same from you.*
Therefore, you must check your HCC email account regularly. It is your responsibility to check your HCC Email account regularly.
Missing important information or a deadline because you did not check your HCC Email will not be excused.
You have all been assigned an HCC Email account; you need to learn how to use it. You can find it by looking on the HCC
homepage, opening the “Information For” section (upper-right) and clicking “Students,” then find “Student Email” in the left-hand menu that
opens up. HCC will use this system to make general announcements, and I will use this system to make general announcements, so make sure
you check it daily. If you cannot access your account, you must fix it by following the directions found on the “Student Email” page (see
“Password Management”).
ATTENDANCE AND WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Absences: Attendance is required by the State of Texas. Students who have no record of attendance (including logging in and submitting
work) before the Official Day of Record (Feb. 1) will be automatically dropped from the course by the Registrar’s department. Students dropped
for nonattendance will not be reinstated.
In addition, attendance (including submitting online work) is required by the State of Texas and HCCS at all class meetings.
Instructors are expected to drop students who have missed more than 6 hours of class and/or its online equivalent. What does this mean?:
1] Students who miss more than 4 classes by Apr. 5 (the last day to drop with a W) will be dropped;
2] Students who fail to submit Essay #1 by Apr. 5 will be dropped.
FX Grades: In addition, should you fail because you have stopped attending/participating, the State of Texas now requires that you be
given an “FX”—a failure for reasons of attendance. What does this mean for us?:
1] If you were passing the class, but end up failing because you did not submit the Final Exam, then you will be assigned an FX
Withdrawal: It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw; so, should you decide to drop the class, do not merely stop logging in to class.
While it is my intention to drop students for the reasons listed above, it is not my responsibility to drop you. If you are still on my roll at the end
of the semester, for whatever reason, you will receive a grade.
Missed Schoolwork: You are responsible for any material assigned or collected on those days that you are absent or tardy. Be sure to
get the notes from somebody who was in class. If a paper is due on a day that you are going to be absent, it is your responsibility to find a way to
turn it in (email it).
GRADING SCHEDULE
1] Reading Quizzes (4 lowest will be dropped)
2] Mid-Term Essay
3] Oral Participation
4] Short Answer Exams
#1
#2
(Lowest of the 3 exams will be dropped)
Final
20%
20%
15%
15%
15%
15%
GRADING SCALE
1] Point Equivalents: Grades will be assigned on a +/- scale (point equivalents are 88/85/82 for a B+/B/B-, etc.). Note, however, that
final grades are on an A/B/C scale. For the final grade calculation, an average of 90-100 will result in an A for the course; 80-89 will result in a
B; 70-79 will receive a C; 60-69 will receive a D; and 59 or below will have earned an F.
READING QUIZZES
There will be a brief reading quiz during the first 15 minutes of each class. They will consist of simple questions designed to merely
find out whether or not you have read the material. After fifteen minutes all quizzes will be turned in and no make-ups will be allowed. I will,
however, drop your four lowest scores at the end of the semester.
These quizzes will be added together to get a percentage score that will be your Daily Quiz grade.
ORAL PARTICIPATION
Students will participate in group discussions every class period. While the groups will be fixed, they will change members a couple
times during the semester. Your Oral Participation grade will be an estimation of how much and how well you contributed to the group
discussions.
The grading for this will be partially determined by the other members of your group.
EXAMS
There will be three brief exams covering sections of the course (Exam #1, Exam #2, and the Final Exam). The Final Exam will not be
comprehensive; it will only focus on the last section of readings. The exams will be short answer tests. You will be given generally 5 questions
(with a choice between two for each question), and you will be expected to write your answer in about 15 minutes for each question. Therefore,
the exams will take no longer than a regular class period.
I will drop the lowest of your three scores for the exams; however, you must take all three exams because I will NOT drop a 0.
Make-up Policy: Students will be allowed to take make-up exams if they have medical or unforeseen emergencies. Students will be
responsible for contacting the instructor and providing documentation of the emergency situation. Students are strongly encouraged to avoid
taking this measure and the make-up exam will be an entirely different format from the original exam administered in class on the scheduled date.
ESSAY
1] Essay Due Date: No late papers will be accepted after the paper due date—unless arranged in advance. The paper must be
submitted to me, in class, on the day that it is due. Papers that are not in my hands by the time I have left class will not be accepted. (Essays
turned in to my box after class will not be accepted.) *I will accept the electronic copy submitted to the Turnitin link in our Eagle Online class if
it is uploaded before the class period is over, and if you turn in an identical hard copy during the next class period.
2] Lost Work: Please keep a copy of your work for your own file; should a paper be lost (or disappear from my box), it is your
responsibility to give me another.
3] Rough Draft of Essay: I am willing to read complete or partial drafts of essays at any time before the due date. You must hand me
a typed, double-spaced copy in such situations (no online versions).
4] Electronic Copy of Essay: No essay will be accepted without an accompanying electronic copy. You must give me both the hard
copy you want me to grade and submit an electronic copy to the Turnitin link in our Eagle Online class..
EXCUSES
Broken computers, printers out of ink, car running out of gas, illness, etc. These may be reasons why you cannot turn in your paper
on time, but they are not excuses. If you wait until the last minute to turn something in and fate conspires against you, then you have only
yourself to blame. Always keep a backup copy of your essay and do not wait until the last minute to submit your work.
EXTRA CREDIT
There is none. Your grade in this class will be determined by how well you do on the assignments themselves.
EAGLE ONLINE
It is the student’s responsibility to have dependable Internet access. Plan ahead—if your computer is down, keep in mind that
HCC provides computer labs for your use. Public libraries also offer computer access. This is a DE class, so access is a requirement. If you
cannot access the class, you cannot participate.
Technical Compliance: Things will go smoothly if you (1) install the free Firefox browser (not the beta version), (2) run the latest
Java script, and (3) allow pop-ups. You must use the Firefox browser for full compatibility with Eagle Online. Other web browsers are not fully
supported. Be sure to use Firefox for critical, timed tasks such as quizzes and assignment submissions. You will also need Adobe Acrobat
Reader. (Note that some systems do not respond well to Firefox; if you are having trouble accessing the material in Eagle Online, switch to
Internet Explorer or Google Chrome to see if they give you access.)
Eagle Online User ID and Login: Your login user ID is your HCC User ID (sometimes referred to as the “W” number). The
password should be the one you created for HCC email. If you have forgotten your W#, go to this address
(https://hccsaweb.hccs.edu:8080/psp/csprd/?cmd=login&languageCd=ENG) and click the link for forgotten ID. Go to this address
(http://www.hccs.edu/district/students/student-e-maileagle-id/) for information about resetting your password.
Technical Help: Many technical questions can be answered when you click on “Technical Requirements,” a link in your Online
Orientation, which is required for the course. I am glad to help you, of course, with course content, but Tech Support is there to help you with
your technical questions. If you have any problems other, contact the Eagle Online Help Desk (713-718-2000) for help.
Eagle Technical Problems: If technical problems occur, say, Eagle Online or the HCC network goes down, we will obviously have
trouble accessing the online platform and meeting deadlines. I will, then, adjust deadlines accordingly.
* TEXAS WITHDRAWAL RULE *
Students who repeat a course three or more times, or who accumulate 6 or more “W”’s during their college career, face significant
tuition/fee increases at HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities. If you are considering course withdrawal, confer with your
instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing homework, attendance, course participation, and
opportunities for tutoring that might be available.
POLICY ON ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
“Scholastic dishonest includes, but it not limited to:
1] Plagiarism--the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged
incorporation of that work in one’s own written work for credit.
2] Collusion--the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for credit.”
A student guilty of a first offense will receive a grade of 0 on the assignment involved. For a second offense, the student will receive a
grade of F for the course.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Receiving a “W” or an “FX” in a course may affect the status of your student visa. Once a “W” or an “FX” is given for the course, it will not be
changed to an “F” because of visa consideration. Please contact the International Student Office at 713-718-8520 if you have any questions about
your visa status and any other transfer issues.
BOOKSTORE
Please note that the bookstore is not run by HCC. It is a Barnes and Noble facility. We, therefore, have no say in how it is run, what
books they stock, how many copies of each book they stock, or what they claim you will need for any specific class.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in classrooms and other locations where instruction,
tutoring, or testing occurs. Inappropriate use of a recording device will be reported to the police and may be a felony offense.
NEW STUDENT SURVEY SYSTEM
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning.
During a designated time, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous
results of the survey will be made available to your professors and division chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the survey
as part of the Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the term.
TITLE IX OF THE EDUCATION AMENDMENTS OF 1972, 20 U.S.C. A§ 1681 ET. SEQ.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires that institutions have policies and procedures that protect students’ rights with
regard to sex/gender discrimination. Information regarding these rights are on the HCC website under Students-Anti-discrimination. Students
who are pregnant and require accommodations should contact any of the ADA Counselors for assistance.
It is important that every student understands and conforms to respectful behavior while at HCC. Sexual misconduct is not condoned
and will be addressed promptly. Know your rights and how to avoid these difficult situations. Log in to: www.edurisksolutions.org . Sign in
using your HCC student e-mail account, then go to the button at the top right that says Login and enter your student number.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS/CIRCUMSTANCES
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable
accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the beginning of each semester.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
During inclement weather conditions, monitor major local channels for updates on school closings. You can also check for school
closing information on the HCC homepage.
MENINGITIS IMMUNIZATION REQUIRED FOR SPRING REGISTRATION
Texas Senate Bill 1107 passed in May 2011, requires that new HCC students and former HCC students returning after an absence of at least one
fall or spring semester who are under the age of 30 are required to present a physician-signed certificate showing they have been vaccinated
against bacterial meningitis. Beginning with Spring registration, November 7, students will have to satisfy this requirement prior to enrollment.
For more information and a list of exemptions please go to
http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/admissions-registration-center/new-student-general-admissions-steps/submit-meningitis-documentation
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM CONDUCT & EAGLE ONLINE LMS
As with on-campus classes, all students who log into Eagle Online courses are required to follow all HCC Policies & Procedures, the Student
Code of Conduct, the Student Handbook (http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/current-students/student-handbook ), and relevant sections of the Texas
Education Code when interacting and communicating in a virtual classroom with your professor and fellow students. Students who violate these
policies and guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action that could include denial of access to course-related email, discussion groups, and
chat rooms, or even removal from the class.
ENGLISH 2342 COURSE DESCRIPTION
Prerequisite: English 1302
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
An introductory study of short stories, novellas, and novels with emphasis upon understanding the vocabulary of literary analysis and applying it
to fiction. Core Curriculum Course.
HCCS LITERATURE COURSES IN THE CORE CURRICULUM
All HCCS 2300+ level literature courses satisfy the core curriculum requirement for 3 semester hours of literature. A second 2300-level literature
course may be taken to fulfill the core curriculum requirement for 3 semester hours in Cross/Multicultural Studies. In 2300-level literature
courses, the student will gain increased capability in all six basic intellectual competencies in the HCCS Core Curriculum (reading, writing,
speaking, listening, critical thinking, and computer literacy). Student progress in the core competencies will be measured in the activities outlined
in the objectives and requirements section of this syllabus.
PERSPECTIVES IN THE HCCS CORE CURRICULUM
2300+ level literature courses help students attain the following:
·
Establish broad and multiple perspectives on the individual in relationship to the larger society and world in which he or she lives and to
understand the responsibilities of living in a culturally and ethnically diversified world;
·
Stimulate a capacity to discuss and reflect upon individual, political, economic, and social aspects of life in order to understand ways in
which to be a responsible member of society;
·
·
·
Develop personal values for ethical behavior;
Develop the ability to make aesthetic judgments; and
Integrate knowledge and understanding of the interrelationships of the scholarly disciplines.
The objective of the humanities and visual and performing arts in a core curriculum is to expand students’ knowledge of the human
condition and human cultures especially in relation to behaviors, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought.
Through study in disciplines such as literature and the visual and performing arts, students will engage in critical analysis, form aesthetic
judgments, and develop an appreciation of the arts and humanities as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. Students should have
experiences in both the arts and humanities.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
EXEMPLARY EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES -- SOPHOMORE LITERATURE (Literature Segment of the Humanities and Visual and
Performing Arts requirements of the HCCS Core Curriculum):
·
To demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of literary works;
·
To understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context;
·
To respond critically to literary works;
·
To articulate an informed personal reaction to literary works;
·
To develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern literature; and
·
To demonstrate knowledge of the influence of literature on inter-cultural experiences.
The objective of the cross/multicultural component of the core curriculum is to introduce students to areas of study which enlarge their
knowledge and appreciation of the multicultural and multiracial world in which they live.
EXEMPLARY EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES-- SOPHOMORE LITERATURE
(Cross/Multicultural Studies Segment of the HCCS Core Curriculum):
·
To establish broad and multiple perspectives in the individual in relationship to the larger society and world in which he or she lives and to
understand the responsibilities of living in a culturally and ethnically diversified world;
·
To demonstrate knowledge of those elements and processes that create and define culture;
·
To understand and analyze the origin and function of values, beliefs, and practices found in human societies;
·
To develop basic cross/multicultural understanding, empathy, and communication;
·
To identify and understand underlying commonalities of diverse cultural practices; and
·
To analyze the effects of cultural forces on the areas of study.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Identify key ideas, representative authors and works, significant historical or cultural
events, and characteristic perspectives or attitudes expressed in the literature of different
periods or regions.
2. Analyze literary works as expressions of individual or communal values within the social,
political, cultural, or religious contexts of different literary periods.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the development of characteristic forms or styles of expression
during different historical periods or in different regions.
4. Articulate the aesthetic principles that guide the scope and variety of works in the arts and
humanities.
5. Write research-based critical papers about the assigned readings in clear and
grammatically correct prose, using various critical approaches to literature.
Dr. Gavin Schulz
Houston Community College
Forms of Fiction—ENGL 2342
Spring 2016
Course Calendar (Readings & Exams/Essay)
** Short stories will be found
either online or in
(DD): Dark Descent
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Week 1
Jan.
18] MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. OBSERVANCE—OFFICES CLOSED
20] Course Introduction / Edgar Allan Poe “Tell-Tale Heart” (xerox)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Evolution of the Vampire: Neoclassicism vs. Romanticism
Week 2
Jan.
25] Bram Stoker “Dracula’s Guest” —Available online.
27] Carl Jacobi “Revelations in Black” —Available online.
Week 3
Feb.
1] P. Schuyler Miller “Over the River” —Available online.
3] Anne Rice “The Master of Rampling Gate” —Available online.
Week 4
Feb.
8] Mary Wilkins Freeman “Luella Miller” —Available online.
10] Fritz Leiber “The Girl with the Hungry Eyes” —Available online.
Week 5
Feb.
15] PRESIDENT’S DAY—OFFICES CLOSED
17] C. L. Moore “Shambleau” —Available online.
Week 6
Feb.
22] Review Session for Exam #1
24] Exam #1
**End of the Neo-Classicism & Romanticism Section**
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Haunted House: Psychologizing the Text
Week 7
Feb.
29] Shirley Jackson The Haunting of Hill House (Chapter 1)
Mar.
2] Shirley Jackson The Haunting of Hill House (Chapters 2--3)
Week 8
Mar.
7] Shirley Jackson The Haunting of Hill House (Chapters 4--5)
9] Shirley Jackson The Haunting of Hill House (Chapter 6--End)
Week 9
Mar.
14] SPRING BREAK
16]
OFFICES CLOSED
Week 10
Mar.
21] Conference/Workshop Day
23] * Essay due *
**End of the Psychologizing the Text Section**
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More Hauntings: Gender-Based Criticism
Week 11
Mar.
28] Edith Wharton “Afterward” (DD--pgs. 887-908)
30] Sheridan Le Fanu "Shalken the Painter" (DD--pgs. 445-459)
Week 12
Apr.
4] Charlotte Perkins Gilman "The Yellow Wallpaper" (DD--pgs. 460-471)
Nathaniel Hawthorne “Young Goodman Brown” (DD--pgs. 132-141)
** Tue. Apr. 5-- Last Day to Drop a Class with a W **
6] Ramsey Campbell “Mackintosh Willy” (DD--pgs. 591-601)
Elizabeth Bowen "The Demon-Lover" —Available online.
Week 13
Apr.
11] Review Session for Exam #2
13] * Exam #2 *
**End of the Gendered Criticism Section**
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Other Monsters: Reader-Response Criticism
Week 14
Apr.
18] HCC CLOSED DUE TO WEATHER
20] Charles Dickens “The Signal Man” (DD--pgs. 680-689)
Ambrose Bierce “The Damned Thing” (DD--pgs. 880-886)
Week 15
Apr.
25] Daphne Du Maurier “The Birds” —Available online.
27] Steven King “Crouch End” (DD--pgs. 690-711)
Week 16
May
2] Clive Barker “Dread” (DD-pgs. 339-367)
4] Review Session for Exam #3
Week 17—FINAL EXAM WEEK
May
9] Exam #3
@ 9:00-10:50 p.m. in our regular classroom.
(** Note that changes can and may be made by the Instructor **)