Paul Fyfe, Dept of English, paul.fyfe@ncsu.edu
ENG 362-001, Fall 2022
Mon + Wed 11:45a-1:00p
Tompkins G123
Studies in the British Novel:
Writing (and) the Nineteenth-Century British Novel
In this course, we use the nineteenth century’s significant changes in media
technologies to learn about the evolution of the novel as a genre. What difference does
it make if authors use a quill, a pen, or a typewriter to write? How might publishing
formats affect the stories authors imagine and the ways readers engage with them?
What happens to the novel when communication gets increasingly technologized, or
when literature gets mixed up with an emerging mass media? We will read works that
highlight writing and reading practices, examine texts in different formats, and—
whenever possible—practice with historical text and communications technologies.
Authors include Austen, Gaskell, Braddon, Gissing, and Stoker.
Who is this for?
Studies in the British Novel has no prerequisites. It is open to students from any
department and discipline. Whether you’re majoring in English or just here for GEP
credits, you are welcome! Just be ready to read.
Our goals and outcomes
The course’s goals are for students, having completed all course requirements, to:
1. Explain the development of writing, publishing, and media as it relates to
nineteenth-century British literature
2. Analyze the representation of those contexts within literature
3. Evaluate and apply critical perspectives in writing about literature, technology, and
society
And this will be a good thing. Training in literature offers flexible critical thinking
skills, historical perspectives, and practice in expression that suits you for all sorts of
additional coursework as well as academic and professional trajectories.
Your instructor
Paul Fyfe, Associate Professor of English
Office: Tompkins Hall 269
Hours: Mon/Wed 1:30-3:30p and other times by appointment. Just ask!
paul.fyfe@ncsu.edu
http://go.ncsu.edu/pfyfe
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Paul Fyfe, Dept of English, paul.fyfe@ncsu.edu
You can call me Paul, Professor, Dr. Fyfe, he, him, &c—whatever you are comfortable
with. Please let me know if you wish to be referred to using a name and/or pronouns
other than what is listed in the student directory.
Our materials
The course requires five novels, all available through the NC State bookstores:
1. Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey ($8, Penguin 2003, ISBN: 9780141439792)
2. Elizabeth Gaskell, Cranford ($12, Oxford 2011, ISBN: 9780199558308)
3. Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Lady Audley’s Secret ($12, Oxford 2012, ISBN:
9780199577033)
4. George Gissing, New Grub Street ($16, Oxford 2016, ISBN: 9780198729181)
5. Bram Stoker, Dracula ($10, Penguin 2003, ISBN: 9780141439846)
You may read these in whatever format you prefer. However, I strongly recommend
paperbacks for book-length reading. Additionally, you must be able to bring your
“text” to class, in whatever form.
Some other materials will be provided electronically via Moodle. If you ever run into
errors or can’t find something, please let me know asap!
What I need from you
1. Attendance. This course allows for three in-class absences for any reason; no
excuses necessary. Additional absences will cost 1/3 letter per infraction. I reserve
the right to treat repeated lateness as an absence. We can probably accommodate
conflicts with class time—professional, personal, etc.—but please talk with me in
advance. The university’s policy on Attendance Regulation (REG02.20.3) is available
online http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-20-03
2. Participation. Our class will be conducted as a seminar which will thrive on the
participation of its members. Participation means thoughtfully preparing any
reading materials, exploring study objects, and communicating with the class or
smaller groups. I will provide a template for you to assess your own participation.
3. Reading quizzes. This is a reading course and, for this course to run well, everyone
needs to do the reading. Simple pass/fail quizzes will help keep us all on task. As
long as you’ve made an effort to cover and comprehend the assigned pages, these
shouldn’t be hard.
4. Text labs. To balance our reading and discussions, we will also explore and
sometimes practice with various historical mediums. These hands-on exercises are
intended to deepen our understanding of the issues we discuss. For each, students
will generally produce a short report or reflection using Moodle forums or Google
docs, some done individually, some as a group. Specific instructions will be provided
on each.
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Paul Fyfe, Dept of English, paul.fyfe@ncsu.edu
5. Rewriting project. The major course project will ask you to “rewrite” one of our novels
in a new medium, and reflect on the significance of those changes. You will only use
a portion of the text, and can choose the medium you want to try, whether historical
or contemporary (e.g. epistolary form, serial installment, different genre, audiobook,
graphic novel, &c.). Each rewrite will be supported by a rationale paper explaining
what you did, what you learned, and how it relates to our course. Separate
instructions will be provided.
What you can expect from me
You can expect flexibility and compassion. This continues to be a challenging time to
maintain the headspace to study. I understand that and will work with you in whatever
way to help you succeed. As your instructor, I commit to punctual appearance at class
times as well as preparation of assigned texts and contexts. Emails will be answered
within two business days. All graded assignments will be completed and returned within
one week of submission. Though sometimes I’ll need flexibility too.
Threshold grading
In this course, we will use a thresholds grading system which offers a bit more clarity
and control over what grade you want to achieve. Each assignment will be graded on a
basic point scale, rather than earning an individual letter grade. I’ll provide a rubric for
each kind of assignment about the points you can earn. Ultimately, your completed
assignments will add up to course grades, based on the calculations below. We will keep
track of your efforts together on a shared Google spreadsheet. If any of your assignments
don’t meet the expectations, you can revise them, too.
Quizzes: 15 of 17 assignments at 2 points each = 30 course points
Text labs: 7 of 8 assignments at 4 points each = 28 course points
Participation: 12 course points
Rewriting project: 30 course points (includes a proposal)
Total possible course points: 100
Letter grade conversions:
97-100
C
A+
A
93-96
CA90-92
D+
B+
87-89
D
B
83-86
DB80-82
F
73-76
70-72
67-69
63-66
60-62
≤ 59
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Paul Fyfe, Dept of English, paul.fyfe@ncsu.edu
C+
77-79
_
_
Complete details on NC State’s grading policies, including conversions to GPA and grade
change policies, can be found online: https://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-5003/ (02.50.03 – Grades and Grade Point Average)
Accommodations
Your success in this class is important to me. We will all need accommodations because
we all learn differently. If there are aspects of this course that prevent you from learning
or exclude you, please let me know as soon as possible. Together we’ll develop strategies
to meet both your needs and the requirements of the course.
Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In
order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with
Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 919515-7653. For more information on NC State’s policy on working with students with
disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Regulation (REG02.20.01).
All the policies—including plagiarism (boo)
All students are responsible for reviewing the NCSU Polices, Regulations, and Rules
(PRRs) which pertain to their course rights and responsibilities. These include:
http://policies.ncsu.edu/policy/pol-04-25-05
(Equal
Opportunity
and
NonDiscrimination Policy Statement), http://oied.ncsu.edu/oied/policies.php (Office for
Institutional Equity and Diversity), http://policies.ncsu.edu/policy/pol-11-35-01 (Code
of Student Conduct), and http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-50-03 (Grades
and Grade Point Average).
Incomplete work
As stated by the university grading policy, "An IN must not be used...as a substitute for
an F when the student's performance in the course is deserving of failing. An IN is only
appropriate when the student's record in the course is such that the successful
completion of particular assignments, projects, or tests missed as a result of a
documented serious event would enable that student to pass the course." In this class,
a grade of "IN" will only be given (1) in response to a written student request [e-mail is
fine] submitted to the instructor before 4:00 on the last day of classes; (2) at the
instructor’s discretion; and (3) because of a serious interruption a student's work not
caused by his/her own negligence. The university's policy on incompletes REG 02.50.03)
can be found at http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-50-03
When things get tough
As members of the NC State Wolfpack community, we each share a personal
responsibility to express concern for one another and to ensure that this classroom and
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Paul Fyfe, Dept of English, paul.fyfe@ncsu.edu
the campus as a whole remains a safe environment for learning. Occasionally, you may
come across a fellow classmate who seems in crisis or may need help. In these cases,
consider
reporting
to
NC
State
Students
of
Concern
(http://studentsofconcern.ncsu.edu/). If you are needing help or just someone to talk
to, please get in touch with the Counseling Center at Student Health
(http://healthcenter.ncsu.edu/counseling-center/) which offers confidential services.
Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing or has other severe
adverse experiences and believes this may affect their performance in the course is
encouraged to notify me if you are comfortable in doing so. Alternatively, you can
schedule
a confidential meeting with the Student Ombuds to talk
(https://ombuds.dasa.ncsu.edu/). Everyone should know about the resources available
on the Pack Essentials website, including emergency funds, food, legal support, and
more: https://dasa.ncsu.edu/support-and-advocacy/pack-essentials/
Our open classroom
NC State University provides equality of opportunity in education and employment for
all students and employees. Accordingly, NC State affirms its commitment to maintain
a work environment for all employees and an academic environment for all students
that is free from all forms of discrimination. Discrimination based on race, color,
religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation
is a violation of state and federal law and/or NC State University policy and will not be
tolerated. Harassment of any person (either in the form of quid pro quo or creation of a
hostile environment) based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age,
disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation also is a violation of state and federal
law and/or NC State University policy and will not be tolerated. Retaliation against any
person who complains about discrimination is also prohibited. NC State’s policies and
regulations covering discrimination, harassment, and retaliation may be accessed at
http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/campus_environ or http://www.ncsu.edu/equal_op.
Any person who feels that he or she has been the subject of prohibited discrimination,
harassment, or retaliation should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity (OEO) at
515-3148.
Additionally, I consider it part of my responsibility as instructor to address the learning
needs of all of the students in this course. The course presents materials that are
respectful of diversity: race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, religious beliefs,
political preference, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, or national origin
among other personal characteristics. I also believe that the diversity of student
experiences and perspectives is essential to the deepening of knowledge in a course. Any
suggestions that you have about other ways to include the value of diversity in this
course are welcome. In scheduling midterms and other exams, I have tried to avoid
conflicts with major religious holidays. If there is a conflict with your religious
observances, please let me know as soon as possible so that we can work together to
make arrangements.
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Paul Fyfe, Dept of English, paul.fyfe@ncsu.edu
Electronic Hosting Statement
Students may be required to disclose personally identifiable information to other
students in the course, via electronic tools like email or web-postings, where relevant to
the course. Examples include online discussions of class topics, and posting of student
coursework. All students are expected to respect the privacy of each other by not sharing
or using such information outside the course.
This course may also involve electronic sharing or posting of personally identifiable
student work or other information with persons not taking or administering the course.
Students will be asked to sign a consent form allowing disclosure of their personally
identifiable work. No student is required to sign the consent form as a condition of taking
the course. If a student does not want to sign the consent form, he or she has the right
to ask the instructor for an alternative, private means of completing the coursework.
About that whole COVID thing
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, public health measures continue to be implemented
across campus. Students should stay current with these practices and expectations
through the Protect the Pack website (https://www.ncsu.edu/coronavirus/). The
sections below provide expectations and conduct related to COVID-19 issues.
Health and Participation in Class
We are most concerned about your health and the health of your classmates and
instructors/TAs.
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If you test positive for COVID-19, or are told by a healthcare provider that you
are presumed positive for the virus, you should not attend any face-to-face
(F2F) classes or face-to-face component of a hybrid class. Work with your
instructor on any adjustments necessary; also follow other university
guidelines, including self reporting (Coronavirus Self Reporting): Self-reporting
is not only to help provide support to you, but also to assist in contact tracing
for containing the spread of the virus.
If you feel unwell, even if you have not been knowingly exposed to COVID-19,
please do not come to a F2F class or activity.
If you are in quarantine, have been notified that you may have been exposed to
COVID-19, or have a personal or family situation related to COVID-19 that
prevents you from attending this course in person (or synchronously), please
connect with your instructor to make alternative plans, as necessary.
If you need to make a request for an academic consideration related to COVID19, such as a discussion about possible options for remote learning, please talk
with your instructor.
Health and Well-Being Resources
These are difficult times, and academic and personal stress are natural results.
Everyone is encouraged to take care of themselves and their peers. If you need additional
support, there are many resources on campus to help you:
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Paul Fyfe, Dept of English, paul.fyfe@ncsu.edu
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Counseling Center (NCSU Counseling Center)
Student Health Services (Health Services | Student)
If the personal behavior of a classmate concerns or worries you, either for the
classmate’s well-being or yours, we encourage you to report this behavior to the
NC State CARES team: (Share a Concern).
If you or someone you know are experiencing food, housing or financial
insecurity, please see the Pack Essentials Program (Pack Essentials).
Community Standards related to COVID-19
We are all responsible for protecting ourselves and our community. Please see the
community standards and Rule 04.21.01 regarding Personal Safety Requirements
Related to COVID-19 RUL 04.21.01 – Personal Safety Requirements Related to COVID19 – Policies, Regulations & Rules
Course Expectations Related to COVID-19:
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Face Coverings: All members of the NC State academic community are
expected to follow all university policies and guidelines, including the Personal
Safety Rule and community standards, for the use of face coverings.
Course Attendance: NC State attendance policies can be found at: REG
02.20.03 – Attendance Regulations – Policies, Regulations & Rules. Please refer
to the course’s attendance, absence, and deadline policies for additional details.
If you are quarantined or otherwise need to miss class because you have been
advised that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, you should not be
penalized regarding attendance or class participation. However, you will be
expected to develop a plan to keep up with your coursework during any such
absences. If you become ill with COVID-19, you should follow the steps
outlined in the health and participation section above.
Technology Requirements: This course may require particular technologies to
complete coursework. Be sure to review the syllabus for these expectations,
and see the syllabus technical requirements for your course. If you need access
to additional technological support, please contact the Libraries’ Technology
Lending Service: (Technology Lending).
Course Delivery Changes Related to COVID-19
Please be aware that the situation regarding COVID-19 is frequently changing, and the
delivery mode of this course could change accordingly, including from in-person to
remote. Regardless of the delivery method, we will strive to provide a high-quality
learning experience.
NO LONGER AVAILABLE - Grading/Scheduling Changing Options Related to
COVID-19
Two policies, enhanced S/U Grading Option and Late Drop, put in place at the beginning
of the COVID-19 pandemic have been discontinued.
In some cases, an option may be to request an “incomplete” in the course. If you are
experiencing difficult or extenuating circumstances, you should discuss possible
options with your instructor and your academic advisor.
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Paul Fyfe, Dept of English, paul.fyfe@ncsu.edu
Need Help?
If you find yourself in a place where you need help, academically or otherwise, please
review these Step-by-Step Help Topics.
Other Important Resources
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Keep Learning: Keep Learning
Protect the Pack FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions | Protect the Pack
NC State Protect the Pack Resources for Students: Resources for Students |
Protect the Pack
Academic Success Center (tutoring, drop in advising, career and wellness
advising): Academic Success Center.
NC State Keep Learning, tips for students opting to take courses remotely:
Keep Learning Tips for Remote Learning
Introduction to Zoom for students:
https://youtu.be/5LbPzzPbYEw
Learning with Moodle, a student’s guide to using Moodle:
https://moodle-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu/course/view.php?id=226
NC State Libraries Technology Lending Program
What did you think?
Online class evaluations will be available for students to complete during the last two
weeks of class. Students will receive an email message directing them to a website where
they can login using their Unity ID and complete evaluations. All evaluations are
confidential; instructors will never know how any one student responded to any
question, and students will never know the ratings for any particular instructors.
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Evaluation website: https://classeval.ncsu.edu
Student help desk: classeval@ncsu.edu
More information about ClassEval:
http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/UPA/classeval/index.htm
Credits
This course has been inspired by many colleagues at NC State and beyond, including
Leila May, Helen Burgess, Margaret Simon, Rachel Buurma, Ryan Cordell, and others.
It also greatly benefits from the generosity of the NC State Libraries.
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