Humanities 118
Introduction to the Humanities III
The Twentieth Century
Spring 2011
Room 109 11:30 Daily
Instructor: Jon Stratton
Office #4, academic area
527.4222
jon.stratton@wwcc.edu
Office hours 1:30-2:30 and by appointment
SOME WORKS IN THIS COURSE CONTAIN PROFANITY AND VIOLENCE
Texts (all in the WWCC Bookstore and easily available online)
Howl, Allen Ginsberg
The Catcher in the Rye, J. D. Salinger
V for Vendetta, Alan Moore and David Lloyd
“REBELLION, THOUGH APPARENTLY NEGATIVE, SINCE IT CREATES NOTHING, IS
PROFOUNDLY POSITIVE IN THAT IT REVEALS THE PART OF MAN WHICH MUST ALWAYS
BE DEFENDED.” Albert Camus, “The Rebel”
WHAT THE CLASS IS ABOUT
Rebellion is the protest against what is in the name of what must be. Our course focuses on the theme of
rebellion in several important twentieth century works. Albert Camus’ essay, “The Rebel” is the central
text; we use his description of rebellion as our basis for interpreting everything we see, read, hear, discuss,
and write about during the quarter.
HOW THE CLASS WORKS
There are five components of the class; lectures, reading, viewing, writing and discussion.
 Lectures introduce and develop course material, including biographical and historical material as
well as background concepts. You should take notes of the lecture materials.
 Reading assignments include three full length novels, one long poem, and one essay (handout).
Each of the reading materials must be read by the dates assigned.
 The class views three movies and one documentary; each of which depicts concepts from the
course.
 Five two page papers are assigned as well as fourteen study questions.
 Class discussion centers on lectures, reading materials, and movies. Usually class discussions are
organized around an assigned paper.
The Class Schedule
Week One: The Rebel, Albert Camus
Week Two: Howl, Allen Ginsberg
Week Three and Four: The Catcher in the Rye, J. D. Salinger
Week Five: Rebel without a Cause, with James Dean
Week Six and Seven: V for Vendetta, Allan Moore and David Lloyd
Week Eight: American History X, Edward Norton
Week Nine and Ten: Do the Right Thing, Spike Lee
ASSIGNMENTS and GRADES
 Five essays are assigned. Four of these two page essays ask you specific questions in regard to the
relationship of the work studied to the theme of the course.
o The first essay is a summary of the concepts introduced in lecture and reading during the
first week of the quarter.
o The essays count for 50% of your grade.
o If they are turned in any time after class on the due date up to the third class day after the
due date they can earn a grade no higher than B. There is no credit for papers turned in
after three class days. Essays must be word-processed, double-spaced.

Fourteen study questions are assigned during the quarter. The questions ask for your thoughts on
the reading assignments. The study questions are the basis of class discussion. You will be asked
to share your responses with the class.
o Study Questions count for 20 % of your final grade.
o Since they are the basis of discussion, any late study questions will earn a grade no higher
than C. The study questions must be word-processed, double-spaced.

Participation in class discussion, as well as regular attendance is required. Participation counts for
15% of your grade in the course. This grade is assigned at the completion of the quarter.

The final exam will ask approximately 40 objective questions on material from the entire course,
as well as at least one essay question. The final exam counts for 15% of your grade.
Important things for your success
 Attend every class session. Do not cut this class, ever. If you are planning on cutting class, you
should drop early and get your money back from the business office. If you have an occasional
appointment or other activity that keeps you from coming to class, prepare your assignment in
advance.

Class sessions are work sessions. Arrive on time, be prepared, and participate. You can socialize
and have fun in a lot of places, but not in class. We are here to work on the meaning of our
cultural heritage.

Turn in all of the written assignments on time!

Do not email any assignments; you must turn in your printed assignment in class on the due date
or later

Turn off any electronic devices, including laptops and cells.

Avoid distracting behavior (for example, leaving the room once class has started, whispering,
eating, or making rude comments). At the instructor’s discretion, distracting behavior may result
in either dropping or failing the course.

Turning in any work that is not your own (cheating) will certainly result in either failing or
dropping the entire course.

Please contact Claudia Angus, the disabilities coordinator with any concern you have about
accommodations.