Honors 200
Revenge Plots: Getting Even on Stage & Screen
Spring 2016
TR 5:30-6:45
HON 180
David Southward
Office: HON 166A
Hours: M 2:00-5:00
T/R 3:30-5:00
Email: southwd@uwm.edu
Required texts:
Aeschylus, Oresteia [ISBN: 978-0140443332]
Seneca, Six Tragedies [ISBN: 978-0192807069]
William Shakespeare, Titus Andronicus [ISBN: 978-0671722920]
William Shakespeare, Hamlet [ISBN: 978-0743477123]
Jan 26 T
28 R
Introductions
Agamemnon to p. 142 (l. 1030)
Feb
2 T
4 R
Agamemnon concluded
The Libation Bearers
9 M
11 W
The Eumenides
Thyestes
16 T
18 R
Medea
Writing workshop
23 T
25 R
Paper #1 due in class
Titus Andronicus act 1
Mar 1 T
3 R
8 T
10 R
Paper #1 revision due in class; Titus Andronicus act 2
Titus Andronicus act 3
Titus Andronicus act 4
Titus Andronicus concluded
SPRING BREAK
22 T
24 R
Hamlet act 1
Hamlet act 2
29 T
31 R
Hamlet act 3
Hamlet act 4
Apr 5 T
7 R
Hamlet concluded
Paper #2 due in class
Optional 7:00 screening of Oldboy
12 T
14 R
Oldboy
Paper #2 revision due in class; Oldboy continued
Optional 7:00 screening of Kill Bill part 1
19 T
21 R
Kill Bill part 1
Kill Bill part 1 continued
Optional 7:00 screening of Kill Bill part 2
26 T
28 R
Kill Bill part 2
Kill Bill part 2 continued
Optional 7:00 screening of Hard Candy
May 3 T
5 R
Hard Candy
Hard Candy continued
10 T
Conclusions and festivities
13 F
Final Paper due in my office door drop-box by 4:00 p.m.
Policies
The format of this course will be seminar discussion—which means the less talking done
by the instructor, the better!
Goals of the course include learning to:
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close-read and interpret literary and cinematic narrative
develop ideas in rational conversation and debate with others
evaluate the validity of a thesis or argument
compose essays that are analytical, focused, and supported by evidence
prepare for and lead group discussion
delve critically into the psychology of revenge
Class preparation will entail:
 careful reading/viewing of assigned texts for each class, looking up any unfamiliar
words or terms
 posting weekly discussion starters on D2L
 preparing to lead two 25-minute class discussions
 coming to class on time with your texts and notes—ready to share your views and
ideas. As in life, so in the seminar: you only get what you give.
Participation in discussion is mandatory and will be evaluated on the following scale for
each class meeting, the final participation grade being an average for the term:
A = insightful comments that actively build on and promote discussion; thorough
preparation for class; courtesy, tact, and timeliness
B = relevant comments showing engagement in discussion; possible tardiness,
shyness, dominating or immature behavior
C = few comments of relevance to the discussion; prolonged silence or
inappropriate behavior; weak preparation
D = silence or irrelevant remarks; disruptive behavior; no preparation
F = absence from class
Writing assignments include:
1) Three interpretive essays ranging from three to six pages in length, the first two of
which will be revised in response to peer reviews and instructor comments. These
papers will be evaluated on the originality of their arguments, close textual analysis,
and style (in that order). The final grade for revised essays will be an average of the
first draft’s grade (⅓) and second draft’s grade (⅔); however, students receiving A or
A- on a first draft automatically receive an A on their revision and do not have to
revise.
2) Reviews of classmates’ papers, using a peer review worksheet.
3) Short weekly postings on D2L.
Grades will be based on class participation (including attendance and timeliness, degree
and quality of involvement in discussion, thoughtfulness of peer reviews and D2L posts =
30%), writing assignments (20% each), and discussion leading (10%). Only two absences
are permitted; each subsequent absence will lower your final grade by ⅓ (e.g., from A- to
B+). Absences cannot be “excused,” however they can be made up by an extra
assignment (arranged in advance and at the instructor’s discretion). Late papers will be
penalized ⅓ grade for each weekday they are late. Extensions on papers will be granted
to those in hardship, but please ask me in advance of the due date.
Please note: Any instance of plagiarism will result in failure of the assignment.
About my office hours: Use them! They are for you to try out your ideas, work on your
writing, or express any concerns you may have about the class or your performance in it.