ENG 105.02: Introduction to Narrative
Spring 2012
Who: Michael Zinkowski
When: MWF 11:00–11:50 AM
Where: Bryan 205
Office: McIver 112, MWF 1:00-1:50 PM
Get in touch: mczinkow@uncg.edu
Course Description
Why and who get to tell stories? How do stories shape our ever-changing understanding of the way the
world works? How can they both expand our worldview and limit it? How does narrative structure and
technique complicate our endeavor to answer these questions conclusively? We’ll continually return to all
of these questions throughout the semester as we read a couple of novels, a memoir, a graphic novel, and
a narrative collection of poems. These particular examples of narrative differ in many ways, structurally
and thematically, and as we attempt to answer the previously mentioned questions, we’ll begin to notice
all the ways narrative technique can both resonate emotionally and produce cultural/societal critiques. In
other words, how stories are told is never distinctly separate from what kinds of stories are told. Likewise,
in order to decipher “meaning” from any of these texts it will be critical for us to pay attention to who
tells these stories (narrators, characters, authors) and in what historical/cultural context. Students will
demonstrate their growing capacity as critical readers of narrative through class discussion, 3 exams, a
student-run in-class activity, and a creative project. 6 Blackboard reading quizzes will monitor
comprehension and on-schedule reading. By keeping up with the readings, we’ll all make productive,
informed, stimulating discussion a regular part of our semester.
Required Texts/Materials
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The Cambridge Introduction to Narrative (Second Edition), H. Porter Abbott
Big Sur, Jack Kerouac
Without, Donald Hall
Drowning in Fire, Craig S. Womack
Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic, Alison Bechdel
Black Dog of Fate, Peter Balakian
Readings on Blackboard (either .doc, .docx or.pdf files)
Please bring the appropriate text to class so that you can refer to specific passages when you participate
aloud, in small groups, or when you are listening to your fellow classmates. Frequently there will be
additional readings on Blackboard to supplement the literature. You will be responsible for reading,
printing and bringing these to class as well as notes/assigned homework. If it’s clear to me that you don’t
have either the appropriate text or writing materials, I reserve the right to count you as absent. I will not
tolerate simple summary of text as proof of reading, and I will continually ask critical questions of your
interpretation that require you to refer to specific passages in the books as evidence.
ENG 105.02: Introduction to Narrative
Spring 2012
Student Learning Goals
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for the GLT marker:
1. Demonstrate the reading skill required for the student of literary texts. (LG3)
2. Identify and/or describe some of the varied characteristics of literary texts. (LG3)
3. Demonstrate orally, in writing, or by some other means, a fundamental ability to use some of the
techniques and/or methods of literary analysis. (LG 1 and LG 3)
4. Identify and/or describe some of the various social, historical, cultural, and/or theoretical contexts in
which literary texts have been written and interpreted. (LG3)
Those SLOs labeled (LG3) relate to UNCG’s Learning Goal #3 for General Education, which says
students will “Describe, interpret, and evaluate the ideas, events, and expressive traditions that have
shaped collective and individual human experience through inquiry and analysis in the diverse disciplines
of the humanities, religions, languages, histories, and the arts.”
((http://web.uncg.edu/reg/Bulletin/Current/UnivReq/GECProgram.aspx)
Those SLOs labeled (LG1) relate to UNCG’s Learning Goal #1 for General Education, outlined in the
guidelines for English 101.
Grade Evaluation
In-Class Stuff (Participation/Writing/Activities/Preparation) 
Quizzes (5) 
Exams (3) 
Creative Project/Short Essay 
15%
20%
45%
20%
In-Class Stuff: This class will consist of a mix of informal lecture, class discussion and activities,
meaning that I will rarely, if ever, talk for all 50 minutes. Anything we do in class (writing/brainstorming,
discussion, small group discussion/activities) will count towards 15% of your final grade.
I recommend that you closely read everything on the course schedule for that day, take notes, and write
down any questions you have. I will frequently ask that you use your notes in small group activities,
which will then often lead to class discussion. This means that every member of this class is accountable
for having read the assigned work and, therefore, coming to class prepared. If it becomes clear to me that
you did not read, take notes, or bring the text to class, I reserve the right to count you as absent.
Struggled with the reading? That’s okay. Literature can be tough, sometimes. But, you all have legitimate
and unique responses to the texts. Whether the readings felt like a cool summer breeze or painful brain
surgery, I encourage you to share your responses in class as long as you are willing to engage with the
work and deconstruct your opinions.
On that note, mutual respect of others is the standard by which we will conduct ourselves in this class.
We will honor one another as individuals and will value each person’s right to express his or her own
responses. If we disagree, we will not argue. Instead, we will ask productive questions of ourselves
and others. We will listen with as much enthusiasm as we will talk.
As a member of this class, I agree
ENG 105.02: Introduction to Narrative
Spring 2012
1.
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to be an active participant;
to listen carefully when others are speaking;
to think about new ideas;
to recognize that there are no easy solutions to complex problems;
to consider the personal meaning of subjects discussed;
to support a democratic classroom process; and
to observe confidentiality
Quizzes: Throughout the semester we will have 6 short, multiple choice/fill-in-the-blank/true-false
quizzes on Blackboard. They will become available at 8 AM on each scheduled Friday and will remain
open until 10 PM that same day. If you try to take the quiz after 10 PM it will not work so don’t wait until
the last second. In addition to making sure we’re all doing the reading, the quizzes will also determine our
level of comprehension. This is useful information for me as I can pinpoint trouble spots. Though there
will be 6 throughout the semester, I will only count 5. If you take all 6, the lowest quiz score will be
dropped. This means if you do poorly on one take all 6 so that one won’t affect your final grade. Each is
worth 4% of your final grade.
Exams: Throughout the semester we will have 3 exams. Each one will cover the previously read chapters
and the narrative texts we’ve read since the last exam. These exams will allow you to critically reflect on
those two we’ve covered and will consist of multiple choice as well as short answer questions. Each is
worth 15% of your final grade.
Creative Project/Short Essay: Due during the Final Exam Period, this project will consist of a 2-3 page
explanatory/exploratory essay that will accompany a creative project that critically engages one text from
the semester and a particular narrative element/technique/issue. This will be your opportunity to flex
some creative muscles as well as demonstrate a deeper, critical understanding of narrative structure. The
project is open to almost all mediums and forms including but not limited to creative writing, painting,
sculpture, film, dance, comedy, music, comics. More specific guidelines will ensure that the creative
aspect of your project is just as critically-engaging as your short essay. The two combined are worth 20%
of your grade and will be graded together. In other words, the critical engagement of your essay will
depend on how much thought you’ve invested in the creative project since your essay will discuss how
your creative project engages with the chosen text and narrative techniques.
General Classroom Rules/Policies
Attendance/Tardiness:
1. As a member of this classroom community you are responsible to be here on time, every time, so
that you may participate in activities, talk about the readings, and learn from me as well as fellow
classmates’ insights.
2. However, you are allowed a maximum of four absences without penalty toward your grade.
Excused or unexcused, you have 4 total.
3. For every absence beyond the 4 allowed, you will drop one-half letter grade. If you miss eight
classes you will fail the course. If you are having persistent health issues then I strongly suggest
you drop the course.
4. If you are more than 10 minutes late, I will consider you tardy. If tardiness becomes a consistent
issue I may contact you on the subject via email.
ENG 105.02: Introduction to Narrative
Spring 2012
5. You are, by state law, allowed two excused absences due to religious holidays, which do not
count toward your total allowed absences. If you plan to miss class because of religious holidays,
you must notify me in advance of your absence. This means that you are still responsible for any
work scheduled for the day you plan to miss and you must let me know prior to missing class.
Because you plan to miss the class you will be expected to make up the work before the date,
rather than after.
Last, but not least, please do not email me to tell me you won’t be in class. It is your responsibility to
keep track of how many absences you’ve accumulated and to plan accordingly. Always refer to the above
rule, which (once again) says that your absences all look the same to me on paper—excused or unexcused
doesn’t matter.
Late Work:
While we don’t have a lot of written work, any work you turn in will be due in paper form at the
beginning of the designated class. Otherwise, late work is not accepted for any credit unless you notify
me no later than 48 hours before the time it’s due that an extreme circumstance has come up.
Technology:
1. As stated before, in order to do well in this class you must be able to listen well and discuss
openly the readings due on that day.
2. With that understood I stand by a strict electronic equipment policy; from the time I begin class
until the end, all cell phones, iPods and any other piece of electronic equipment should be away
in a backpack, purse, lunch pail or pocket.
3. If I notice that you have left a cell phone(etc…) out in plain sight or you are using it (for example,
texting) during class time you will be counted as absent for that day.
4. I may or may not let you know; by receiving this syllabus and remaining a member of this class
you agree to this policy.
5. Laptops may be used in class only by students having a special need for purposes of note-taking
or other classroom activities. Students with such a need should make specific arrangements with
me. No student may use a laptop in class without prior arrangement.
E-mail Response:
1. I will make every effort to respond to your e-mail message within forty-eight hours. If I have not
replied to your message after forty-eight hours, then please re-send the message.
2. Please check your iSpartan account because I will frequently send out class-wide emails through
Blackboard.
3. Do NOT expect me to reply to an email you’ve sent me after 8 PM the day before a class
meeting.
Academic Integrity:
Academic integrity is founded upon and encompasses the following five values: honesty, trust, fairness,
respect, and responsibility. Violations include, for example, cheating, plagiarism, misuse of academic
resources, falsification, and facilitating academic dishonesty. If knowledge is to be gained and properly
evaluated, it must be pursued under conditions free from dishonesty. Deceit and misrepresentations are
incompatible with the fundamental activity of this academic institution and shall not be tolerated” (from
ENG 105.02: Introduction to Narrative
Spring 2012
UNCG's Academic Integrity Policy). To ensure that you understand the university's policy on academic
integrity, review the guidelines and list of violations at <http://academicintegrity.uncg.edu>. I expect you
to abide by the Academic Integrity Policy.
I have discretion in assigning any grade-related sanction. When a student is found responsible of a first
violation, whether by accepting responsibility during the Faculty-Student Conference, or through the
panel process, I, the faculty member, will make the final decision about any grade related sanctions.
Additional sanctions, including suspension or expulsion, may only be assigned by a hearing panel.
Additional Resources
The Office of Disability Services: Students with documentation of special needs should arrange to see
me about accommodations as soon as possible. If you believe you could benefit from such
accommodations, you must first register with the Office of Disability Services on campus before such
accommodations can be made. The office is located on the second floor of the Elliott University Center
(EUC) in Suite 215, and the office is open 8am to 5pm, Monday - Friday. Telephone: 334-5440; e-mail:
ods@uncg.edu.
The Writing Center: The purpose of the Writing Center is to enhance the confidence and competence of
student writers by providing free, individual assistance at any stage of any writing project. Staff
consultants are experienced writers and alert readers, prepared to offer feedback and suggestions on drafts
of papers, help students find answers to their questions about writing, and provide one-on-one instruction
as needed. Located in the Moore Humanities and Research Building, room 3211. *Note: I worked at the
Writing Center for three semesters and would highly encourage you to seek it out if you need help with
this or any other class.
The Learning Assistance Center: The Learning Assistance Center offers free services to the entire
UNCG undergraduate community and is located in McIver Hall, rooms 101-104, and 150. For help with
study skills, contact Erin Farrior, Academic Skills specialist. Telephone: 334-3878; e-mail:
lac@uncg.edu.
ENG 105.02: Introduction to Narrative
Spring 2012
Course Schedule:
** I reserve the right to add to or alter the following schedule and, most likely, I will throughout the
semester add short readings or change the number of pages due each day.
CIN = The Cambridge Introduction to Narrative
Week #1
M
1/9
Introduction to Course/Syllabus Overview
W
1/11
CIN—Chapter 1, “Narrative and life” (1-12)
F
1/13
Drowning in Fire—Chapters 1+2 (3-31)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week #2
M
W
1/16
1/18
NO CLASS
CIN—Chapter 2, “Defining narrative” (13-27)
Drowning in Fire—Chapter 3 (32-51)
F
1/20
Drowning in Fire—Chapter 4+5 (52-110)
QUIZ #1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week #3
CIN—Chapter 3, “The borders of narrative” (28-39)
Drowning in Fire—Chapter 6 (111-133)
W
1/25
Drowning in Fire—Chapter 7 (134-160)
F
1/27
Drowning in Fire—Chapter 8 (161-187)
QUIZ #2
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week #4
M
1/23
CIN—Chapter 4, “The rhetoric of narrative” (40-54)
Drowning in Fire—Chapter 9+10 (188-247)
W
2/1
Drowning in Fire—Chapter 11 (248-280)
F
2/3
Drowning in Fire—Chapter 12 (281-294)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week #5
M
1/30
1st Exam
CIN—Chapter 5, “Closure” (55-66)
Without (1-17)
F
2/10
Without (18-30)
QUIZ #3
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week #6
M
W
2/6
2/8
M
2/13
W
2/15
CIN—Chapter 6, “Narration” (67-82)
Without (31-45)
Without 46-67
ENG 105.02: Introduction to Narrative
Spring 2012
F
2/17
Without 67-81
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week #7
CIN—Chapter 7, “Interpreting Narrative” (83-99)
Big Sur, Chapters 1-10 (3-48)
W
2/22
Big Sur, Chapters 11-16 (49-85)
F
2/24
Big Sur, Chapters 17-22 (86-121)
QUIZ #4
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week #8
M
2/20
CIN—Chapter 8, “Three ways to interpret narrative” (100-111)
Big Sur, Chapters 22-31 (122-174)
W
2/29
Big Sur, Chapters 32-38 (175-216)
F
3/2
2nd Exam
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------M
3/5
SPRING BREAK
W
3/7
SPRING BREAK
F
3/9
SPRING BREAK
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week #9
M
2/27
CIN—Chapter 11, “Narrative and truth” (145-159)
Black Dog of Fate (3-32)
W
3/14
Black Dog of Fate (35-64)
F
3/16
Black Dog of Fate (67-106)
QUIZ #5
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week #10
M
3/12
CIN—Chapter 12, “Narrative worlds” (160-174)
Black Dog of Fate (109-143)
W
3/21
Black Dog of Fate (147-187)
F
3/23
Black Dog of Fate (188-223)
QUIZ #6
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week #11
M
3/19
CIN—Chapter 13, “Narrative contestation” (175-192)
Black Dog of Fate (224-258)
W
3/28
Black Dog of Fate (261-289)
F
3/30
3rd Exam
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week #12
M
3/26
M
4/2
W
F
4/4
4/6
CIN—Chapter 9, “Adaptation across media” (112-129)
Y the Last Man excerpts (Blackboard)
Fun Home, “Old Father, Old Artificer” (1-24)
SPRING HOLIDAY—NO CLASS
ENG 105.02: Introduction to Narrative
Spring 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week #13
CIN—Chapter 10, “Character and self in narrative” (130-144)
Fun Home, “A Happy Death” (25-54)
W
4/11
Fun Home, “That Old Catastrophe” (55-86)
F
4/13
Fun Home, “In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower” (87-120)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week #14
M
4/9
CIN—Chapter 14, “Narrative negotiation” (193-213)
Fun Home, “The Canary-Colored Caravan of Death” (121-150)
W
4/18
Fun Home, “The Ideal Husband” (151-186)
F
4/20
Fun Home, “The Antihero’s Journey” (187-232)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------M
4/23
Semester Wrap-Up/Party/Evaluations
M
4/16
W
5/2
8-11 AM: Final Exam Period -- Short Essay/Creative Project Due