For those seeking info on what INGL 3300 will be about, here's a sneak preview from the class professor, Gregory Stephens.
Theme: Post-Apocalyptic Literature and Film
I will probably wait to finalize the syllabus til after hearing from students the first day of class (Aug. 13), but in the meantime, here's some of what will be on the syllabus.
Description:
In this survey of post-apocalyptic fiction as a best-selling genre of our era, students explore the roots of and development of this genre through three primary perspectives: questions of genre, questions of ethics, and questions of culture.
Grading Schema:
There will be probably 7 quizzes scattered over the semester, with the low score dropped, totaling 30 points. 10 points for a group presentation, two journal entries (more personal reflections, 5 points each), two critical responses on readings/clips (10 points each), and a final essay in which you revise a prior essay (10). There is also a final exam (10) and Attendance (10).
So the class is light on formal writing, but requires attention and regular attendance. Quizzes draw from film clips shown in class, lecture notes, and required readings.
The two novels are easy reads:
The Giver, by Lois Lowry
The Road, by Cormac McCarthy.
We'll also be looking at selected clips from film adaptations of both books. We will do close readings in class of both book, so students will need to order a copy, and have it in hand during class discussion. I'll be calling on students to comment on specific passages.
After we've defined the place of post-apocalyptic lit with the utopian/dystopian tradition, students will begin to choose their own texts to present in class--their own favorite examples from the genre, whether from TV, film, books, graphic novels, etc.
See you soon.
GS