English 121 Syllabus

by Marlen Posted on July 3, 2009

Humanities Literature:
THE HERO’S
ADVENTURE
 
odysseus.jpg

"A hero ventures forth from the world of the common day into a region of supernatural wonder. Fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: The hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man" (1949, p. 30).

-Joseph Campbell,
The Hero with a Thousand Faces

 
 
Luke and Harry – one and the same?
 
 
 
188heroscript_example.jpg
 
 

 

 

Instructor: Marlen Elliot Harrison
Course: English 121-009 Keith 231 
Office hours: T/Th 10-11am; 1:45 – 3:30pm; by appointment
Office: 201 G Leonard Hall
Mailbox: Faculty mailbox in Leonard 110
Cell & Text: 561-716-6690
Email: M.E.Harrison at iup.edu

 

SYLLABUS

 

NOTE: This is a literature course, that means READING; there is no way to pass this course if you do not read ALL of the assigned works. Though not an easy class, I believe that this section of English 121 will be both emotionally and personally rewarding; if you invest the time and thought, this should be a growth experience for you!

 
 
First, here are some videos to help get you in the mood…what do they all have in common?
(click each person below to view video)

 

Course Description and Rationale: Throughout our lives, we are constantly embarking on, making our way along, and coming to the end of journeys. Some journeys might require physical movement from one location to the next, while others may be spiritual or even sexual. Some journeys require us to climb mountains and slay dragons, either metaphorically or in reality. For example, you are all about to take a journey through time exploring heroic journeys throughout both literature and your own experiences. By examining the archetypal "hero’s journey", also known as the "monomyth", it is my intention to help you examine common patterns of human behavior across time and around the world, not only in literature, but in your own lives as well. There is a hero in each of us, but as we will soon see, there is often a price to be paid for such heroism.

In this course, we’ll mainly examine various works of literature, film, and poetry, all chosen for the themes they share (and because they are some of my personal favorites). Whether it’s the homebound Greek hero, Ulysses, or Miss Celie’s heroic journey to overcoming oppression and discovering happiness in The Color Purple, everything that we read will have a common theme – The Hero’s Journey.

 
 
 
 
Goals and Objectives:
  • Via the course readings and class discussions and projects, you will experience, discuss, and practice composing a variety of writing styles, genres, and/or structures with the intent to reveal information to a reader that answers questions about themes related to heroic journeys. These styles/genres will include blog writing, poetry, and other styles/genres of your choice.
  • You will achieve a firm understanding of the monomyth, including archetypes, liminal crossings, and the tragic flaws of the hero via reflective writings, discussions, and projects.
  • You will critically examine a variety of novels, films and various other printed and visual media, including poetry, theater, and literary criticism, in order to gain an appreciation for both written and performed works of creative expression and literary explorations of the hero’s journey.
  • You will develop an on-line presence (blog), complete a mid-term paper, and complete an end of semester project.
  • Through regular blog participation, you will develop your ability to respond to both the writings and ideas of peers (and your own writings and ideas) in helpful ways.
  • You will reflect on the journeys you have taken/are taking throughout your own life via the creation of a handmade, bound book of poetry and images that reflects the various stages of your own heroic journeys.
  • You will choose one or more of your poems and submit this work for publication and will review one of your required texts at Amazon.com, Borders.com, or BarnesandNoble.com.

 
Required Texts: See list below.
  • You are responsible for having your texts and reading materials with you at all class meetings!!!
  • Your texts have been ordered for you by the IUP Bookstore. HOWEVER, check Amazon.com, Ebay.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and Half.com, or http://campusbooks4less.com/ for inexpensive alternatives to purchasing your texts at a bookstore.

 
Required Materials: You will need: Access to a computer, a printer, and the internet; an active email account; a notebook; a pen; a highlighter; a folder in which to keep handouts and other printed matter; and it would be wise to also have a dictionary/thesaurus and a flash/jump drive. IF YOU CAN BRING A LAPTOP/NETBOOK TO CLASS, IT WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL.
  • In addition to the books we will be reading, you will also be required to watch filmed media via NETFLIX.com. I suggest that you make groups that can share a membership and watch the required media together. This will greatly reduce the cost. We will discuss this further in class. If you can find another way to watch the required films, that is fine with me, but you will likely have quizzes on each film so I don’t want to hear excuses like "My tv didn’t work," or "My vieo store was out of that movie," etc.

Assignments:

  • Readings & Quizzes: This is first and foremost a reading course, you must remember this at all times, and therefore you are expected to complete all of the assigned readings. As this class employs no less than 15 pop quizzes (pass/fail: you must pass at least 12 of them to get full points), you must dedicate yourself to not only looking at the words in your books but understanding their meanings as well.
  • Reflective BLOG Responses: You will have time each week to discuss the readings with your classmates. You will be expected to identify specific passages, paragraphs, or sentences that you feel are interesting, effective, or important, or that you may have questions about. You will then prepare a written response to that week’s readings or themes (3-5 paragraphs, written once or twice every week) and publish it on a blog.
  • Critical Responses: You will compose a brief 2 page critical response to each major literary work we examine
  • Mid-term Paper: You will compose a 5-7 page, typed, double-spaced essay  in any GENRE that reflects your understanding of the course themes and readings. Your instructor will provide additional info in class.
  • Final Projects: Instead of exams or final papers, I am offering you the opportunity to be creative – consider your reactions to and ideas about the literature and themes of this course and create some kind of project (video, artwork, poster, game, performance, etc). The project is the culmination of your learning and represents your understanding of the course themes.
  • Book of Poetry: You will complete approximately 30 poems by the end of the semester. You will choose your favorite 10 and create a book of poetry. You will need to be creative here as white paper and 3-ring binders just won’t do. Consider crafting the actual book yourself; hint: the dollar store has lots of great materials to help you put a book together if you’re on a budget! You should also try to incorporate images that you feel strongly illustrate the themes of your poetry. You will begin your book with a table of contents and a Foreword/Introduction that explains 1) your approach to/understanding of poetry; 2) short explanations of each poem chosen; and 3) a brief comment as to how these poems reflect your own heroic journey. You will end your book with a Conclusion/Epilogue that summarizes what you have learned through the poetic process and as a result of the final poetry project.
  • Reflective Letters (2): Your reflective letters (your teacher is your audience) will be typed, posted to your blogs, and printed. You will think about your progress throughout the semester and discuss your conclusions. You may make suggestions for future courses, comment on specific assignments or components in the course, reflect on your progress, etc. (Letter 1: 3-5 paragraphs; Letter 2: 2-3 pages).

The

Writing

Center: Please remember that IUP has an incredible

Writing

Center located in Eicher Hall. http://www.wc.iup.edu/ They have walk-in times throghout the week and can assist you in a number of ways. Please consider visiting the

Writing

Center if you’re feeling anxious or stressed about your writing for this class. They will not help you with grammar, punctuation, etc, but they will help you to organize your thoughts, plan your essays, and develop your ideas! And best of all, it’s FREE!

Plagiarism Statement:

Unacknowledged borrowing of ideas, facts, phrases, wordings, or whole words in a paper, as well as the copying of another Students’ work all constitute plagiarism and are unacceptable in the university community. Students turning in plagiarized work may receive a failing grade for the essay or for the entire course. For more information, see the university policy on plagiarism in your student handbook, or ask me. We will also be discussing this topic more in class. (Schragel, 2006, Plagiarism statement)

Schragel, J. (2006). English 101 syllabus. Retrieved August 20th, 2007, from
http://www.people.iup.edu/gxzl/ENGL101.htm
 

 

Attendance and Participation: You will receive points for every class you attend:   

  • IMPORTANT: When you are absent, you will email your instructor before class and inform him of your absence and the reason for this absence. In addition, you will state the name and email address of the student you will contact to ask about what you missed due to your absence. You will then email that student (and cc your instructor) to inquire about missed work. I will not contact you about missed work.
  • It is completely your responsibility to complete all assignments by their due date, whether you are present in class or not. LATE WORK FOR ANY REASON WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Period. Done Deal. No questions asked. No excuses. No discussion.
  • ATTENDANCE TO ALL CLASSES IS EXPECTED: More than four (4) absences FOR ANY REASON may result in a lowering of your final grade.

Participation is defined (but is not limited to) as follows:

  1. Being prepared for class (supplies, texts, etc)
  2. Actively participating during class activities
  3. Completing all assignments (including readings) by their due dates
  4. Asking and answering questions during discussions and volunteering your thoughts
  5. Showing up to class on time and being ready to work when your instructor begins class
 
Revision and Extra Credit:
  • Extra credit assignments will be considered on a case by case basis. Please see your instructor for more information.
  • This course is designed so that all students, if they successfully complete the required assignments, can earn the maximum points.  
Evaluation:
  • Reflective Responses (Blog entries): 100 pts (full points awarded only if ALL completed as assigned, on time, that means "no bullshit"; I check blogs regularly and without notice)
  • Critical Responses: 100 pts (full points awarded only if ALL completed as assigned, on time, that means "no bullshit")  
  • Quizzes: 100 pts (you must pass at least 12 of them to get full points)
  • Synthesis Paper: 100 pts
  • Final Project: 100 pts
  • Poetry/Image Book: 200 pts
  • Reflective Letters: Mid-term, 30 pts; Final, 100 pts
  • Participation (you must speak up in class): 100 pts (awarded by your instructor)
  • Attendance: 70 pts – 1 or fewer absences; 50 pts – 2-3 absences; 4 or more absences – 0 ptsand possible 100 pt deduction
  • Perfect Attendance Bonus: 50 pts
  • Lyrics Project Bonus: 50 pts
  • Reflective Comments on Blogs: 3 bonus pts awarded for each comment on other’s blogs; comment must be left no later than 3 days after the post.
    A 900-1000 pts; B 800-899 pts; C 700-799 pts; D 600-699 pts; F 599 pts and below

READING LIST
(click the book/titles for more info)
power_of_myth.jpg
(This is your main "textbook")
 
  awakening_heroes_thm.jpg
(This will be your "workbook")
 
 

101_great_poems.jpg
101 Great American Poems
(This will be you poetry textbook)
 
 
 
 


odyssey sm.jpg
by Homer
(YOU WILL READ THIS ONLINE, YOU DO NOT NEED TO BUY IT)
 
 

watership sm.jpg
 

START 1/19; COMPLETE BY 2/16
 

 
 
 

sidd sm.jpg
SIDDHARTHA
START 2/16; COMPLETE BY 3/2
 

START 3/2; COMPLETE BY 3/30
 

middlesex.jpg

START 3/30; COMPLETE BY 4/27 

 


SCHEDULE (subject to change)

PART I: Your call to adventure

"The whole sense of the ubiquitous myth of the hero’s passage is that it shall serve as a general pattern for men and women, wherever they may stand along the scale. Therefore it is formulated in the broadest terms. The individual has only to discover his own position with reference to this general human formula, and let it then assist him past his restricting walls. Who and where are his ogres? Those are the reflections of the unsolved enigmas of his own humanity. What are his ideals? Those are the symptoms of his grasp of life."
– (Campbell, 121) 

 

1/19 Week 1a – Course Introduction

 
  • In-class activity: Icebreaker; What is literature? What is a poem?
  • Homework to be completed for 1/21:
    • ****Set up and design your blog. You’ll find a guide to help you by clicking here.
    • Register for our class website (click LOGIN/MEMBER AREA at the top of any page on this site. PLEASE USE THE SAME USERNAME THAT YOU USED FOR YOUR WORDPRESS BLOG – e.g. smithjoannaxfdg). 
    • ACTIVITY: Take the ARCHETYPE TEST and then copy/paste your archetype info into your blog entry, titled "ARCHETPYE TEST #1". Next, write a paragraph or two about this activity and what you think/feel about it.
    • BLOG ENTRY #1: Write a short story (approx 1000 words) about a journey you’ve taken, either physically, emotionally, metaphorically, etc. You might consider the following: Where did you go? What did you learn? Who went with you? What were the challenges you faced, if any? How did you feel when it ended? Remember: You must complete ALL of your blog responses in order to get full points for this portion of the class.
    • Start reading WATERSHIP DOWN.
    • POEM #1: How are you feeling about this class? Create a poem that reflects where you are emotionally or psychologically right now. Post it to your blog and name the type of poem. Use the following websites to help you think about types of poetry:
      TYPES OF POETRY        
      ShadowPoetry
    • DON’T FORGET THE STUDENT SHEET AND CLEAR PLASTIC COVER!
    • DON’T FORGET TO TAKE THE ARCHETYPE (ONLINE) TEST!
    • DON’T FORGET TO MAKE AN ABOUT ME PAGE ON YOUR BLOG AND TO CREATE 5 LINKS!
    • DON’T FORGET TO CREATE A NETFLIX ACCOUNT (or establish alternative method) EITHER INDIVIDUALLY OR WITH A SMALL GROUP OF YOUR CLASSMATES, AND ORDER THIS WEEK’S MOVIE (Star Wars, Episode IV)!
    • Make sure you have the names, emails, phone numbers of at least 4 people in the class who you can contact for info should you be absent. Remember, you must email your instructor and then email a classmate and cc your instructor every time you are absent. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL WORK, EVEN WHEN YOU ARE ABSENT!!!!!!
    • If you haven’t yet, watch The Hero’s Adventure video at the top of this page, read the Harry/Luke summary beneath it, and watch the following; consider what they all have in common:
REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 
1/21 – Week 1b - Course Introduction, "Departures", the origins of myth and story
  • In-class activity: What is a hero? What is an archetype? What is a journey?
  • Consider the following poems by British writer, John Masefield (click me) – "Sea-Fever" – and American writer, Edna St. Vincent Millay (click me) – "Departure" 
  • HERE IS TODAY’s POWERPOINT: The Hero’s Adventure, Week 1
    Sources: History.com, About.com, Mirriam-Webster
  • Homework to be completed by 1/26:

    • CRITICAL RESPONSE #1: First, browse the pages below. In approx 2 pages, define the concept "critical approach" as it relates to analysis of literature, social sciences, research, etc and provide examples, cite your sources  (APA or MLA in-text citations and a Works Cited/Reference list), etc. Next, attempt to critically analyze a story/film/book that you enjoy. Finally, explain why your analysis was critical. Remember: You must pass ALL of your critical responses in order to get full points for this portion of the class.
      CRITICAL APPROACHES (Bedford)
      (More)_CRITICAL APPROACHES TO LITERATURE (Purdue)
    • READING: ARCHETYPES 101; Introduction to THE POWER OF MYTH; A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES
    • Make sure you have the names, emails, phone numbers of at least 4 people in the class who you can contact for info should you be absent. Remember, you must email your instructor and then email a classmate and cc your instructor every time you are absent. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL WORK, EVEN WHEN YOU ARE ABSENT!!!!!! 
    • POEM #2: Consider Frost’s THE ROAD NOT TAKEN (click me) or pg. 49 in your 101 Great American Poems book, and reflect on the beginning of a journey that you’ve taken (e.g., perhaps a time when you left some place old to go to some place new). How were you called to adventure? Create a reflective poem on this theme. Post it to your blog and name the type of poem. Use the following websites to help you think about types of poetry: TYPES OF POETRY ShadowPoetry
    • *Note from your instructor:  Let’s face it, you’re used to taking the easy way out, doing the minimum amount of work, and sliding by. That won’t work here: We cover too much ground.  The only way I know you’re keeping up, especially if you’re a quiet student, is to check your blogs. Therefore, if I check your blogs and see that you’re falling behind, I will email you to check-in. If I have to do this more than once this semester you will lose 20 pts from your final grade each time I contact you about incomplete, unacceptable, or missing work.
    • WATCH: Netflix: Star Wars (Episode IV, A New Hope); Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed, Pt 1

REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 
 

1/26 Week 2a – Archetypes: Understanding characters, understanding ourselves

  • ARCHETYPE PRESENTATION: Created by a teacher from Robeson County Schools, North Carolina; retrieved 9/20/08 from http://www.robeson.k12.nc.us/); Anthropomorphism and the Familiar; the Shadow; and the Monomyth
  • POEM PRESENTATION: Becki
  •  Homework for 2b: 
    • BLOG ENTRY #2: In 3-5 paragraphs, choose one of your favorite works of literature and deconstruct the characters using Pearson’s 12 archetypes from AWAKENING THE HERO’s WITHIN. The reading & activity below will help give you a head start.
    • READING:  STAR WARS ORIGINS (all 3 pages, click "next" at the bottom of each page);  MYTHWEB Background and Books 1-8; THE ODYSSEY (just the first two sections on the origins of mythology and Homer, stop at "Ch. 22"); 
    • POEM #3: Create a poem that reflects your understanding of ‘the shadow side" of your current dominant archetype. Post it to your blog and name the type of poem. REMEMBER THAT YOU MAY NOT REPEAT POETRY TYPES. Use the following websites to help you think about types of poetry:
      TYPES OF POETRY        
      ShadowPoetry
    • READING & ACTIVITY FOR 2/4, start now: AWAKENING THE HEROES WITHIN (ATHW)  (Introduction, How to Use, Part I, & Part II; take the Heroic Myth Index test at the end of the book and fill out the chart at the front of the book – I recommend that you make photocopies of the pages and write on those so that you can come back to the test and chart again later in the semester, complete these readings in ATHW by 2/4); Next, write a paragraph or two about this activity and what you think/feel about it in a blog post titled "ARCHETPYE TEST #2". Feel free to compare this to the test you took earlier online. Why are the results slightly different this time?
    • WATCH: Folkstory.com (watch the video on the homepage with Jonathan Young)

REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 
1/28 Week 2b, Refusing the Call – NO CLASS MEETING TODAY
  • Homework:
    • BLOG ENTRY #3: You’ve been introduced to a shitload of concepts in the last week, try to synthesize (make connections) among all of the following as you understand them today: Poetry, Literature, Hero, Journey, Archetype, Monomyth. Feel free to discuss the results of your Archetype Test or the test itself, reference other literary/cinematic/lyrical works, and use images/video/music to help illustrate your ideas. Use quotes from your readings to help you, and remember to cite your work properly (APA or MLA in-text citations and a Works Cited/Reference list).
    • POEMS #4, #5: Create two poems – one poem will be about a time when you were called to journey but refused, the other about a time when you were called to journey and accepted.  Post them to your blog and name the types of poems. REMEMBER THAT YOU MAY NOT REPEAT POETRY TYPES. Use the following websites to help you think about types of poetry:
      TYPES OF POETRY        
      ShadowPoetry
    • READING: MYTHWEB Books 9-16; THE ODYSSEY Ch. 22; WATERSHIP DOWN
    • WATCH: Netflix: The Wizard of Oz; Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed, Part 2 and Part 3

REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 
 
 
 
2/2 Week 3a – Supernatural Aid
  • We’ll watch excerpts from The Odyssey in class.
  • Homework:
    • PLEASE BRING AWAKENING THE HEROES WITHIN FOR THURSDAY!  
    • BLOG #4: Answer any two of the questions posed in the readings at the end of the chapters in Part II of ATHW. For each question you answer, find a poem in your 101 Great American Poems book that echoes this concept and explain the similarities. Please list the poems’ author, title, and page # from our book. Use quotes from your readings to help you, and remember to cite your work properly (APA or MLA in-text citations and a Works Cited/Reference list).
    • POEM #6: Read the following explanation from MythShow.com, take a look at the links below and then take a stab at the homework on your own:
      "Once on the hero’s journey, the hero will come across some form of supernatural aid.

      Campbell stated: “For those who have not refused the call, the first encounter of the hero-journey is with a protective figure (often a little old crone or old man) who provides the adventurer with amulets against the dragon forces he is about to pass.” (p. 69)

      There are many examples of the protective figure that helps the hero. While the herald who extended the call to adventure may also provide this role, it is not always the case. In Star Wars, Obi-wan Kenobi calls Luke to the adventure AND provides him his father’s lightsaber. However, in the Lord of the Rings, Gandalf was the herald to the adventure, but it was Bilbo who gave Frodo the chain-mail shirt made of the fictional metal “mithril” and the Elven dagger, named “Sting.”

      Other characters that are often found providing this help. Campbell also said:

      “In fairy lore it may be some little fellow of the wood, some wizard, hermit, shepherd, or smith, who appears, to supply the amulets and advice that the hero will require. The higher mythologies develop the role in the great figure of the guide, the teacher, the ferryman, the conductor of souls to the afterworld. In classical myth this is Hermes-Mercury; in Egyptian, usually Thoth (the ibis god, the baboon god); the Christian, the Holy Ghost.” (p. 71-73)

      Now consider these:
      http://youtube.com/watch?v=IvcTI3ctK8o&feature=related
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3FN11Cv4qo
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6Fdzl87RoY

      Consider Hermes’ role in Chapter 10 of the Odyssey.

      Compose a poem that reflects today’s topic, "Supernatural Aid". Post it to your blog and name the type of poem. REMEMBER THAT YOU MAY NOT REPEAT POETRY TYPES. Use the following websites to help you think about types of poetry:
      TYPES OF POETRY  
      ShadowPoetry

    • READING: MYTHWEB Books 17-24; THE ODYSSEY Ch. 23; continue reading WATERSHIP DOWN.
REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!

 

2/4 Week 3b – Reviewing ATHW workbook; The Odyssey
  • We’ll discuss the hero archetypes in ATHW and watch excerpts from The Odyssey in class. 
  • PLEASE BRING AWAKENING THE HEROES
  • Homework:
    • Complete all Poems and Blog entries to get yourself caught up!
    • CRITICAL RESPONSE #2: In approx 2 pages, critically discuss both Star Wars and The Wizard of Oz using everything you’ve learned so far in this course. I expect you to dig deeply, make connections to class literature such as The Odyssey, Watership Down, etc, and wow me with the depth of your analysis. Don’t forget appropriate formatting (APA/MLA/CMS and works cited/references).Name your critical perspective early on (the sites below should help):
    • POEM #7: Compose a poem that reflects the following concept: Limen. Post it to your blog and name the type of poem. REMEMBER THAT YOU MAY NOT REPEAT POETRY TYPES. Use the following websites to help you think about types of poetry:
      TYPES OF POETRY  
      ShadowPoetry
    • READING: Continue reading WATERSHIP DOWN; POWER OF MYTH, Part I – Myth and the Modern World
    • WATCH: Netflix: The Lion King; Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed, Part 4 and Part 5
 
REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 
 

2/9 Week 4a – NO CLASS
  • Homework:

    • BLOG #5: Response to POWER OF MYTH, Part I, 3-5 paragraphs.
    • POEM #8: Look at this image (click me) by American painter, Thomas Cole – "The Voyage of Life: Childhood" – and create e a poem that reflects a time in your life when you crossed a threshold. Make sure to name the type of poem. REMEMBER THAT YOU MAY NOT REPEAT POETRY TYPES. Use the following websites to help you think about types of poetry:
      TYPES OF POETRY        
      ShadowPoetry         
    • READING: ATHW Part III; Chinese Folktale: THE MAGIC BROCADE (pgs 11-16)
REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 
2/11 Week 4b -  The Monomyth: Belly of the Whale

  • In-class activity: Belly of the Whale
  • Homework:

    • BLOG #6: Discuss your understanding of the Belly of the Whale archetype. Make connections back to the Odyssey, Watership Down, and at least one other literary/cinematic/lyrical work. Find a poem in your 101 Great American Poems book that echoes this concept and explain the similarities.  3-5 pargraphs
    • POEM #9: Poem reflecting the Belly of the Whale archetype.  Make sure to name the type of poem. REMEMBER THAT YOU MAY NOT REPEAT POETRY TYPES. Use the following websites to help you think about types of poetry:
      TYPES OF POETRY        
      ShadowPoetry
    • READING: Complete WATERSHIP DOWN & begin SIDDHARTHA for 2/16; ATHW Part III
    • WATCH: Netflix: Kundun; Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed, Part 6 and Part 7
  •  

REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!

 
 

 

2/16 Week 5a – Initiation 
  • In-class activity: Road of Trials
  • Homework:
    • BLOG ENTRY #7: Answer any two of the questions posed in the readings at the end of the chapters in Part III of ATHW. For each question you answer, find a poem in your 101 Great American Poems book that echoes this concept and explain the similarities. Please list the poems’ author, title, and page # from our book. Use quotes from your readings to help you, and remember to cite your work properly (APA or MLA in-text citations and a Works Cited/Reference list).
    • POEM #10: Thinkquest.org writes: "In the new world, the hero must confront a series of challenges and tests to help the hero improve his character and skills to become more self-reliant." Create a poem on this theme. Make sure to name the type of poem. REMEMBER THAT YOU MAY NOT REPEAT POETRY TYPES. Use the following websites to help you think about types of poetry:
      TYPES OF POETRY        
      ShadowPoetry
    • READING: Continue reading Siddhartha; POWER OF MYTH, Part II – The Journey Inward  
    • MIDTERM REFLECTIVE LETTER DUE IN WEEK 7a: Please post it to your blog on its own unique page titled "Letters". You should consider what you’ve accomplished and what you’ve learned; reflect on the course structure, readings, activities, or instructor; state your goals (what you hope to get out of this class, besides a specific grade); or offer feedback/suggestions for improvement in your own performance or your instructor’s. 3-5 paragraphs, or as much as you feel like writing! This is a personal letter written directly to Marlen and should be written as such with an appropriate letter-style opening and closing. 
    • YOUR MIDTERM PAPER WILL BE DUE IN WEEK 7a: Please post your paper to your blog on its own unique page titled "Paper". Write it in Word first and then paste it into your blog. 5-7 pages, APA or MLA formatted, double-spaced. If having trouble with formatting in WordPress, just upload it as a file. If you want only me to see it due to the personal nature of your manuscript, password protect the page and email me the password.
      LATE PAPERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!!!!!!!!!! Your paper may be of any genre (research, critical analysis, persuasive/argumentative/compare & contrast/etc; creative short story; work of epic poetry), must be written work, and will be graded based on the following criteria: 1) Does it address the themes of the course? 2) Does it critically consider the course readings and discussions? 3) Is there clear evidence that the writing is your best effort (free of grammatical/spelling/formatting errors; i.e. the paper is COMPLETLEY without errors)? 4) Does it meet the length requirement? 5) Is your paper free of plagiarism (have you properly used in-text citations, reference/works cited lists, quotes, etc if necessary?) 
 
REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 
2/18 Week 5b – The Monomyth: Stage 2: Initiation
  • In-class activity: Road of Trials
  • Homework:

    • BLOG #8: Response to Power of Myth, Part II
    • POEM #11, #12: The Road of Trials: Consider the challenges in Stage 2 of the monomyth and compose poems (2) on themes of 1) temptation from the path and 2) sticking to your path. Make sure to name the type of poem. REMEMBER THAT YOU MAY NOT REPEAT POETRY TYPES. Use the following websites to help you think about types of poetry:
      TYPES OF POETRY        
      ShadowPoetry
    • READING: Continue Siddhartha, Power of Myth, Part IV – Sacrifice and Bliss;  DECLINE OF THE MUSCIAL COMEDY  (pp. 182-184 only, stop at Teddy and Alice)
    • WATCH: Netflix: Chicago (the musical); Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed Part 8. 
REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 
2/23 Week 6a – INTO THE WOODS
REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 
2/25 Week 6b – INTO THE WOODS

  • Movie
  • Homework: 
    • READING: Complete Siddhartha; Time Magazine on Stephen Sondheim
    • MIDTERM REFLECTIVE LETTER DUE IN WEEK 7a: Please post it to your blog on its own unique page titled "Letters". You should consider what you’ve accomplished and what you’ve learned; reflect on the course structure, readings, activities, or instructor; state your goals (what you hope to get out of this class, besides a specific grade); or offer feedback/suggestions for improvement in your own performance or your instructor’s. 1-2 pages, or as much as you feel like writing! This is a personal letter written directly to Marlen and should be written as such with an appropriate letter-style opening and closing.
    • YOUR MIDTERM PAPER WILL BE DUE IN WEEK 7a: Please post your paper to your blog on its own unique page titled "Paper". Write it in Word first and then paste it into your blog. 5-7 pages, APA or MLA formatted, double-spaced. If having trouble with formatting in WordPress, just upload it as a file. If you want only me to see it, password protect the page and email me the password.
      LATE PAPERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!!!!!!!!!! Your paper will be graded based on the following: 1) Does it address the themes of the course? 2) Does it consider the course readings and discussions? 3) Is there clear evidence that the writing is your best effort (free of grammatical/spelling/formatting errors)? 4) Does it meet the length requirement? 5) Is your paper free of plagiarism (have you properly used in-text citations, reference/works cited lists, quotes, etc?)
    • BLOG #10: 3 questions: 1) Using the monomyth, archetypes, symbolism, imagery, psychology, etc deconstruct the musical Into the Woods  with a focus on at least two of the characters and their respective plot lines. 2) How does music help tell the story of Into the Woods? Be specific and give examples! 3) What lessons does Into the Woods offer its reader/viewer? Find a poem from your 101 Great American Poems book that echoes these themes and discuss the similarities. Be as personal and use as many real life examples as possible. Feel free to incorporate images, music or video.approx 3-6 paragraphs.
    • POEM #14: Free topic!
    • WATCH: Netflix: Persepolis (animated); Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed Part 9 and Part 10
  •  
EMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 

 

3/2 Week7a – The Monomyth: Meeting with the Goddess

  • In-class activity: Discussion of Goddess & Temptress archetypes
  • Homework: 

REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
     
 
 
3/4 Week 7b – The Monomyth: Atonement

 

3/9 & 11 Week 8 – Spring Break! 

  • Homework:
    • BLOG ENTRY #12: Discuss and explain a specific incidence of apotheosis in your own life, 3-5 paragraphs. Find a poem from your 101 Great American Poems book that echoes this and discuss the similarities. Be as personal and use as many real life examples as possible. Feel free to incorporate images, music or video. CITE YOUR SOURCES THAT YOU USED TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND THIS CONCEPT, PLEASE.
    • POEM #17: Create a poem that reflects on the event discussed in Blog #12. REMEMBER THAT YOU MAY NOT REPEAT POETRY TYPES. Use the following websites to help you think about types of poetry:
      TYPES OF POETRY         
      ShadowPoetry
    • READING: Complete SIDDHARTHA; ATHW Part IV; POWER OF MYTH, Part VII – Tales of Love and Marriage; Hollywood’s Transformed Hero: A Countercultural Journey
    • WATCH: The Dot and the Line
REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!

   

 

3/16 Week 9a – The Monomyth: Ultimate Boon

  • In-class activity:
  • Homework: 

    • BLOG ENTRY #13: Heroes of History writes: "With the new knowledge the hero acquired in his apotheosis, he now wishes to share it with the rest of mankind. Usually, the knowledge the hero obtains is related to immortality, where an indestructible life continues after the death of the body." In 3-5 paragraphs discuss the knowledge that you alone have that can be shared with the world. Do you share it? Why or why not? Find a poem from your 101 Great American Poems book that echoes this and discuss the similarities. Be as personal and use as many real life examples as possible. Feel free to incorporate images, music or video.
    • POEM #18: Craft a poem on the theme of "The Ultimtate Boon". Make sure to name the type of poem. REMEMBER THAT YOU MAY NOT REPEAT POETRY TYPES. Use the following websites to help you think about types of poetry:
      TYPES OF POETRY         
      ShadowPoetry
    • READING: The Color Purple; Soul n’Style
REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 
 
3/18 Week 9b – Man and Beast
  • In-class activity: Discussion of Man and Beast; Shadow re-visited
  • Homework: 

  •  
REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
  
 

3/23 – Week 10a – What is feminism? What is feminist literature?

  • In-class activity:
  • Homework: 

    • BLOG #15:  First, who were Emily Dickinson, Pang-Mei Natasha Chang, Simone de Beauvoir, bell hooks, and Ingo Muscio? Be explicit and provide examples and explanations of all 5 women. What do they all have in common? Next, in 2-3 paragraphs, find and summarize at least 3 different documents discussing feminist literature so that anybody could easily understand it. Remember to use proper MLA/APA/CMS formatting for in-text and final references. Lastly, Find a poem from your 101 Great American Poems book that echoes this and discuss the similarities. Be as personal and use as many real life examples as possible. Feel free to incorporate images, music or video. 3-5 paragraphs
    • POEM #20: Find out why Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is considered to be a feminist work and make sure you grasp the main themes of the story. Next, compose a poem that reflects your understanding of the main theme with regards to some event, situation, or relationship in your own life. Make sure to name the type of poem. REMEMBER THAT YOU MAY NOT REPEAT POETRY TYPES. Use the following websites to help you think about types of poetry:
      TYPES OF POETRY         
      ShadowPoetry
    • READING: The Color Purple; 
    • WATCH: In the Time of Celie: Images from the rural South;  The Color Purple: Theatrical Trailer
    • WATCH: Choose one: The Piano (1993, New Zealand); Out of Africa (1985, USA/Africa); Raise the Red Lantern (1991, China); Like Water for Chocolate (1992, Mexico)
REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 
Theremainder of this course will follow adecidedly different approach. Each day you’ll spend the first 30minutes meeting in a different small group. You’ll need to firmlyexplain the stage of the monomyth that we’ll be discussing that day (soknow it before you come to class), decide on a theme for your blogentry for that night, and decide on your themes for your poems for thatnight. You’ll also need to identify quotes, passages, characters,situations, etc from your current and previous readings (and/orliterature that you personally have read) that illustrate the themes ofthat day’s monomythic stage. You must continue to find a poem toincorporate into your blog entry that reflects your topic, but it doesnot have to come from our book 101 Great American Poems. At this point,you may repeat any poetic styles you especially liked. If we don’t have class on a specific day, you and your group are still required to communicate about that day’s themes and readings, and poems and blog assignments.

Each group will have a note-taker who will record the contents of thatday’s discussion. The note-taker will post the notes to  his/her blog for all to reference.

Theramifications of this approach is that you will need to have anunderstanding of that day’s monomythic stage BEFORE you come to class.This approach will help you get to know other people in the classbetter, allow you to more deeply discuss the literature you arereading, and transfer the responsibility for explaining course themesfrom the instructor to the students.  

Additionally, each student must find a poem (whatever that means toyou; an actual poem, a sonnet, song lyrics, an original poem, etc) thatreflects each stage that we’ll discuss. This poem will also be postedon the blog. This poem is separate from the one you will use to accompany your blog entry. You may also bring in images, photos, etc that help youillustrate your understanding of that day’s theme (please also postthese to your blogs).  

 After the small group meeting, we’ll meet as a large group and sharehighlights of our individual group discussions. During this time, yourinstructor will further elaborate on that day’s theme to help clarifyunderstandings of both the literature and theory.

  • Remember to bring a poem that reflects that day’s stage; post it to your blog.
  • Remember to decide on a note-taker.
  • Remember to decide on a blog theme (if assigned).
  • Remember to decide on poetry themes (if assigned).
  • Note-taker: Remember to email post your notes to your blog.
  • Research the monomythic stage or that day’s theme BEFORE coming to class so that you are prepared to discuss it in your group.
  • Remember to discuss specific examples from the literature.

 
3/25- Week 10b NO CLASS

 The Monomyth: The Refusal of the Return 

REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 
   
3/30 Week 11a – Intro to Queer Theory 

REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
    

4/1 Week 11b –  Queer Theory, cont’d

  • Homework:
    • BLOG ENTRY #18: Decide with your group.  3-5 paragraphs
    • POEM #23: Decide with your group. Use the following websites to help you think about types of poetry:
      TYPES OF POETRY         
      ShadowPoetry
    • READING: Middlesex 
    • WATCH: Choose one: Ma Vie en Rose (1997); Billy Elliot (2000); The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994); Henry and June (1990)
REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 
 
4/6 – Week 12a – Applying Literary analysis; tarot cards; bibliotherapy

  • Quiz on last week’s film.
  • Homework: 
  • BLOG ENTRY #19: Decide with your group.  3-5 pargraphs
  • POEM #24: Decide with your group. Use the following websites to help you think about types of poetry:
    TYPES OF POETRY       
    ShadowPoetry
  • READING: Middlesex 
REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 
 
4/8 Week 12b – Flash Fiction & Dreams 
  • Guest speaker: Professor Mindee Lieske, English Dept
  • Homework: 
    • BLOG ENTRY #20: Decide with your group.  3-5 pargraphs
    • POEM #25: Decide with your group. Use the following websites to help you think about types of poetry:
      TYPES OF POETRY         
      ShadowPoetry
    • READING:Middlesex 
    • WATCH: Choose one: Brokeback Mountain (2005); Fire (1996); A Jihad for Love (2007); But I’m a Cheerleader! (1999)
EMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 
 

4/13 Week 13a –The Monomyth: Magic Flight

  • Homework:  
    • Quiz on last week’s film.
    • BLOG #21: Briefly describe what you will do for your final project, who you will work with, how it summarizes your learning in this course, etc.
    • POEM #26:
    • READING:Middlesex 
REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 
4/15 Week 13b –The Monomyth: Rescue from Without

  • LYRICS PROJECT!!!
  • Homework: 
    • BLOG #22:
    • POEM #27:
    • READING:Middlesex 
      WATCH: Choose one: Tootsie (1982); Transamerica (2005); Boy Don’t Cry (1993); Orlando (1992)
REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 
 
 
4/20 Week 14a – The Monomyth: Crossing of the Return Threshold  
  • Quiz on last week’s film.
  • Homework: 
EMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS! 
    
4/22 Week 14b – The Monomyth: Master of Two Worlds  

  • Homework:
    • BLOG #24
    • POEM # 29: Decide with your group
      TYPES OF POETRY         
      ShadowPoetry
    • READING: Middlesex; Power of Myth, Chapter V
    • WATCH: Choose One: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Taiwan, 2000); Departures (Japan, 2008); Apocalypto (Mexico/USA, 2006); Elizabeth (England, 1998)
REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!
 
 
 
4/27 Week 15a – Middlesex; poetry books (review)
  • In-class activity:
  • Homework: 
    • BLOG ENTRY # 25: Decide with your group
    • POEM #30: Decide with your group. Use the following websites to help you think about types of poetry:
      TYPES OF POETRY         
      ShadowPoetry
    • READING: Finish Middlesex; Power of Myth Chapter III
REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS!   
 
 
4/29 Week 15b – Wrap-up and review
  • Homework: 
    • Final Reflective Letter
    • Presentations
    • All blog entries completed
    • Poetry book due
    • READING: MIDDLESEX
REMEMBER THAT YOU COULD HAVE A TEST AT ANY TIME! FAILING OR MISSING 3 OR MORE TESTS WILL RESULT IN A FULL LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FINAL GRADE IN THIS CLASS! 
  

 

5/4 Week 16a - FINAL CLASS DURING SCHEDULED FINAL EXAM TIME; PRESENTATIONS and POETRY BOOKS 

 

 

USEFUL LINKS
 

GENERAL
THE ODYSSEY
WATERSHIP DOWN

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