English 2367.02: Literatures in the U.S. Experience
20th and 21st Century American Gothic
Meets MWF 12:40-1:35 | Denney Hall 245
Syllabus
Kate Novotny | [email protected]
Office Hours: Mon. and Fri. 1:30-3:00 pm or by appointment | Denney Hall 407
Course Description
2367.02 is a second-level composition course with a literature focus. The purpose of this course is
to continue to develop the skills and habits of thought you need to be a successful writer in
college. Such skills include analyzing complex sources, conducting academic research,
integrating the ideas of others with your own ideas, understanding the structure of written
compositions, and using appropriate conventions and style for a giving writing situation. Habits of
thought such as valuing complexity, accepting ambiguity, and keeping an open and curious mind
are equally critical for writing strong papers.
While the skills we practice in this class will help you be successful in all kinds of college-level
composition, writing doesn’t happen in a vacuum—you’re always writing about some subject, and
you’re always writing in a particular context. So, in this class, the subject you’ll be writing about is
twentieth and twenty-first century American Gothic literature (our definition of “literature” will
include movies, TV, and comics as well as traditional print texts). The context you’ll be writing in
is English studies. In other words, I will teach you the conventions of thought, research, and
writing that are standard within the discipline of English—and, of course, we’ll talk about how
these conventions can be transferred or modified when writing in different academic disciplines,
professional settings, etc.
The TV shows Supernatural and True Blood, the stories of Edgar Allen Poe, the Twilight and Harry
Potter series, Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter, and most movies directed by Tim Burton are
examples the literary genre called the Gothic. While the Gothic has many recognizable
elements—fear, monsters, ruined castles, the supernatural, etc.—it’s hard to give a simple, solid
definition of the genre, because at its heart the Gothic is associated with uncertainty and boundary
crossing. Gothic literature tends to challenge normal categories by creating characters, settings, or
events that exist in the gray areas between two seemingly opposite groups (i.e. human/inhuman,
living/dead, familiar/unfamiliar, holy/demonic, self/other). In rejecting standard categories, Gothic
texts almost always act as social commentary about the culture that creates them. Although it
might initially seem that Gothic literature isn’t serious because it’s so wild, over-the-top, and
implausible, authors use the outrageous elements of the Gothic as metaphors for the troubles and
anxieties of their day. Therefore, looking at American Gothic texts will allow us to discuss the
conflicts, fears, and worries of the US and its residents over the past century.
GEC Requirements
As a second-level writing course at OSU, English 2367 fulfills the following GEC categories:
Writing and Communication coursework develops students' skills in written communication and
expression, reading, critical thinking, and oral expression, and visual expression.
Level Two (2367) courses have the following Expected Learning Outcomes:
1. Through critical analysis, discussion, and writing, students demonstrate the ability to read
carefully and express ideas effectively.
2. Students apply written, oral, and visual communication skills and conventions of academic
discourse to the challenges of a specific discipline.
3. Students access and use information critically and analytically
Diversity coursework foster students' understanding of the pluralistic nature of institutions, society,
and culture in the United States and across the world in order to become educated, productive, and
principled citizens.
Social Diversity in the United States courses have the following Expected Learning Outcomes:
1. Students describe and evaluate the roles of such categories as race, gender and sexuality,
disability, class, ethnicity, and religion in the pluralistic institutions and cultures of the United
States.
2. Students recognize the role of social diversity in shaping their own attitudes and values
regarding appreciation, tolerance, and equality of others.
Required Materials
Graff, Gerald and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say/I Say: The Moves that Matter in Academic
Writing. 2nd Edition. New York: W. W. Norton and Company, 2010.
Additional readings posted to Carmen site
Please Note: You will need to have access to all assigned readings during each class
meeting, either in hard copy or digitally. Failure to bring required materials restricts your
ability to participate fully in class, and may be treated as an absence.
Course Requirements
Literary Analysis Paper…………………………………………………………………….. 25%
Part A) Exploring Interpretations
10%
Part B) Expanding Interpretations
15%
Analytical Research Paper…………………………………………………………………. 35%
Research proposal
5%
First Draft
10%
Final Draft
20%
Unexpected Gothic Presentation………………………………………………………….. 15%
Response Assignments …….……………………………………….................................. 10%
Participation……………………………………………………………………………….... 15%
Reading questions
5%
Office hours
5%
Engagement in class 5%
Course Policies
Attendance Policy
• You are allowed three unexcused absences. Each unexcused absence after the first
three will result in the lowering of your final grade by a third of a grade (i.e. a B
becomes a B-).
• Excused absences, such as those for documented illness, family emergency, religious
observance, or travel for inter-collegiate athletics, will not affect your grade. It is your
•
•
responsibility to contact your instructor as soon as possible if you miss class.
Seven unexcused absences will automatically result in failure for the course.
Tardiness is disruptive, and affects your ability to learn. Being late to class will affect
your participation grade.
Email Policy
• Email is my primary method of communication with you outside of class. I expect you
to check your email at least once every 24 hours, including weekends. You will be
held responsible for information that has been sent via email within this time frame.
• Email is the most reliable way to contact me. I will check my email at least once every
24 hours (probably more like once every half hour, but that’s not a promise). Please
feel free to contact me at any time with questions or concerns.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the unauthorized use of the words or ideas of another person. It is a
serious academic offense that can result in referral to the Committee on Academic
Misconduct and failure for the course. Faculty Rule 3335-5-487 states, “It is the
responsibility of the Committee on Academic Misconduct to investigate or establish
procedures for the investigation of all reported cases of student academic
misconduct. The term ‘academic misconduct’ includes all forms of student
academic misconduct wherever committed; illustrated by, but not limited to, cases
of plagiarism and dishonest practices in connection with examinations. Instructors
shall report all instances of alleged academic misconduct to the committee.” In
addition, it is a violation of the student code of conduct to submit without the
permission of the instructors work for one course that has also been submitted in
fulfillment of the requirements of another course. For additional information, see
the Code of Student Conduct.
In short, plagiarism is an unpleasant experience for everyone, and can have very
serious consequences. Please talk to me if you have any questions about what
constitutes plagiarism.
Late Work Policy
• Late submission of an assignment will result in the deduction of one full letter grade for
each day past the due date (i.e. a B+ becomes a C+).
• The grade will not be affected when an assignment is late for reasons that would result
in an excused absence. It is your responsibility to contact your instructor about
extensions on assignments. If you fail to do so, your grade will be affected.
Class Cancellation Policy
If class is cancelled due to emergency, I will contact you via email and request that a
note be placed on the classroom door. In addition, I will contact you as soon as
possible following the cancellation to let you know what will be expected of you for
our next class meeting.
Class Conduct Policy
• All of us—students and instructors—have a right to contribute and learn in a secure
environment. Accordingly, I will enforce a zero-tolerance policy toward disrespectful
comments or actions. Those behaving disrespectfully will be asked to leave, be marked
absent for the day, and should be aware that additional disciplinary actions may be
taken.
• Disrespectful use of technology disrupts your instructor’s ability to teach, your
classmates’ ability to concentrate, and your ability to succeed in the course. Please
turn off your cellphones and restrict computer use to course-related activities. Failure
to do so will affect your participation grade.
Resources
Ombudsman of the Writing Programs
The Ombudsman of the Writing Programs, Matthew M. Cariello, mediates conflicts
between instructors and students in Writing Programs courses. His autumn 2012
office hours in Denney Hall 441 are Monday 1-3, and by appointment. Phone 2925778; email [email protected]. All conversations with the Ombudsman are
confidential.
OSU Writing Center
The Writing Center is available to provide free, professional writing tutoring and
consultation. You may set up an appointment by visiting
http://cstw.osu.edu/writingcenter.
Students with disabilities that have been certified by the Office for
Disability Services will be appropriately accommodated and should
inform the instructor as soon as possible of their needs. The ODS is
located in 150 Pomerene Hall, 1760 Neil Avenue; telephone 2923307, TDD 292-0901; http://www.ods.ohio-state.edu/
Schedule
W
22 August
F
24 August
M
27 August
W
29 August
F
31 August
Topics: Introduction to the course
Reading Due: Introduction to They Say/I Say (1-14)
Writing Due:
Topics: Introduction to the Gothic: our fears
Reading Due: They Say/I Say Ch. 11 (141-144), Oates, “Hand-puppet”
[Carmen]
Writing Due: Reading questions for “The Hand-puppet,” First-Day
Writing in Carmen dropbox by midnight
Topics: Literary analysis I
Reading Due: “Notice and Focus” [Carmen]
Writing Due:
Topics: Monsters
Reading Due: View scenes from Dawn of the Dead (1974) [link on
Carmen], Read Carter, "Lady of the House of Love" [Carmen]
Writing Due: Viewing questions for Dawn of the Dead and reading
questions for “The Lady of the House of Love”
Topics: Literary analysis II
Reading Due: “The Method” [Carmen]
Writing Due: Response Assignment #1due in Carmen dropbox by
midnight
M
Labor Day
No Class
3 September
W
5 September
F
7 September
M
10 September
W
12 September
Topics: Gothic tone, ambiguity
Reading Due: “It’s Chip” [Carmen], “Bad Friends” [Carmen]
Writing Due: Reading questions for “It’s Chip” and “Bad Friends”
Topics: Introducing the first assignment, driving questions
Reading Due:
Writing Due: Response Assignment #2 in Carmen dropbox by midnight
Topics Textual evidence, claims vs. evidence
Reading Due:
Writing Due:
Topics: Thesis statements
Reading Due:
Writing Due:
F
14 September
M
17 September
W
19 September
F
21 September
M
24 September
W
26 September
F
28 September
M
1 October
W
3 October
F
5 October
M
8 October
Topics: Gothic film, the ghost story
Reading Due: View The Others*
Writing Due: Viewing questions for The Others, Literary Analysis Part A
due in Carmen dropbox by midnight
Topics: Psychological Gothic
Reading Due: Hernandez, “Flies on the Ceiling” [Carmen]
Writing Due: Reading questions for “Flies on the Ceiling”
Topics: Paragraph structure
Reading Due: They Say, I Say Ch. 8 (105-120)
Writing Due:
Topics: Writing conclusions
Reading Due: They Say, I Say Ch. 7 (92-101)
Writing Due:
Topics: The Other, doubling, race and the Gothic
Reading Due: Lovecraft, “The Dunwich Horror”
Writing Due: Reading questions for “The Dunwich Horror”
Topics: Intro to research assignment, research paper structures
Reading Due: They Say I Say Ch. 1 (19-29)
Writing Due:
Topics: Finding secondary sources, library field trip
Reading Due:
Writing Due: Literary Analysis Part B due in Carmen dropbox by
midnight
Topics: The Gothic heroine
Reading Due: Watch "Hush" (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, season 4,
episode 10)**
Writing Due: Viewing questions for "Hush,"
Topics: Thinking with secondary sources I: how to respond
Reading Due: They Say, I Say Ch. 4 (55-67)
Writing Due: Response Assignment #3 due (bring book to class)
Topics: Thinking with secondary sources II: practice
Reading Due: They Say, I Say Ch. 12 (read this first!!), Skwire, “Whose
Side Are You on, Anyway?” [Carmen]
Writing Due:
Topics: History and horror, mothers and children (again)
Reading Due: Excerpts from Morrison, Beloved [Carmen],
Writing Due: Reading questions for Beloved
W
10 October
F
12 October
M
15 October
W
17 October
F
19 October
M
22 October
W
24 October
F
26 October
M
29 October
W
31 October
F
2 November
M
5 November
Topics: Writing with secondary sources I: mechanics
Reading Due: They Say I Say Ch. 2 and 3 (30-51)
Writing Due:
Topics: TBA
Reading Due:
Writing Due: Research Proposal due in Carmen dropbox by midnight
Topics: Writing with secondary sources II: practice
Reading Due: They Say/I Say Ch. 5 (68-77)
Writing Due:
Topics: Introducing complication
Reading Due: They Say/I Say Ch. 6 (78-91)
Writing Due:
Topics: In-class workshop I: bring laptop or printout of your work so far
Reading Due:
Writing Due:
Topics: Metacommentary: being clear
Reading Due: They Say/I Say Ch. 10 (129-138)
Writing Due:
Topics: In-class workshop II: bring laptop or printout of your work so far
Reading Due:
Writing Due:
Topics: Revision vs. editing, revision strategies
Reading Due:
Writing Due: Research Paper First Draft due in Carmen dropbox by
midnight
Topics: TBA
Reading Due:
Writing Due:
Topics: TBA
Reading Due:
Writing Due:
One-onone
meetings
Mon-Wed!
Topics: Peer review: bring 2 printed copies of your most up-to-date draft
Reading Due:
Writing Due:
Topics: Intro to Unexpected Gothic, visual rhetoric
Reading Due: Visual rhetoric PowerPoint and script from Purdue OWL
Writing Due:
W
7 November
F
9 November
M
12 November
W
14 November
F
16 November
M
19 November
W
21 November
F
23 November
M
26 November
W
28 November
F
30 November
Topics: Practicing visual rhetoric, reviewing Gothic elements
Reading Due:
Writing Due:
Topics: TBA
Reading Due:
Writing Due: Research Paper Final Draft due in Carmen dropbox by
midnight
Veterans Day
No Class
Topics: Writing in other disciplines I
Reading Due: They Say/I Say Ch. 13 (156-1174)
Writing Due:
Topics: Writing in other disciplines II
Reading Due: They Say/ I Say Ch. 14 (175-192)
Writing Due:
Topics: TBA
Reading Due:
Writing Due: Unexpected Gothic PowerPoint and Script due in Carmen
dropbox by midnight.
Thanksgiving Break
No Class
Thanksgiving Break
No Class
Topics: Unexpected Gothic Presentations I
Reading Due:
Writing Due:
Topics: Unexpected Gothic Presentations II
Reading Due:
Writing Due:
Topics: Unexpected Gothic Presentations III
Reading Due:
Writing Due:
M
3 December
Topics: Evaluations, Celebration
Reading Due:
Writing Due:
* The Others is available for streaming through the OSU Secured Media Library [link on
Carmen], on Hulu Plus, and on reserve at Thompson Library.
** “Hush” is streaming on Netflix Instant Play, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime Instant Video,
available for purchase on Amazon.com ($1.99) and iTunes (($1.99), and on reserve at
Thompson Library.