GHUM200: GREAT WORKS (Speculative Fiction)

Description: In this course we will focus on a humanistic examination of some major philosophical and social themes in speculative fiction. However, in reading and discussing this diverse group of interesting and unusual literary works, both modern and historical, that may be categorized as "speculative," we will also be led to consider the cultural factors that influence ideas about genre, "greatness," and canonicity in the humanities. More generally, we'll challenge our own first responses to readings and hone our ability to evaluate literature and its potential as a gateway to new ideas and insights. We'll explore some connections between literature and other creative works. Finally, through all of these efforts, we'll work on improving our basic ability to approach ANY text (ie. not just "literature") and, in fact, any communicative act critically, developing basic vocabulary and skills in the techniques of textual analysis.

Required novels, including ISBN numbers: (Note -- If you choose to get these books from somewhere other than the JMU bookstore, you may feel free to use other editions of any book except Frankenstein. Just watch for page number differences.)
Bryant, Dorothy. The Kin of Ata are Waiting For You. Random House, ISBN 0679778438
Card, Orson Scott. Ender's Game. Mass Market Paperback, ISBN 0812589041.
Irving, John. A Prayer for Owen Meany. Mass Market Paperback (Random House), ISBN 0345361792
McCarthy, Cormac. The Road. Vintage Books, ISBN 978-0-307-27792-3 .
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Bantam Books, ISBN 0553212478.
Stephenson, Neal (1992). Snow Crash. New York, NY: Bantam Doubleday Dell, ISBN 0553380958.

Recommended references:
A good, comprehensive dictionary-- You'll be expected to look up the meaning of any words in our reading with which you are unfamiliar!) (There is a link to the OED online at the bottom of this webpage.)
A writing guide such as the MLA Handbook that includes citation guidelines. (There is also a link at the bottom of this webpage to the JMU library's page with a few MLA citation style examples.)

Additional required readings:
Short stories and supplemental materials will be made available online on Blackboard (under the course documents heading for our course) and/or distributed in class. Check the "readings" section of the syllabus regularly for new readings .

Work and Grading:class participation (4%), Ungraded Assignments(10%), Graded assignment(s)(6%), Two 1600-word papers(20% each), midterm (20%), Final (20%). All work must be submitted on time and in-class unless I give you permission for late submission or for an alternative submission method. (You must make requests in advance when at all possible and as soon as possible in other, extraordinary circumstances). At-home assignments, depending on their size, will be announced at least one class period before they are due and posted as links at the bottom of this webpage no later than the evening of that same day. Note that links are named and ordered by the date they are due. If you miss a class, you are responsible for checking these links and doing any assignment due the next class period. Most assignments will be "ungraded," and some of these will be in-class assignments, which may not be announced in advance. Make-up assignments for these in-class assignments will only be made available, at my discretion, for excusable absences. "Ungraded" assignments are graded only as an acceptable effort (full credit) or an unacceptable effort (no credit). In other words, you won't be penalized for incorrect information, although you must (of course!) make an honest attempt at all parts of the assignment to get credit. All assignments must be typed unless otherwise specified. You may skip one ungraded assignment without affecting your grade, except those assignments related to paper writing or otherwise described as required. Assignments are worth 12% of the total grade for the course. Class participation is worth 4%, and a good participation grade requires advance reading of materials to be covered, and overall preparation and willingness to ask and answer questions and to contribute to other class activities. Note: Of course, all your work for this course is subject to the JMU Honor Code. If you are not very familiar with the details of this code, you should review it before any assignments are due. I take plagiarism cases very seriously (a student can fail the course for plagiarism, even as a first offense, and stronger penalties may be imposed by the university for second offenses), and if you have any questions about what constitutes plagiarism or about other aspects of the honor code, you should see me for clarification.

Daily Schedule: This is a tentative schedule for what will be discussed in each class period, for when papers will be due, and for when exams will be given. You should have readings done BEFORE the class date on which they will be discussed. The topics listed are designed to give you perspective for your reading and to help begin class discussions. Topics, short story choices, supplemental readings, and paper and exam dates may be modified to support the direction and duration of class discussions, so check this schedule frequently. (Schedule changes may also need to be made for snow days or other unforeseen events.) Links to smaller assignments, with their due dates, will be posted below this schedule throughout the semester.

Look Here for At-Home Assignments and Information:

• Due 1/14/09
• Due 1/21/09 (Wednesday)
Assignment 3 in-class Friday, 1/23
• Due 1/26/09
Assignment 5 in-class Monday, 2/2 - to be submitted 2/4
• Due 2/4/09
• Work starts in class 2/9 and is due 2/11/09
• Due 2/11/09 NOT OPTIONAL - This assignment is a necessary step before submitting your first paper
Assignment 10 in-class, on "Rappaccini's Daughter"
Assignment 11 in-class, on "Driftglass"
• Due 3/25/09 (Reminder - optional "targeted re-writes are also due at this time.)
• Due 4/1/09
Assignment 14 in-class 4/6, on The Kin of Ata are Waiting for You
• Due 4/17/09 NOT OPTIONAL - This assignment is a necessary step before submitting your second paper

Information on presentation groups for A Prayer for Owen Meany can be found here: Presentations
LOOK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON TOPICS AND GUIDELINES FOR THE FIRST PAPER: First Paper Topics and Guidelines

EXTRA CREDIT OPTIONS FOR THE MIDTERM: MIDTERM XC Options
LOOK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON TOPICS AND GUIDELINES FOR THE SECOND: SECOND PAPER Topics and Guidelines

EXTRA CREDIT OPTIONS FOR THE Final: FINAL XC Options