ENG 603-103-MQ: Monster Making Section 25 (Tuesday/Friday)

TERM: [Fall/2022] INSTRUCTOR(S): Matthew Vann /B-211

PONDERATION: 2 hours of theoretical work
2 hours of practical work
3 hours of homework
DISCIPLINE: English
COURSE CREDIT: 2.33
PREREQUISITES: 603-101-MQ
603-102-MQ
OFFICE HOURS: Office hours will be posted
on Omnivox and your
Teacher’s office door at the
beginning of the term.

COURSE CODE(S) AND MESRS OBJECTIVES

General Education, registered in 603-103-MQ

4EA2. To apply a critical approach to a literary theme

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

Elements of Competency and Performance Criteria

1. To recognize the treatment of a theme within a literary text:

 Clear recognition of elements within the text, which define and reinforce a theme and its
development
 Adequate demonstration of the effects of significant literary and rhetorical devices

2. To situate a literary text within its cultural context:

 Appropriate recognition of a text as an expression of cultural context
 Adequate demonstration of the effects of significant literary and rhetorical devices

3. To detect the value system inherent in a literary text:

 Appropriate identification of expression (explicit / implicit) of a value system in a text

4. To explicate a discourse from a thematic perspective:

 Appropriate choice and use of terminology

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  Effective presentation of a 1000-word integrated response to a text

5. To edit the discourse:

 Appropriate use of revision strategies
 Accurate correction of the discourse

REQUIRED TEXT(S) / MATERIALS

1. Monster Making Coursepack (May be purchased through Eastman systems using the following
link)

https://epacks.eastman.ca/collections/marianopolis/products/603-103-mq-monster-making-matthew-
vann

Supplemental Texts

2. Throughout the term, supplemental readings will be distributed in class or posted on LEA.

DICTIONARIES

Although dictionaries are not required texts, the Oxford Canadian Dictionary of Current English (ISBN:
9780195422832) has been determined as an appropriate dictionary and valuable resource for college-
level English.

Guideline for Academic Papers

Students should use the guidelines established by the Modern Language Association (MLA) when
writing academic papers. A hardcopy of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers can be
found in the library.

For more information on citation styles, consult the Marianopolis Library’s citation style links under the
“Citation and Research Help” heading on http://www.marianopolis.edu/campus-life/library/.

COURSE CONTENT AND METHODOLOGY

Monsters weave their way through the myths, legends, folklore, popular
entertainment, and imaginations of every culture throughout history, giving
substance and shape to collective values, fears, and neuroses. Likewise, the
creation of monsters by human hands is itself a foundational trope. The
lineage of “manufactured monsters” extends from the artificial being Talos in
Hellenistic myth, to the Golem of Prague, brought to life by kabbalistic magic,
to human beings mutilated by chance or human action, to machine men and
Frankenstein's creation, endowed with life through the application of novel
scientific and technological developments. This course will explore the ways in
which individuals and whole societies have “manufactured monsters” in myth and
fiction, as we apply a wide variety of theoretical readings to primary sources from
multiple cultures and time periods. After examining depictions of abject and

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abnormal creatures, we will be able to interrogate the literal process of “monster
making” - the production of aberrant beings by fictional scientists, madmen, artists,
and other monsters.

A variety of methodologies will be used in the course:

1. Lectures, sometimes accompanied by PowerPoint and multi-media, will introduce students to

the terms and relevant background necessary for a literary analysis of the work being studied.
This information will form the basis of class and group discussions.

2. Guided class discussions, small-group discussions, group work, and oral presentations will
encourage students to explore the ideas and questions raised by the assigned readings and by
lecture material. This time may also be used to ask questions, make observations, exchange
ideas, and debate different points of view with other students in a respectful environment.

3. Writing workshops will allow students to focus on work in progress as well as to receive
feedback from the instructor.

4. Rubrics and checklists will provide students with revision strategies needed to complete major
writing assignments.

5. Consultations during office hours will permit students to work one-on-one with the instructor
to clarify understanding, get feedback on work in progress, and to address specific areas for
improvement.

EVALUATION

Due Date /Due Week Type Value

Throughout the POP QUIZZES: 10% (2%
Semester In Class each on five
Six in-class pop quizzes on assigned readings will be out of six
At least one quiz will be administered throughout the term, assessing your quizzes)
graded and returned by understanding and retention of factual information related to
week 5 texts' narratives, characters, and/or settings. Quizzes will be
administered without warning at the beginning of six randomly-
selected classes. They will consist of fact-based questions which
relate only to the text(s) that are to be discussed during the
class in which the quiz is administered.

The lowest quiz grade will be dropped.

Note: students who miss a quiz without presenting a valid

excuse will receive a grade of zero on that quiz. Students who
have discussed an expected absence with the instructor
previously, or who provide a valid explanation for the absence
within 24 hours of the class, and submit appropriate medical or
police documentation, will be given the chance to make up the
grade at a later date.
Throughout the IN-CLASS WORK 10%

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 Semester In Class Throughout the term, a variety of in-class writing tasks will be
assigned which will involve, among other activities, composing
At least one piece of in outlines, writing introduction and body paragraphs, editing
class work will be exemplars for syntax and grammar, evaluating sample essays,
graded and returned by and responding to discussion and analysis questions on course
week 5 texts.

Writing exercises will be assigned in the majority of classes. You

must attend the synchronous classes in order to complete these
assignments.

Note: students who are absent when a graded piece of in-class

work is assigned and collected will receive a grade of zero.
Students who have discussed an expected absence with the
instructor previously, or who provide a valid explanation for the
absence within 24 hours of the class, and submit appropriate
medical or police documentation, will be given the chance to
make up the grade at a later date.
November 1 – In Class Group Section Analysis of Nadelman's God 5% (2.5%
Written;
This assessment will assign short sections of the text 2.5% Oral)
Nadelman's God to teams of students who will be responsible
for employing the techniques of close reading that have been
discussed throughout the term to develop a written analysis of
the section and presenting their observations and conclusions
to the whole class.

Application of course theory to the assigned section is also

welcome.

The total expected word count for the written component will
be approximately 400 words.

October 3 & 6 – In Class Simulated English Exit Exam: This 600-750 word cold-reading 15%
essay assignment will require students to develop a thematic
argument on a text that has not been discussed in class,
generating an introduction, two to three body paragraphs, and
a conclusion in the allotted time.

Students will have a choice between two short stories that they
have not studied previously.

No guiding questions will be provided.

November 7 – In Class In-Class Test 25%

This test will consist of a series of questions on key terms and

ideas developed in, and explored through, course texts studied
throughout the term. The test, which will assess both your
writing ability and knowledge of the genre, will include two
sections: short answer questions and paragraph development

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 exercises.

The latter will require the development of full paragraph

responses to more involved and lengthy questions related to
course texts and concepts. Total expected word count for all
questions on this test is approximately 750 words.

Final Essay – In Class* 35%

In an in-class essay of 1000-1250 words, you will analyze one or

more texts covered in the course, while integrating secondary
sources, in response to one of several essay questions to be
supplied by the instructor.

You will need to develop a valid thesis and support that

argument through the rigorous use of textual evidence.

• Evaluation(s) marked with an asterisk (*) constitute the final evaluation.

For further information about evaluation, please consult the Institutional Policy for the Evaluation of
Student Achievement (IPESA) and the Language Policy available at www.marianopolis.edu/policies.

READING SCHEDULE

Class 1 (August 18) – Introductions & Discussion of the English Exit Exam

Class 2 (August 22) – Where the Wild Things Are (You may bring your laptop/cell phone to class
in order to review the online version of this text)

Class 3 (August 25) – Paradoxes of the Heart by Carroll and “Major Themes in Gothic Literature”
by Vann (Coursepack)

Class 4 (August 29) – Beowulf (Coursepack)

Class 5 (September 1) – Beowulf

Class 6 (September 5) – Beowulf

Class 7 (September 8) – “Dagon” by H. P. Lovecraft and "Introduction to Religion and its

Monsters" by Timothy Beal (Coursepack)

Class 8 (September 12) – “Dagon” by H. P. Lovecraft

Class 9 (September 15) – Chapter 10 of The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde &
Theory

Class 10 (September 19) – “Approaching Abjection” by Kristeva (coursepack) – This reading is

rife with poetic language and jargon. If you do not understand all aspects of the work, do not
worry. Try to come to class with a general sense of her ideas.

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 Class 11 (September 22) – Chapter 14 of The Island of Dr. Moreau (Coursepack)

Class 12 (September 26) – Chapter 14 of The Island of Dr. Moreau (Coursepack)

Class 13 (September 29) – Preparation for Mock Exit Exam

Class 14 (October 3) – Mock Exit Exam Essay

Class 15 (October 6) – Mock Exit Exam Essay

Class 16 (October 13) – Gojira (Film screened in class)

Class 17 (October 17) – Gojira (Quiz and discussion of film)

Class 18 (October 20) – Nadleman's God pages 177-208 (Coursepack)

Class 19 (October 24) – Nadleman's God pages 208 - 229

Class 20 (October 27) – Nadleman's God pages 229 - End

Class 21 (October 31) – Nadleman's God pages 229 - End

Class 22 (November 3) – In-Class Test Review

Class 23 (November 7) – In-Class Test

Class 24 (November 10) – The Joker (Film screened in class)

Class 25 (November 14) – The Joker

Class 26 (November 17) – Hell Screen by Rynosuke Akutagawa

Class 27 (November 21) – Hell Screen by Rynosuke Akutagawa

Class 28 (November 24) – Preparatory Period for the Final Essay

Class 29 (November 28) – Final Essay (In-Class)

Class 30 (December 1) – Final Essay (In Class)

COLLEGE POLICIES

Institutional Policy on the Evaluation of Student Achievement (IPESA)

The Institutional Policy on the Evaluation of Student Achievement (IPESA) reflects the College’s
philosophy on education and guides the assessment of student achievement by way of progressive and
systematic evaluation. This policy describes the goals and objectives of such evaluation, documents the
means taken to arrive at comprehensive and fair evaluation, and establishes the rights and sharing of
responsibilities for all participants. All students and faculty, administration and staff members are
responsible for knowing the provisions of the policy.

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The Marianopolis IPESA is available online: www.marianopolis.edu/ipesa

Language Policy
The Marianopolis graduate shall be prepared to bring the powers of thought and language not only to
the challenge of academic studies but also to that of personal and public leadership in the
contemporary world. In all course activities, attention shall be paid to the structure of thought and the
language characteristic of the discipline; to reinforcing and integrating the language objectives of the
different programs; and to the criteria of the ministerial exit examination in language: comprehension
and insight, organization of response, and expression. High standards in the quality of written and
spoken language shall be maintained.

The Marianopolis Language Policy is available online: www.marianopolis.edu/language-policy

Student Code of Conduct

This document outlines expectations for Student behaviour.
The Marianopolis Student Code of Conduct is available in your Student Agenda and online:
www.marianopolis.edu/student-code-of-conduct

Academic Integrity
In keeping with the principles of fairness and honesty and consistent with the standards upheld by
institutions of higher learning, the College is committed to promoting and protecting academic
integrity. Students are expected to properly acknowledge any other person’s contribution to their
work, when such contributions are permitted, in conformity with the guidelines provided by the
teacher.

Cheating is a serious academic offence. Cheating means any dishonest or deceptive practice. It
includes, but is not restricted to, making use or being in possession of unauthorized material, obtaining
or providing unauthorized assistance for any submitted work, false claims about the submission of
work, disobeying the College’s Examination Rules, plagiarism, or attempting to do any of the above.

Plagiarism occurs when a student presents or submits the work of another, in whole or in part, as his or
her own. It includes but is not limited to using material or ideas from any source that is not cited,
submitting someone else’s paper as one’s own, receiving assistance from tutors, family, or friends that
calls the originality of the work into question.

Suspected instances of cheating and plagiarism will be reported to the Associate Dean, Student
Success and the Department Chair. The penalty shall be decided by the Associate Dean, Student
Success and may include, but is not limited to, a grade of zero on the plagiarized work; a grade of zero
in the course; and/or expulsion from the College. Any judgment resulting in this grade or penalty is
final; associated work is excluded from any grade appeal, and no assignment may replace such work.
Regulations related to cheating and plagiarism are available online in the Marianopolis IPESA:
www.marianopolis.edu/ipesa Section 4, page 14.

Copyrighted Material
Any digital files of print copyrighted material, (including selections from books, journals, magazines,
newspapers, or other print copyrighted sources), shared by the teacher to the students in this course
are intended for the student’s personal use only. The student is permitted to make a single print copy
of the digital file. The student may not share the digital files with anyone outside this course.

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POLICIES SPECIFIC TO THIS COURSE

Regular attendance is required throughout the term. Missing classes affects a student’s ability to
succeed. As a consequence, a student's chances of failing a course increase in direct proportion to the
number of classes missed. While absent, students are responsible for staying up to date in their
coursework. Students who will be absent from classes for religious reasons must inform their teachers,
in writing at the beginning of the semester, of the dates of these holidays. In the case of extended
absences, students must inform the Academic Dean's office.

Students may be asked to produce writing samples throughout the semester in order to establish the
baseline quality of their writing and to discourage ghost writing. Failure to produce such writing
samples when called upon to do so will result in the student being debarred from submitting
subsequent assignments in the course.

Students are expected to arrive to class on time.

Save in cases of emergency, students are not permitted to leave class while the professor is lecturing.

Cell phones are not permitted. They should be turned off or set to “silent” and placed within your bag.

Students are expected to bring copies of the course pack or play being studied to every class.

Students must keep copies of assignments, both before and after they are returned, as well as of all
process work.

Disruptive behaviour, chatting, and sexist, racist, homophobic, or other disrespectful actions or speech
interfere with other students’ learning and will not be tolerated. However, frank conversations on
sensitive and controversial subjects, carried out with an attitude of respect, will take place over the
course of the term. It is incumbent all parties in the course to engage with these subjects tactfully.

Take-Home Assignments

Take-home assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date specified and should adhere to
MLA format and citation style. Electronic submissions of assignments are not accepted. Extensions or
accommodations may be granted only under special circumstances and only with the prior permission
of the instructor.

In-Class Evaluations

In the event of a justifiable absence from an in-class evaluation (quiz, test, exam, or in-class essay
writing), students must submit to me a written explanation, accompanied by supporting
documentation. In the case of an anticipated absence, the request for accommodation should be made
as early as possible and, without exception, prior to the day of the evaluation. In the case of an
unanticipated absence, the written justification for the absence and the request for a make-up test
should be submitted immediately upon return to class. I reserve the right to refuse a make-up test if
the reason or documentation provided is unacceptable, or if the request for accommodation or the
accompanying documentation is not submitted to me in a timely way. No make-up quizzes, tests, or
exams will be provided once the evaluation has been returned to the class. Medical or other
documentation is required for any exceptions to these rules.

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Oral Presentations

Oral presentations must be presented at the time and date specified. Extensions may be granted only
under special circumstances and only with the prior permission of the instructor. Students who arrive
late for their group oral presentations will be penalized half a point per minute (out of a possible total
of 10 points) for each minute they are late. Students who miss their group oral presentations will
receive a grade of 0. All members of a group are responsible for the presentation as a whole and
should be prepared to present even if a member of their group is not present. Medical or other
documentation is required for any exceptions to these rules.

Late Assignments

Late assignments will be penalized 3% per day, including weekends, up to a maximum of seven days.
After seven days, the assignment will be given a 0. No submissions will be accepted once the
assignment has been returned to the class. Medical or other documentation is required for any
exceptions to these rules.

Rules for Testing Situations

Materials required and permitted during in-class evaluations will vary by case, but under no circumstances
will students be allowed to use any electronic aids.

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