ENG 210 - Approaches to Literature

Missouri Western State College
Division of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department of English, Foreign Languages, and Journalism

ENG 210-05 Approaches to Literature
Science Fiction: Engine of Awe
JGM 106, 2:00-2:50 MWF
Fall 2001

Instructor: Dr. Roberts
Office: SS/C 208G
Phone: 816-271-5810
E-mail: robertsi@.mwsc.edu
Office Hours: 10:00-11:00, 1:00-2:00 MWF

Course Description and Objectives:
This course focuses on what is called "hard" science fiction, or that variety of SF which is realistic and scientifically plausible. We will read, write about, and discuss fictional works by many authors who have scientific training as a means of exploring the nature of science fiction, its relationship to other kinds of fiction, and the relationship between science and art.

Upon completion of ENG 210 as student should be able to recognize the major characteristics of literary genres, discuss literature orally and in writing with assurance, appreciate literary works which are encountered, and understand the different ways in which a literary theme may be treated in literature. All English 210 courses provide practice in reading poetry, prose fiction, and drama. English 210 filfills category four general studies requirements and may not be repeated for credit. For additional information about this course, see the General Studies English Courses Website.

Required Materials:

Benford, Gregory. The Martian Race. New York: Warner, 1999.
Daniels, Keith Allen, ed. 2001: A Science Fiction Poetry Anthology. Anamnesis, 2001.
Hartwell, David Gl and Kathryn Cramer, eds. The Ascent of Wonder: The Evolution of Hard SF. New York: Orb, 1994.
Wells, H. G. The War of the Worlds. New York: Dover, 1997.
An up-to-date unabridged college dictionary.
A college handbook (guide to style, grammar and usage).
At least two computer disks.
Stamina and good humor.

Recommended:

Holman, C. Hugh and William Harmon. A Handbook to Literature. 8th ed. New York: Macmillan, 2000.

Attendance:
Regular attendance is an essential part of the student's educational experience and a requirement for an adequate evaluation of student academic progress. For this and other reasons, listed below, attendance is mandatory. While certain absences may be necessary or unavoidable in the case of genuine illness, emergency, or when acting as a representative of MWSC, excessive absences will result in failure of the course. If you miss more than three classes during the semester, your final grade will be seriously affected. Chronic lateness and/or leaving early will count toward absences. As stated in the Student Handbook, when an announced examination falls on a day that a student is absent, instructors are not required to prepare or give a make-up test. You are responsible for material covered or assignments given which you missed because of absence, so ask another student to inform you of what happened while you were gone. If I should be unable to meet class, you will be notified by a secretary, fellow instructor, or a note on the classroom door.

Preparation and Participation:
You are required to make significant contributions to class in the form of preparation and participation. Preparation includes completing the readings and daily assignments, as well as bringing your assignments, textbook, and other materials with you on the appropriate days. If you come unprepared, you will receive a zero for any work due that day.

Participation includes the help you give to fellow writers and the contributions you make to class discussion. Active and insightful contributions to class discussion are therefore not "extra credit." Like the written assignments, your tactful and substantive comments are part of the minimal requirements for successful completion of the course. If you are a naturally quiet person, force yourself to be more vocal; do not assume that if I do not call on you that you need not participate, as it is your responsibility to voice your observations at appropriate and relevant times. Conversely, if you are a naturally talkative person, you may have to restrain yourself so that everyone has the opportunity to contribute. Since you obviously cannot make up for discussions from which you were absent, attendance is again critical.

Why is discussion such a large part of your grade? Because live classroom discussion:

allows me to better determine how to regulate time and assignments for your greatest benefit.
gives me an additional indication of how closely and thoughtfully you have read, enabling
me to evaluate your knowledge and abilities more fairly and accurately.
helps you think in terms of the subject matter by giving you practice in thinking.
helps you learn to evaluate the logic of and evidence for your own and others' positions.
helps you learn what counts as evidence and how to evaluate knowledge claims.
helps you understand how knowledge is arrived at in the discipline.
gives you practice arguing with others respectfully and professionally.
gives you opportunities to formulate applications of principles.
helps you become aware of and formulate problems using information from lectures and readings.
helps you construct knowledge you can recall and apply when needed.
gives you prompt feedback on difficult or confusing issues and material.
increases your retention of material through explaining, summarizing, and questioning.
stimulates new ideas, approaches, questions, reading and research.

Student Conduct:
As a condition to remaining at MWSC, the college expects all students to conduct themselves so as to maintain an effective environment for learning; to act responsibly in accordance with good taste; and to respect fully the rights of others. Behavior that disrupts the classroom environment or interferes with other students' learning will result in dismissal from the classroom. Passionate and forceful language are sometimes appropriate, intolerance and dogmatism are not.

Assignment Requirements and Late Work:
All out of class written assignments for this course must be word-processed unless otherwise specified. Non-word processed submissions will be returned with no credit. Assignments should follow MLA format, and pages should be stapled together before you come to class (do not use folders or paper clips and do not fold down the corners of papers). Do not throw away any work you do for this class, from notes to drafts to final papers, and keep back-up copies of all papers you turn in to me.

All assignments are due at the beginning of the hour on the due date. Learning is a cumulative process, and each assignment is designed to build on the previous one. Hence, late work disrupts this important aspect of the learning process. Major papers will be lowered one letter grade for each day they are late. No other late work is accepted, and there is no "make up" for any daily work for any reason. No work will be accepted after the last regular class day, and you must turn in all major writings to pass the class.

Grading:
The standards for college English classes are higher than those used in high schools. All the guidelines and standards for classes at MWSC are similar to those used by other colleges and universities throughout the country. You, as a serious student, will appreciate the fact that we hold high standards for your written work. Your grade will be determined by the quality of your drafts, major papers, quizzes, and other assignments, as well as by your preparation and participation. Assignments will be evaluated according to how well they meet the requirements outlined in the assignment description and the following general scale.

A = Superior
B = Above Average
C = Average
D = Minimum = passing below average
F = Failing

Shorter Writings = 20%
Mid-Term Exam = 25%
Final Paper = 30%
Final Exam = 25%

Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a most serious offense and, therefore, will incur harsh punishment. Don't think you won't get caught; writing style is distinctive and verifiable. It is the student's responsibility to prove that all work is their own. Papers with evidence of plagiarism, intentional or not, will fail. Plagiarism may also result in failure of the course.

Disabilities:
Any student who has a disability that prevents the fullest expression of abilities should contact me immediately so that we can discuss class requirements.

General:
This syllabus is of a contractual nature, and by remaining in the course you acknowledge your acceptance of its stipulations in their entirety. If the goals, policies, procedures, standards, expectations, or obligations are unclear, then you should speak with me immediately. If they are clear but unacceptable to you, then you should drop the course.

If you choose to remain in the course, be sure to keep a copy of this syllabus with you and to refer to it regularly. Policies are enforced without exception to ensure uniformity and predictability, to avoid confusion and anxiety, and to facilitate fairness and objectivity for all students. In the interest of efficiency, however, I reserve the right to make necessary alterations to this syllabus and to make announced changes in daily plans. Any announcements made in class automatically supersede this syllabus. It is your responsibility to find out about announced changes.

Final Thoughts:
For further explanations, comments, and advice, I am available during office hours. For additional help outside of class, I strongly recommend the Center for Academic Support.

I genuinely want you to succeed in this class and at MWSC generally. I therefore urge you to keep in mind that what you gain from this course, and your from your education generally, is proportional to the amount of productive time and careful attention you devote to it. In the words of Abigail Adams (1744-1818), "Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence."

Course Outline:
This outline shows major readings and assignments, but additional readings and assignments will be given in class throughout the semester.

August

20    Syllabus and Final Paper Assignment
22    Introductions (15-40)
24    Hawthorne: "Rappaccini's Daughter" (p. 68; 1854)

27    Wells: The War of the Worlds (Bk 1: Ch. 1 to 12)
29    W of the W (Bk 1: Ch 12 to Bk 2: Ch. 3)
31    W of the W (Bk 2: Ch. 3 to end of novel)

September

03    Labor Day Holiday
05    W of the W Continued
07    W of the W Continued

10    John W. Campbell: "Atomic Power" (p. 484; 1934)
12    Raymond Z. Gallun: "Davy Jones' Ambassador" (p. 144; 1935)
14    "Proof" (p. 91; 1942)

17    Robert A. Heinlein: "It's Great to Be Back" (p. 103; 1947)
19    Philip Latham: "The Xi Effect" (p. 208; 1950)
21    James Blish: "Surface Tension" (p. 700; 1952)

24    Tom Godwin: "The Cold Equations" (p. 442; 1954)
26    Arthur C. Clarke: "The Star" (p. 86; 1955), Frederik Pohl: "Day Million" (p. 651; 1966)
28    Bob Shaw: "Light of Other Days" (p. 61; 1966), Kate Wilhelm: "The Planners" (p. 243; 1968)

October

01    Vernor Vinge: "Bookworm, Run!" (p. 967; 1968)
03    Poul Anderson: "Kyrie" (p. 627; 1969)
05    Clarke: "Transit of Earth" (p. 313; 1971)

08    Columbus Day Holiday
10    Mid-Term Exam
12    J. G. Ballard: "Prima Belladonna" (p. 323; 1971)

15    Isaac Asimov: "The Life and Times of Multivac" (p. 166; 1975)
17    Robert L. Forward: "The Singing Diamond" (p. 174; 1979)
19    Gregory Benford: "Exposures" (p. 233; 1982)

22    John M. Ford: "Heat of Fusion" (p. 553; 1984)
24    David Brin: "What Continues, What Fails . . . " (p. 917; 1991)
26    To Be Announced; Last Day to Drop

29 The Martian Race (1-54)
31 MR (55-98)

November

02 MR (98-145); Reading/Writing Day

05    MR (149-198); Bring 2 Final Paper Draft Copies
07    MR (198-242); Bring Draft Copy
09    MR (245-297); Bring Draft Copy

12    MR (297-348)
14    MR (348-402)
16    MR (402-444)

19    Conference Day
21    Thanksgiving Holiday
23    Thanksgiving Holiday

26    Poetry (To Be Announced)
28    Poetry Continued
30    Final Paper Due; Review

December

05 Final Exam 2:00-3:50