FSEM 10201.03 Freshman Seminar Prof. Emily Waples Spring 2017 12-week Email: [email protected] TR 1.45-3.45 Office: Mahan House Bates 212 Office Hours: by appointment Writing Asst.: Hailey Toporcer Email: [email protected] APOCALYPTIC COMEDY It’s the end of the world as we know it—and it’s hilarious. Throughout human history, we have approached the threat of Armageddon with fear and fascination; sometimes, we have even found it funny. In this course, we will explore the various ways in which the apocalypse has provided fodder for comedy, examining how literary techniques such as satire, farce, and parody have been employed to expose and scrutinize deep-seated fears of annihilation. In particular, through close readings and critical analyses of fiction, film, and popular culture, we will embark on a study of the genres of absurdism and black humor, considering how comedy can be used to provide trenchant social and political commentary on terrors such as nuclear war, global warming, and epidemic disease. Analyzing works such as Samuel Beckett’s one-act play Endgame (1957), Kurt Vonnegut’s novel Cat’s Cradle (1963), and Stanley Kubrick’s masterful satire Dr. Strangelove (1964)—as well as more recent apocalyptic comedies such as Zombieland (2009), This is the End (2013), and The World’s End (2013)— we will investigate the ways in which manifold forms of apocalyptic peril (supernatural, technological, environmental, and biomedical) have appalled us and enthralled us. Ultimately, this course invites us to consider how comedy can be seen, in the words of literary theorist Kenneth Burke, as “equipment for living”: how, it asks, does humor make us human? 1 LEARNING OBJECTIVES Contents Through the content of this Freshman Seminar, you will be challenged to develop your: Learning Objectives ..................... 2 Texts & Screenings ...................... 2 . ability to write (writing to learn) . ability to communicate orally (participating in Requirements & Grade discussion and presenting on ideas to provoke Distribution .................................... 3 understanding) Class Discussion ........................... 4 . ability to think critically Course Policies ........................... 4-5 . ability to read and interpret important material . ability to gather, evaluate, and properly use research Hiram Policies ............................ 6-7 . ability to recognize and analyze ethical issues Plagiarism & Citation .................. 8 . ability to take advantage of the residential setting of Assignments .............................. 9-11 their education—to learn from others and to understand that knowing is social Weekly Writing ............................ 9 Essay #1: ...................................... 9 COURSE TEXTS Essay #2 ....................................... 9 Samuel Beckett, Endgame (1957) Essay #3 ..................................... 10 Kurt Vonnegut, Cat’s Cradle (1963) Essay #4 ............................... 10-11 Margaret Atwood, Oryx and Crake (2003) Final Reflection .......................... 11 Additional readings will be posted on Moodle, and are Grading Scale ................................ 11 included as hyperlinks in this syllabus. Course Schedule ..................... 12-14 FILM SCREENINGS In addition to several in-class screenings, you will be expected to attend 3 evening film screenings (7-9 PM), which will be held in our classroom on the following dates: Tues., Jan. 31 (Dr. Strangelove) Tues., Feb. 21 (Zombieland) Tues, Mar. 21 (It’s a Disaster) If you have a legitimate conflict and are unable to attend these screenings, you must let me know in writing at least 24 hours in advance. I will place the film on reserve in the library, and you will be responsible for viewing it on your own before the following class session. 2 COURSE REQUIREMENTS Attendance & Participation…………….….…….………...10% (20 points) Weekly Writing….……...….…..….…….....……………….10% (20 points) Essay #1……………………………….……………………10% (20 points) Essay #2…………………………………………………….15% (30 points) Essay #3………………………………………….……...….15% (30 points) Presentation…..……………………..……………………….5% (10 points) Essay #4……………………………………….…...……….30% (60 points) Final Reflection……………………..……………………….5% (10 points) Total = 200 points GRADE DISTRIBUTION Reflection A & P 5% 10% Weekly Writing 10% Essay #4 30% Essay #1 10% Essay #2 15% Essay #3 15% Pres. 5% 3 GUIDELINES FOR CLASS DISCUSSION . Engage with your classmates and me respectfully. Be aware of your language use and how it might be interpreted. Use “I” language; be mindful of speaking for others’ experiences. Avoid overgeneralizations. Respond to ideas, not the person saying them. Be descriptive with feedback rather than evaluative. Acknowledge how your own background, identity, positions, and experiences impact your comments. If a topic makes you uncomfortable, use your judgment to engage in a way that best serves you (eg. responding respectfully, writing your thoughts, speaking to me privately). Be aware of your level of participation. I encourage a “step up/step back” policy: if you tend to speak a lot in class, I ask that you challenge yourself to allow others to speak first; if you tend to be quieter during class discussions, I ask that you challenge yourself to speak more. Listen deeply and generously; commit to learning from others’ perspectives. COURSE POLICIES Attendance Your regular attendance is essential to the success of this discussion-based course. I realize that sometimes unforeseen circumstances may arise; accordingly, you are entitled to 1 unexcused absence without penalty. Every absence thereafter will result a 5 point deduction from your final grade. If you miss a class, you are encouraged come to my office hours as soon as possible to discuss the day’s material. Serious illnesses, family emergencies, participation in college-sponsored athletics and special events, and religious observances will be considered excused absences. If a class session or due date conflicts with your religious holidays, please notify me so we can make alternative arrangements. In most cases, I will ask you to turn in your assignment ahead of your scheduled absence. Preparation & Participation Preparation for class discussion includes not only having completed the assigned readings for the days they will be discussed, but having annotated your texts (underlining, margin comments), taken notes, and formulated questions for discussion. Participation will be assessed by your engagement and consideration during class discussions (whether with the full class, small groups, or in pairs) and in-class writing exercises. Having productive class discussion entails creating a balance between speaking and listening when others speak. You demonstrate engaged participation not only by offering your own ideas, but by respectfully responding to the ideas of others. Meeting with me outside of class to discuss course material will also be counted as participation. 4 Electronics I encourage the use of print copies of course material unless electronic devices are specifically required for your disability accommodations. If you do reference readings or take notes on a laptop or tablet, you are expected to use a program (eg Adobe, Goodreader) that allows you to highlight and annotate the text. Please be mindful of the ways in which your devices may affect yours and others’ learning, and make every effort to minimize distractions (internet, email, sounds, etc.) If I see you using your devices for a purpose other than taking notes or accessing course material, I will deduct 5 points from your final grade for each instance. Please turn off or silence your cell phone and put it away for the duration of class. Smartphones are unacceptable as PDF readers. If I see you using your phone, I will deduct 5 points from your final grade for each instance. Communication & Syllabus Your success in this course is important to me. You are welcomed and encouraged to come to my office hours to discuss your work. If you cannot make my regular office hours, I am happy to arrange a meeting at a mutually convenient time. I typically check my Hiram email between 8 AM and 5 PM, and will make every effort to respond as soon as possible. The syllabus is an important document that outlines our responsibilities to one another. If you have read this syllabus after our first class as instructed, please email me a picture of a cat by the beginning of class on Tuesday, Jan. 12 and you will receive 2 extra credit points. Due Dates and Late Work Please take note of the due dates and times outlined on the syllabus. Final drafts of formal writing assignments will be accepted and graded on a rolling basis, and can be uploaded to Moodle at any time during the week they are due. Sundays at 5 PM will be considered the absolute deadline; work submitted after this time will be marked down 1/3 of a letter grade for every 24-hour period it is late. Work that is not turned in within 5 days of the final deadline will receive a 0. I am willing to grant extensions on assignments in extraordinary circumstances, as long as you make arrangements with me at least 24 hours in advance of the final deadline. Writing Assistant Hailey will attend every class and will work with you individually on your drafts/outlines for each assignment. She will sometimes teach or lead discussion. During in-class groupwork and workshops, she and I will circulate to assess your progress and answer questions. You are required to meet with Hailey at least once for in-person feedback on your draft. Please email