The monster,
both the literature and figurative, is a central figure in much of British
literature. This class will introduce
you to an array of monsters from medieval literature through the late 20th
century. Looking at monsters across a
thousand years of British literature will give us a chance to consider what
makes a monster a monster, how they change (or stay the same) in difference
historical periods and genres, and how monsters provide insight into the fears
and challenges of humankind. Class format will include some lectures but mostly
class discussion and student presentations. One debate will be required.
Students will post
four reading responses on the class website, write two short essays (plus
drafts) and a 5-7 page research paper (plus drafts). MLA formatting is required of this
class. There will be quizzes, a midterm
and a final.
Required
Texts: Beowulf, Seamus Heaney, ed. Sir
Gawain and the Green Knight, Marie Borroff, trans. Frankenstein, Mary Shelley. The
Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson. The Life
and Loves of a She Devil, Fay Weldon.
These texts can be picked up at Revolution Books, 2626 South King
Street, #201. 944-3106. Please pick up
all your books at one time. In addition, you can order Coraline: The Graphic Novelby Neil Gaiman from Amazon. There will also be a course reader provided
on line by mid August 2011. Pick up an English handbook as needed.