English 201 Syllabus 1

California Polytechnic University, Pomona English 201, Section 1: Introduction to Modern Fiction Spring Quarter, 2014 MWF 8:00-9:05am, Building 5 Room 130 Instructor: Niyiri Manougian Office: Bldg. 24E-1211B Phone #: (909) 869-2148 Office Hours: T 1:45-2:30, W 9:30-10:15 Email: nmanougian@csupomona.edu 4 units, Lecture

the teaching of literature does, in fact, teach a pattern or discipline for thinking that is applicable to every field of study and probably every complex human endeavor, and that can serve as a description of critical thinking in virtually every context. (Blau, The Literature Workshop) Pre-requisites for course: English 104 or the equivalent Course Description: English 201 has been designed as an introductory course focusing on 19th and 20th century literature for nonEnglish majors. It fulfills the GE Sub-area C3 requirement. Detective Fiction: these words probably conjure countless images in your mind. Some of you are thinking of a Holmesian type of character with tweed coat, deerstalker hat, and magnifying glass. Some of you are imagining scenes of death and gore. Some of you have conjured up a dark and dubious setting where danger lurks around every corner. But what all of us have in common is that we already come to class with a sense of what detective fiction is or might be, based on personal experience of the genre through books, comics, television, or the movies. Detective fiction is a form of popular fiction that has been around for over a century and that mass populations have had access to. It is precisely because detective fiction is so popular in our society that it warrants careful study. What at first might seem merely something fun to engage with has more to it than meets the eyemuch like a crime-scene. To the untrained eye, the details might be lost, the scene seen, but never fully understood. In this course, we will learn to uncover the hidden clues in these pieces of literature. We will examine different types of detective fiction in order to understand and analyze what the authors convey with their who-dun-it stories, and how the sub-genres of Amateur Detective, Private Investigator, Police Procedural, and True Crime shape how the literature unfolds. We will conduct our analysis by looking at short stories, graphic novels, and television episodes in order to examine the extent to which detective fiction has permeated our society. Required texts: -The Longman Anthology of Detective Fiction (ISBN#: 978-0-321-19501-2) -Green River Killer (ISBN#: !"#$%$&!&#'$&()$&) -Castle: Richard Castles Deadly Storm (ISBN#: 978-0-7851-5329-0) Required Materials to successfully complete this course: Notebook (or binder) and writing implement Access to a Word processor Access to a Printer Online Access Current Cal Poly Pomona email address (I will use ONLY this email address to communicate with you via Blackboard) Course Objectives/Goals: While we sometimes read stories just to see what happens next, the reading and analyzing of literature requires us to go a step further. We must analyze literature in order to question the narrative point of view,

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character(s), setting, plot, and theme. We in turn use these literary elements to develop an understanding, or one of many different readings, of a piece of literature. Every single person in the room is part of a community of learners and our aim [is] not to reach a consensus about the meaning or value of the text, but to enter into a critical, sustained, and public interchange of views about it (Harris 153). Each of us comes to this class with our own set of beliefs, values, and outlooks on life, society, and culture. Thus, each of us has something to add to the conversation as we discuss the literature during the course. As such, I, in the role of instructor, am not here to tell you what to think, but to facilitate that thinking; to provide a safe space for all learners to share their analysis of text and their interpretations regarding the literature we will explore together. I will not be lecturing over your readings. That is, I will give you information that you have not been assigned to read that will aid in the coursework, but I will not provide you with the necessary information that you should have received from the previous nights reading. All students need to come to class having done the reading and any assigned work, because class time will be used to EXTEND knowledge of the material by adding to it through class discussions and short writing assignments. Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the course, you will be able to: Articulate and distinguish among the conventions and cultural and historical backgrounds of detective fiction (Amateur, PI, Police Procedural, True Crime). Analyze the assumptions behind the literary formula, and identify a contemporary range of variations. Appreciate and enjoy the diversity of contemporary crime writing. Develop the ability to read texts carefully and critically, and to use textual evidence to support interpretations or opinions. You will have the opportunity to further develop the following transferable skills: Critical reading, thinking, and inquiry skills Analytical skills Time management and organizational skills Tolerance to and acceptance of different and multiple viewpoints and conflicting values DISCUSSION GUIDELINES 12345WHEN YOU NEED EXTRA GUIDANCE How to arrange for a conference: Walk-ins welcome during stated office hours. If you would like to meet with me outside of office hours, please email me ahead of time (not the day of, we will need a few days in order to work out both our schedules. PLAN AHEAD) and we can decide on meeting at a time that mutually works. I am more than willing to have discussions and look at outlines. However I will never look at any work in its entirety by email or look at them one last time the day they are due. Consulting on your writing is best done ahead of time and in person. PLAN AHEAD. Tutoring is also available at University Writing Center. Please see them with any questions you might have regarding writing.

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POLICY STATEMENT Late papers/work: We are on a quarter system. We move fast. I do not accept any late papers/work, NO EXCUSES. Please stay on top of your work for this class (and for all your classes) so that you dont fall behind. If you are struggling, come and see me before you fall behind so we can discuss some strategies to help you. Coming to see me after you fall behind wont help make up for lost time. Please do not ask for exceptions. Make-ups: If you have a valid AND DOCUMENTED excuse, please see me outside of class hours for making up work. A valid excuse is an emergency, and it is up to instructor discretion to determine if an excuse is valid (i.e. scheduled doctors appointments dont count as an emergency). Exams: Exams need to be completed on the day scheduled. They cannot be made up for any reason. Please make every effort to be present on the day of the exam Use of electronics: Cell phones must be turned off during class. If I can hear it, so can your classmates. Its distracting. Laptops and tablets: If you wish to use these devices to take notes, you are welcome to. HOWEVER: o Anyone who choses to use a laptop or tablet to take notes must sit in the front of the room. o The type of classwork that I have us do in class will mostly have to be done on paper so I can collect them. o Any use of Internet and social sites not connected to class note-taking are not only distracting to you, but those that sit around you. (see Tardies below) *It is not fair to have one student disturb the thought process and flow of a class. Everyone in this class deserves and is entitled to the full and UNINTERUPTED class-time. Tardies and Absences: ALL students are expected to attend and participate in class regularly. Every student will need to bring their book and any assignments to class for each meeting. You must be in class and ready to participate in order to be considered present. Arriving late and early departure from class will be recorded as a tardy. If you miss than 20 minutes of class, it is an absence. 3 tardies=1 absence. Falling asleep (even for 2 minutes) or being otherwise disengaged will be recorded as a tardy (see use of electronics above). Students who miss more than 4 classes (have 5 absences) will be given a FAILING GRADE for the course. If you must miss class, make sure you get good notes from another student; you are responsible for keeping up with what were doing. If you arrive late, it is your responsibility to let me know you are in class to avoid being marked absent (at the end of the class period). Drops/Adds, Course Withdrawals: Students who wish to withdraw from the course must do so officially using the system or by petition. Academic Accommodations: All students are expected to meet the minimum standards for this course as set by the instructor. Students with learning disabilities who may need accommodations should first discuss options and services available to them in Disability Resource Center Cal Poly Pomona (Office: 909-869-3333). They will in turn contact professors with official notification and suggested classroom accommodations, as required by federal law. Approved documentation must be provided by the student and placed on file with Disabled Student Services prior to the beginning of the quarter. Academic Integrity: Each student is expected to complete EVERY assignment to the BEST of his/her ability. The work must be complete, legible, and original. Plagiarism will NOT be tolerated. Plagiarism is intentionally or knowingly presenting words, ideas or work of others as one's own work. Plagiarism includes copying homework, copying lab reports, copying computer programs, using a work or portion of a work written or created by another but not crediting the source, using one's own work

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completed in a previous class for credit in another class without permission, paraphrasing another's work without giving credit, and borrowing or using ideas without giving credit. Consequences for academic dishonesty is a failing grade for the class. Further information can be found at CPPs website at http://www.dsa.csupomona.edu/judicialaffairs/academicintegrity.asp Academic Policies in Professional Behavior: We are a community of learners. To maintain an optimal learning environment as well as the professionalism of our classroom community, all members of this class are expected to practice selfdiscipline, fair and independent judgment, and responsibility for their actions. I reserve the right to exclude from class and/or pursue formal disciplinary actions through the Office of Judicial Affairs against students who are: 1) compromising the rest of the class opportunity to learn; 2)disrupting the orderly conduct of the classroom; 3)behaving (in conduct and/or expression) in a threatening manner to either themselves or to others; or 4)using without authorization (or misusing) campus property. Problems with inappropriate classroom conduct are extremely rare; should such a problem occur during our time together, one warning before pursuing formal disciplinary action is what most situations will merit and usually resolves the problem. Grades: Assignments 20% These can be any homework or classwork assignment (including writing and quizzes) whether collected and graded or just checked off for completion (i.e. given !, !-, or !+) Any homework assignment (including study questions) must be turned in typedI do not accept handwritten homework. I grade these on a 10-point scale. All blogs need to be written in complete sentences, in addition to being well thought out and articulated. They are due by 8 pm the night before class. So if a blog is assigned as homework for class on Wednesday, it is due by 8pm on Tuesday. If the syllabus asks you to print a copy for class, make sure you print or save a copy before 8pm. Please post your responses in the blog itself, NO ATTACHMENTS. Follow all directions carefully. 10-Activity is completed in a thoughtful and thorough manner 5-Incomplete or if completed with only moderate levels of success and care so as to demonstrate familiarity with the assigned reading/assignment 0-Not completed at all or if it is obvious that the student has not thought in depth about the assigned reading or assignment I take into account the following: attendance, tardiness, and class discussions/preparedness. Rubric for Participation below. Week 5, in class, no make-ups (see schedule of readings below for details) Due Monday of Finals Week (see schedule of readings below for details)

Blogs

20%

Participation Midterm Take-Home Final

20% 20% 20%

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Grading Scale: A+ = 100-97 A = 96.9-93 A- = 92.9 90 B+ = 89.9 87 B = 86.9 83 B- = 82.9 80 C+ = 79.9 77 C = 76.9 73 C- = 72.9 70 D+ = 69.9 67 D = 66.9 63 D- = 62.9 60 F = Below 60

Participation Rubric: A=consistent and meaningful, voluntary responses during general group discussions as well as peer group work; thoughtful responses when called on in class B=good responses when called on in class; some initiation of responses during general discussion and/or group work C=adequate responses that demonstrate some thought, but minimal voluntary participation D/F=non-responsiveness when called on or working in groups; no voluntary participation Tips for success: This syllabus serves as a mutual contract between the instructor and students. Know it well. Dont lose it, as its your roadmap to the course. Take notes as you read assignments (either marginal notes or in a double-entry journal). Focused reading takes time. The stories might engage you, but dont speed through them. Enjoy them, but dont forget to look at them critically as well. Problems in texts are what we are looking forthey are what make the texts interesting. If you encounter something that you dont understand, bring it up during class discussion. Usually the most interesting class discussions have stemmed from someones confusion with the text or a problem that seemed unsolvable. Email is the best way to contact me. Please remember that email is an extension of class, and as such professional behavior should extend to email as well. Write as if you are writing to a potential employer, not your best friend. Make sure that your email has a subject line, your name, and the class that you are taking with me. I will respond as soon as possible. Tentative Schedule of Readings and Assignments: Please note that all readings and homework assignments (including blogs) need to be completed before class. It is essential that the assignments be completed so that you can actively participate in class and earn participation points. All homework materials will be posted on Blackboard or handed out the previous class session. DATE 4/2/14 4/4/14 DAY Day 1 Day 2 READING TO BE DONE BEFORE CLASS Syllabus: Print and bring to class Syllabus: re-read and be ready for a quiz CLASS DISCUSSIONS Introductions and Welcome Lecture: Conventions of Detective Fiction

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4/7/14 Day 3 Some classmates missed Day 2s lecture on What is Detective Fiction. Please write them a letter explaining the essentials of detective fiction so that they are all caught up. Use your lecture notes to guide your letter. Print and bring to class. Optional: Powerpoint of Formula of Classic Detective Fiction on Blackboard (print to use during lecture) THE AMATEUR DETECTIVE Please log onto one (or both) of the following websites to explore. We will use this to start discussion. (type and print responses to the following questions: What kind of person is the author? What makes you think this? Do you trust this author? A lot? A little? Not at all?) The Poe Museum http://www.poemuseum.org/index.php Edgar Allen Poe Society of Baltimore http://www.eapoe.org/ *Dont forget your anthology for class Poe Murders in the Rue Morgue pg. 5481 Make predictions with given pages. Character Claims Chart for Poe (on Blackboard) Blog: Look very carefully at how the narrator describes Dupin in Rue Morgue. In a paragraph or more, write a description of the narrator from the perspective of one of his friends, trying to capture the same features as in the description of Dupin. In a sentence or two, list the features you tried to mimic. *This is meant to be a mini-creative writing project. Doyle Silver Blaze pg. 81-101 Prediction chart (on Blackboard) Formula for the Classic Detective Story

4/9/14

UNIT 1 Day 4

Foundations of Detective Fiction

4/11/14 4/14/14 4/16/14

Day 5 Day 6 Day 7

Poes Structure Poes Dupin Poe: Farewell (for now) to the Father of Detective Fiction

4/18/14

Day 8

The Most Famous Detective of All

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4/21/14 Day 9 Blog: Go to the Sherlock Holmes (BBC) blog website http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b018tt ws. Feel free to explore as much as you want, but pay particular attention to The Personal Blog of Dr. John Watson at the following link http://www.johnwatsonblog.co.uk/ After reading through the blogs and the various comments on the blogs, how would you characterize the relationship between Watson and Holmes. Between Watson and other characters? Between Holmes and other characters? How does the fact that this is a blog and not a serialized story (like the original Holmes stories) change how we as readers interact with the text? How much is the blog a reflection of our own times and society versus a reflection of the stories that were written in the late 1800s? (answer all questions) Blog: Go somewhere and sit for a few minutes observing someone or something very carefully (but not so carefully that police are likely to be called on a stalking/casing case). Make detailed notes about what you saw. In a sentence or two, explain whether the place/person was particularly boring, pretty normal, or particularly interesting. (Post both notes and explanation) Blog: How does Psych fit into the amateur detective sub-genre? How does it not fit the amateur detective sub-genre? Use specific examples to explore your ideas. (minimum 2 substantial paragraphs) Exploratory Notes Draft Due Typed, double spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman. (MLA format) Bring a copy to class. We will use some class time for revision. You will benefit from a highlighter during class revision. Christie The Witness for the Prosecution pg. 101-118 Study Questions done for homework (use these to guide your reading) Due: Continuing the Story exercise A New Sherlock Holmes? Screening of Psych

4/23/14

Day 10

Psych Continued

4/25/14

Day 11

Module Wrap-Up + Introduction to Exploratory Notes

4/28/14

Day 12

Exploratory Notes Workshop

4/30/14

Day 13

Christie and The Golden Age of Detective Fiction Christie and The Golden Age continued + Midterm Review

5/2/14

Day 14

English 201 Syllabus 8

5/5/14 Day 15 Revised Exploratory Notes Due Study for Midterm (Pay close attention to what makes up the Amateur Detective genre and how you would apply it to our various readings) Please Bring Art materials (colored pencils, crayons, markers, etc.) for the second part of the Midterm. As you can probably guess, it will involve some artwork. THE PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR Hammett The Gutting of Couffignal pg. 229-253 Optional: Powerpoint of Hardboiled Detective on Blackboard (print to use during lecture) Bio Poem on Continental Op on Blackboard Finish Study Questions from class Chandler Trouble is my Business Pg. 253-294 Grafton The Parker Shotgun pg. 294308 Be ready for a quiz on Grafton. If you have done a careful reading, this should be easy points for you. Blog: What similarities are evident between Kinsey and Holmes? Haywood And Pray Nobody Sees You pg. 319-331 UNIT 3 5/19/14 Day 21 Crofts The Hunt Ball pg. 364-373 Blog: Your thoughts about the police. The rise of the modern police force. Have you watched a police drama on television with any regularity? Summarize the appeal of police dramas (Law and Order, NYPD Blue, CSI, etc.). The Hunt Ball Giving Advice Activity posted on Blackboard (type and print) Simenon Inspector Maigret Deduces pg. 373-383 MIDTERM

UNIT 2 5/7/14 Day 16

Pattern of the Hardboiled and Hammett

5/9/14 5/12/14 5/14/14

Day 17 Day 18 Day 19

Hammett Continued ChandlerThe Other Hammett? Gender and Hardboiled-ness

5/16/14

Day 20

Ethnicity and the PI THE POLICE PROCEDURAL Organized Crime-Solving

5/21/14

Day 22

The Bourgeois Police?

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5/23/14 Day 23 Hillerman Chees Witch pg. 411-419 Select a quote from Chees Witch that catches your attention and interest. It might be a quote that you had difficulty with or in some way made you stop and think. You dont have to fully understand what its saying or why you think its important. Print it out and bring a copy to class Castle Deadly Storm Look at Castle website http://www.richardcastle.net/ Blog: How would you characterize this website? Blog: Pick one of the stories we have read thus far. Write a short scene (or description of a scene) from the criminals point of view. In a sentence or two, reflect on how writing from the criminals perspective is different from the detectives point of view. Be sure to note which story you are using. TRUE CRIME Jensen Green River Killer pg. 1-136 Jensen Green River Killer pg. 136-end Take-Home final. Due Monday between the hours of 8-10am in my office. I do not accept late work or excuses regarding failure of electronics. Please plan to have it ready and printed a few hours in advance so that if there are any problems you have time to troubleshoot. Ethnicity and the Police Procedural

5/28/14 5/30/14

Day 24 Day 25

The Private Eye and the CIA The Show About the Fictional Author (Meta-fiction) Screen Episode of Castle Castle Continued

6/2/14

Day 26

UNIT 4 6/4/14 6/6/14 6/9/14 Day 27 Day 28 FINAL EXAM

When Crime Gets Real When Crime Gets Real Continued

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*Disclaimer: Sometimes class discussions and student interest in certain topics become overwhelmingly apparent. As such, I reserve the right to change the reading schedule to accommodate class needs. If this happens to be the case this quarter (and it is not necessarily true that it happens each quarter), I will inform you ahead of time of any changes. However, all assignment due dates and exam dates will remain as they are in this syllabus. Contact info: 12-