Honors 200David Southward

Revenge Plots: Getting Even on Stage & ScreenOffice: HON 166A

Spring 2016Hours: M 2:00-5:00

TR 5:30-6:45T/R 3:30-5:00

HON 180Email:

Required texts:

Aeschylus, Oresteia [ISBN: 978-0140443332]

Seneca, Six Tragedies [ISBN: 978-0192807069]

William Shakespeare, Titus Andronicus [ISBN:978-0671722920]

William Shakespeare, Hamlet [ISBN:978-0743477123]

Jan26TIntroductions

28RAgamemnon to p. 142 (l. 1030)

Feb2TAgamemnon concluded

4RThe Libation Bearers

9MThe Eumenides

11WThyestes

16TMedea

18RWriting workshop

23TPaper #1 due in class

25RTitus Andronicus act 1

Mar 1TPaper #1 revision due in class;Titus Andronicus act 2

3RTitus Andronicus act 3

8TTitus Andronicus act 4

10RTitus Andronicus concluded

S P R I N G B R E A K

22THamletact 1

24RHamletact 2

29THamletact 3

31RHamletact4

Apr 5THamletconcluded

7RPaper #2 due in class

Optional 7:00 screening ofOldboy

12TOldboy

14RPaper #2 revision due in class; Oldboy continued

Optional 7:00 screening ofKill Bill part 1

19TKill Bill part 1

21RKill Bill part 1 continued

Optional 7:00 screening ofKill Bill part 2

26TKill Bill part 2

28RKill Bill part 2continued

Optional 7:00 screening ofHard Candy

May 3THard Candy

5RHard Candy continued

10TConclusions and festivities

13 FFinal Paper due in my office door drop-box by 4:00 p.m.

Policies

The format of this course will be seminar discussion—which means the less talking done by the instructor, the better!

Goals of the course include learning to:

  • close-read and interpret literary and cinematic narrative
  • develop ideas in rational conversation and debate with others
  • evaluate the validity of a thesis or argument
  • compose essays that are analytical, focused, and supported by evidence
  • prepare for and lead group discussion
  • delve critically into the psychology of revenge

Class preparation will entail:

  • careful reading/viewing of assigned texts for each class, looking up any unfamiliar words or terms
  • posting weekly discussion starters on D2L
  • preparing to lead two 25-minute class discussions
  • coming to class on time with your texts and notes—ready to share your views and ideas. As in life, so in the seminar: you only get what you give.

Participation in discussion is mandatory and will be evaluated on the following scale for each class meeting, the final participation grade being an average for the term:

A = insightful comments that actively build on and promote discussion; thorough

preparation for class; courtesy, tact, and timeliness

B = relevant comments showing engagement in discussion; possible tardiness,

shyness, dominating or immature behavior

C = few comments of relevance to the discussion; prolonged silence or

inappropriate behavior; weak preparation

D = silence or irrelevant remarks; disruptive behavior; no preparation

F = absence from class

Writing assignments include:

1)Three interpretive essays ranging from three to six pages in length, the first two of which will be revised in response to peer reviews and instructor comments. These papers will be evaluated on the originality of their arguments, close textual analysis, and style (in that order). The final grade for revised essays will be an average of the first draft’s grade (⅓) and second draft’s grade (⅔); however, students receiving A or A- on a first draftautomatically receive an A on their revision and do not have to revise.

2)Reviews of classmates’ papers, using a peer review worksheet.

3)Short weekly postings on D2L.

Grades will be based on class participation (including attendance and timeliness, degree and quality of involvement in discussion, thoughtfulness of peer reviews and D2L posts = 30%), writing assignments (20% each), and discussion leading (10%). Only two absences are permitted; each subsequent absence will lower your final grade by ⅓ (e.g., from A- to B+). Absences cannot be “excused,” however they can be made up by an extra assignment (arranged in advance and at the instructor’s discretion). Late papers will be penalized ⅓ grade for each weekday they are late. Extensions on papers will be granted to those in hardship, but please ask me in advance of the due date.

Please note: Any instance of plagiarism will result in failure of the assignment.

About my office hours: Use them! They are for you to try out your ideas, work on your writing, or express any concerns you may have about the class or your performance in it.