Dr. Maura Mandyck
English 12—It’s the End of the World As We Know It: Apocalyptic Themes in Literature and Film
(706) 433-2614
Course Description: In this class we will examine literature and film in order to consider the potential “end of the world,” by which we (mostly) mean the end of the world as we know it, that is, the collapse or destruction of our civilization. So, first we must describe that civilization itself. What are the most valuable aspects of our society? What is most precious to us in our own lives? What is our individual role in any community of which we are a part? And exactly how fragile is the whole thing? Because one of the main concerns of this class will be our reaction—the human reaction, either as individuals or in communities large or small—to the loss of the life of the world.
Texts:
Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke
Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Armageddon Summer by Jane Yolen and Bruce Coville
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Course packet and handouts
Films:
“On the Beach”
“Dr. Strangelove”
“Signs”
“War of the Worlds”
“Deep Impact”
“The Seventh Sign”
Scenes from many others
Television:
“Twilight Zone”
“Family Guy”
Music and poetry collected by the class.
Major assignments:
In-class essay (15%)—you will revise this essay to turn in for a final grade.
Midterm exam (15%)
Hamlet essay (20%)
Time Capsule (15%)
Final exam (25%)
Response journal (5%)
“In-context” class presentations(5%)
You mustrevise your in-class essay, and you may revise your Hamlet essay if you like. Your final grade on the assignment will be the highest grade you achieve.
Class rules:
1) You will be on time for every class meeting and ready for class to begin at the scheduled time.
2) On “DEAR” days, you will have a choice book in your possession at the beginning of class, and you will read without interruption for the entire designated reading time.
3) You will bring the required text and writing materials to each class period, and will leave your laptop off and put away unless directed to do otherwise.
4) You will be respectful of your classmates’ opinions and supportive of their efforts.
5) You will be responsible for understanding all assignments and for seeking help as soon as you realize that you need it.
6) You will turn in all assignments on time and in the required format. Assignments will be due at the beginning of the class period on the due date unless you are told otherwise. You will lose 10 points for each day that an assignment is overdue. If you are sick or not on campus and in class for whatever reason, you will get the assignment to me by email or by some other means.