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English
397-001, Fall 2009 |
Dr.
Michael Filas |
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Senior
Seminar: Postmodernism |
Office: Bates 07 |
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MW 1:40-2:55, Ely 220 |
Hours: MW 11:00-12:00, T 10:00-11:00, mfilas@wsc.ma.edu
www.wsc.ma.edu/mfilas |
Course Description:
In this class you will
read examples of theory and literature that investigate the dominant
theoretical, literary, and cultural trend of our times. Even if you have not
previously understood or studied postmodernism, you will likely recognize as
native some of its conventions and assumptions as we explore the theoretical
underpinnings. This course has a particular emphasis on independent research
that will culminate in a 15-page final paper, supported, in part, by a 10-page
midterm literature review, with presentation of the final paper argument to
class. Other course requirements include a few short reading responses (prcis
and theses) to facilitate seminar discussions and deeper comprehension of key
texts. As a group, our assigned reading will be lighter in volume than is typical
for a 300-level seminar so that you may delve more deeply into your individual research
projects. Your research plans and theses will be developed in close
coordination with me through seminar discussion and two required one-on-one
conferences.
Required Texts (for purchase):
Don
Delillo. Mao II.
Joe
Wenderoth. Letters to Wendys
Roland
Barthes. Roland Barthes.
Jim
Powell. Derrida for Beginners. Writers and Readers Publishing.
Several
other assigned and supplemental readings are provided in course reader and
through course website at www.wsc.ma.edu/mfilas
Course Requirements:
Arrive to class on time. Late attendance prevents you from hearing initial discussions and assignment specifics, and other announcements. Late arrivals lower your participation grade. Four late arrivals or early departures are counted equivalent to an absence.
Come to class. Assignment schedules are subject to changes
announced in class. If you miss
class, it is your responsibility to contact a classmate for the assignment and
any schedule changes. Perfect
attendance contributes to an above average course grade. Your
course grade is affected by all absences after the first and affected severely
once you accumulate more than four absences in the semester.
Participate. I want to hear from you, your responses to the reading, your difficulties and revelations from the challenging g theory we will read, your responses to my and your classmates interpretations of our material. Those receiving an above average grade in participation are those students who show up prepared and ready to contribute, those who make an impression, those who speak out in every class, those who are willing to share their ideas. Lets begin with the premise that postmodern theory, which comprises the bulk of our initial reading, is difficult to grasp—thus remaining quiet in class due to shame at a lack of understanding helps no one and actually makes poor use of class time, where our conversations might shed light on the ideas we will be wrangling with. Turn your phones off while in class.
Keep up with the reading. Our pace will be brisk and the material as dense as any you are likely to encounter here at WSC. I will make allowances for more difficult material, but be advised that a quick read, or a perusal will likely not deliver much more than a fog or a grog.
Assignments (No assignment
may be turned in via email):
Your work this semester culminates in a 15-page (3750-4500 word) final paper that will include preliminary research deadlines and peer review. The midterm is a 10-page (2500-3000 word) literature review that will begin in earnest the process of researching and writing your final paper. The midterm and final papers must be double-spaced and formatted to MLA specifications. Late midterm papers receive half-credit. No late final papers are accepted.
You will write peer reviews for two of your classmates papers before the final draft of your final paper.
You will give one 15-minute oral report using Power Point to present the arguments of your final paper.
On
a few occasions throughout the semester you will be individually assigned to
write a one-page, single-spaced 500-word prcis of a theory reading; or a
100-word thesis about a particular reading. Prcis
and theses are not accepted late under any circumstance, and
never by email.
You will write or prepare a few creative responses to assigned prompts.
All assignments must be typed in 12-point font and are due at the beginning of class. All assignments must include a word count. Work exceeding one page must be printed single-sided and stapled. Work that is not stapled, or not typed will not be accepted.
Computer problems have plagued us all at times. Please be prepared for this by backing up your work regularly and keeping more than one source in case of a disk error. The labs at WSC have been known to randomly demolish student work.
Grading:
35%
Final paper (15 pages)—includes preliminary work
15%
Midterm literature review
15% Oral
report
15%
Prcis & theses
10% Peer
review
10%
Participation (includes attendance, creative responses, contributions to
seminar discussions, conferences)
Tentative
Schedule of Readings and Coursework:
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