The objective of this course is to develop students' fluency and lexical accuracy in the discussion of cultural texts. It is designed to give students a forum in which to practice speaking speculatively and analytically on interesting topics in English. Class activities will be based on short readings and film screenings. Students will be given readings and study questions that introduce analytical frameworks for thinking critically about each text. In addition, students will be provided with handouts that introduce new vocabulary provide relevant historical and cultural background. Following each reading or screening, class meetings will consist of student-led discussions in pairs, groups and/or as a class, during which students will be required to use the new vocabulary and analytical, speculative sentence structures. Further activities include student-designed presentations and role-playing. The mid-term will consist of a 10-minute formal presentation; the final exam will be a group performance, written and designed by the group, based on the characters, plot lines, and social issues covered in class. Each performance will be followed by an explanation and a class discussion.
Our topic this semester is failure. In class and as short homework assignments we will read excerpts from Judith Halberstam's The Queer Art of Failure. We will discuss it as we view films and read short fiction that dramatizes valuable failures and admirable losers. We will examine critically what counts as success and what doesn't, and why, and we will imagine other possible ways to determine value.
All conversation in this course will be conducted in English. Grades will be calculated according to students' weekly participation (33%), a presentation (33%), and the final performance (33%). Attendance is mandatory: two unexcused absences are permitted; a third will result in a failing grade for the class. Three tardies will be counted as one absence.
| W1 |
2-20 |
Introduction. |
| W2 |
2-27 |
No class. |
| W3 |
3-05 |
In-class readings and discussion. Group reports. |
| Unit One: Babe: The sheep-pig. |
| W4 |
3-12 |
Vocabulary and background; begin viewing; in class writing. |
| W5 |
3-19 |
Finish viewing; group discussion. |
| W6 |
3-26 |
Group discussion and reports. |
| W7 |
4-02 |
Midterm #1 |
| Unit Two: Edward Scissorhands: Artist in the suburbs. |
| W8 |
4-09 |
Vocabulary and background; begin viewing; in class writing. |
| W9 |
4-16 |
Finish viewing; group discussion. |
| W10 |
4-23 |
Group discussion and reports. |
| W11 |
4-30 |
Midterm #2 |
| Unit Three: Moon: A revenge story. |
| W12 |
5-07 |
Marilyn Chin, author of "Moon" visits our class! Talk; discussion. |
| W13 |
5-14 |
Study questions; group discussion. |
| W14 |
5-21 |
Group reports. |
| W15 |
5-28 |
Midterm #3 |
| Final Performance |
| W16 |
6-04 |
Review readings, discussion topics; group discussion, reports. |
| W17 |
6-10 |
Script writing and practice. |
| W18 |
6-17 |
Final performances and discussion. |
