English - Monsters and MarvelsRoy C. Ketcham High School
Ms. Sutton 2013-2014
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Office Phone: (845) 298-5100 x 31158
Dear Students and Parents:
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Monsters and Marvels. I am thrilled to be working with all of you and eagerly look forward to an intellectually stimulating and creative half-year!
Some of the greatest works in literature are about monsters. From the earliest recovered writings to modern day tales, Gilgamesh to Frankenstein and so on, we can learn what it means to be human as we look at ourselves successively in a series of distorted funhouse mirrors of monster texts. Whether, in the end, the pages of the texts studied leave us with more questions unanswered than answered, we will have looked at ourselves and our society through new eyes.
Participation is crucial to the success of our class. For me, it is the most important part of what you do in the classroom setting. Without the full participation of each and every member of the class, we cannot have discussions/critiques at the level necessary for a successful year.
Communication is also of the utmost importance. If you are having difficulty with any part of the class or if you just need some clarification or moral support, please come and talk to me. When I’m not teaching, I can usually be found in the English Office. I stay after nearly every day (check first to make sure). I am also available by email.
Again, I’m really looking forward to working with you!
Sincerely,
Ms. Sutton
Monsters and Marvels
Course Concept: Monsters arise from the collective anxieties of individuals and societies.
Essential Question: What does the study of monsters reveal to us about our inner selves and our place in the world?
Zombies, vampires, werewolves, ghosts, goblins, sea beasts, scientific creations gone awry, serial killers, urban legends, AI these are some of the categories of monsters that will be examined in this course. Monsters come in all shapes and sizes; they touch every walk of life. Throughout the ages stories of monsters and marvels have captured the imaginations of writers and readers alike, but where do monsters come from? What purpose do they serve? Why does one culture fear one type of monster and another culture, another type? Are monsters projections of our anxieties? More importantly, what exactly makes a monster? This class will examine monsters in classic and contemporary literature, culture, film and art from earliest times to Freddie Kruger.
AREAD OF STUDY INCLUDE:
Bodily Transformation / Shape Shifters
Blood (Vampires)
Evil
Scientific Creations
The Gothic
Medieval Marvels and Monsters
Childhood Monsters
Horror Flicks
Urban Legends
Doppelgangers
Sociopaths
Ghosts
Post-Apocalyptic Monsters / Zombies
CORE LITERATURE:
Alighieri, Dante. The Inferno.
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
Stevenson, Robert Louis. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Stoker, Bram. Dracula.
ASSESSMENT:
Final exam will be a research project or a creative work (book chapter) on a monster that most interests the student.
5 Simple Guidelines for a Successful Year
1. General Classroom Procedure:
Be in your seat and ready to begin class before the late bell rings.
Anyone who arrives late please walk into class quietly and sign the clipboard. Three signatures equals one detention. Failure to sign the clipboard will result in immediate detention.
You will see the assignment for the day on the board. Please take out the appropriate books, papers, etc. and begin the assignment.
Please maintain attention during lessons, announcements, and presentations by classmates.
All essays and research projects will be submitted to
A word about attendance: “The secret to most of life is just showing up.” Be Here and Be On Time. Absenteeism is the #1 cause of failure; therefore you need to be here as often as humanly possible.
Daily materials you will need:
Notebook (Marble Composition or Spiral Bound, any kind)
Pens
Beginning of the year contributions for extra credit. Please bring in no more than one of each of the following to make our class run smoothly for the rest of the year:
1 box of tissues
1 pack of pens
1 pack of paper to share with the class
2. “Time waits for no man.” Understand That This Class Moves Forward Whether You Are Present or Not. When you are absent, you are responsible to find out what you missed and to make up that work in a timely fashion. Check the class notebook to find out what lessons/quizzes/tests/homework assignments you missed and to pick up any missed handouts. Homework is due on the day of your return with the exception of extenuating circumstances (discussed with me). Quizzes and tests must be made up within one week.
Homework Policy: I do not accept late homework.
Major Assignment Late Work Policy: Our class will follow the English Department’s Late Work Policy. Final essays and major assignments will be penalized 10 points per day.
3. Be Responsible. You are responsible for managing your progress and grades. Always be aware of your assignments, due dates, and work owed. Each quarter your grade will be weighted as follows:
35%Writing
30%Projects
15%Class Work
10%Homework
10%Class Participation
The final course grade consists of your average of the two quarters plus the final exam grade.
4. Communicate. If you are having trouble with ANYTHING, please see me or e-mail me. If you need extra help, I am available after school by appointment. I stay after nearly every day. If you are having a bad day, please come and talk to me. I can usually be found in the English office.
5. Behaviors to Avoid.
Disrespect. No one ever gets anywhere with a bad attitude.
Sleeping in class: No explanation necessary. It will result in a ZERO participation grade. If you are ill or if you had a rough night, please go to see the nurse or speak with me if you feel comfortable.
Inappropriate conversations: Some topics are not appropriate for our classroom.
The Cell Phone or other devices: Learn discretionKeep it hidden and turned off.
Being a Blob: This class will only be as fun and interesting as the people in this room.
PLEASE:
Participate enthusiastically!! It’s going to be a fabulous year for all of us!!
Advertisement:
Do you love to write? Do you love to create art?
Consider joining (or contributing to) the school’s award-winning literary magazine! We meet on Thursdays after school until 3:30 pm when the late bus leaves.
Listen for themes!
Odyssey Literary Magazine
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Please detach and return by Monday, Sept. 16, 2013 (On time or early = First Homework Credit!):
I/We have read this handout and will encourage (our/my child) (my student) (myself) to do (his/her) (my) best in class:
______
(Student - PRINT NAME NEATLY)(Parent/Guardian Signature)
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(Student - SIGNATURE)(Teacher)