Crime, Comics, and the Supernatural ENGL 2030

THEMES IN LITERATURE AND CULTURE:
Crime, Comics, and the Supernatural
ENGL 2030
Credit Hours: 3
Catalog Course Description: An analysis of significant primary texts as forms of cultural
and creative expression. Specific topics are determined by the instructor. Students may
register for this course multiple times as topics vary each semester. The course in Scotland
will explore the birth and transformation of crime and detective fiction, the graphic novel,
and supernatural themes in literature influenced by the region. The course will also address
the manner in which literature, both past and present, influences visual aspects of modern
culture such as comics and cinema.
How Program Site will be incorporated into the course: The excursions for this course
will be a combination of visits to sites of literary and historical importance. Class meetings
at picturesque castles, in high quality museums, and on beautiful islands that have
influenced the literary works feature prominently in the course. In Edinburgh, students will
visit Edinburgh Castle, The Writers’ Museum, and the Museum of Scotland. Students in the
2030 course may also visit The People’s Story Museum, The Royal Surgeons’ Museum, and
The Police Museum. Additionally, students may have the opportunity to see a play, attend
guest lectures, or go on a ghost tour through Edinburgh’s historic underground vaults.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020
Textbook(s) and Other Course Materials:
Selected stories by Arthur Conan Doyle
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (available for free
online)
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Doctor Who: Nothing O’Clock by Neil Gaiman
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Y: The Last Man Vol. 1: Unmanned by Brian K. Vaughn
V for Vendetta by Alan Moore
A Sickness in the Family by Denise Mina
I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:
WEEK / UNIT #
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
TOPIC
The Classic Influences of Contemporary Literature
Literary Science Fiction and Fantasy in Great Britain
21st Century Literature
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II. Course Goals:
A. Students will demonstrate the ability to explain the ways in which humanistic and/or
artistic expression expresses the culture and values of its time and place.
B. Students will demonstrate the ability to explore global/cultural diversity.
C. Students will demonstrate the ability to frame a comparative context through which
they can critically assess the ideas, forces, and values that have created the modern
world.
D. Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize ways in which both change and
continuity have affected human history.
E. Students will demonstrate the ability to practice the critical and analytical
methodologies of the Humanities and/or Fine Arts.
III. Expected Student Learning Outcomes*
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
A. Talk knowledgeably about a variety of literary works. (A, B, C, D, E, F, G)
B. Trace themes and techniques of literature from the mid nineteenth century to the
present. (A, B, C, D, E, F, G)
C. Identify how themes and techniques particular to a certain time period appear in the
works of writers from that period. (A, B, C, F, G)
D. Produce written responses expressing his or her thoughts about a variety of assigned
works. (A, B, C, F, G)
E. Exhibit a knowledge of biographical information for each author studied among
opinions, facts, and inferences. (A, B, C, F, G)
*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.
IV. Evaluation:
A. Testing Procedures: Written and oral responses to questions related to assigned
materials will be required throughout the course: 25%. A comprehensive final exam
will be administered at the conclusion of the course: 25%
B. Laboratory Expectations: N/A
C. Research Paper: Presentation of a literary topic that demostrates comprehension
of literature and its techniques and themes will be required: 25%
D. Other Evaluation Methods: Participation and attendance during formal class
meetings and excursions will be evaluated daily: 25%
E. Grading Scale: Please note that some TnCIS member institutions do not accept +
and – grades; therefore, all TnCIS grading scales must consist of only A, B, C, D, F
letter grades.
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = 60-69
F = Below 60
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V. Policies:
A. Attendance Policy:
Attendance is of utmost importance in study abroad courses. There are no unexcused
absences permitted. Unexcused absences are grounds for removal from the program.
Being in class on time is also very important. Frequent tardiness will be considered an
absence and appropriate action will be taken. Absences due to illness must be reported
immediately to the program director.
B. Academic Dishonesty:
Academic misconduct committed either directly or indirectly by an individual or group is
subject to disciplinary action. Prohibited activities include but are not limited to the
following practices:
Cheating, including but not limited to unauthorized assistance from material,
people, or devices when taking a test, quiz, or examination; writing papers or
reports; solving problems; or completing academic assignments.
Plagiarism, including but not limited to paraphrasing, summarizing, or directly
quoting published or unpublished work of another person, including online or
computerized services, without proper documentation of the original source.
Purchasing or otherwise obtaining prewritten essays, research papers, or
materials prepared by another person or agency that sells term papers or other
academic materials to be presented as one’s own work.
Taking an exam for another student.
Providing others with information and/or answers regarding exams, quizzes,
homework or other assignments unless explicitly authorized by the instructor.
In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed as a result of
academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign either (1) an F or zero
for the assignment or (2) an F for the course.
VI. Instructional Hours:
Instructional time spent in a formal classroom setting and during excursions will total a
minimum of 37.5 hours for this course.
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