Course Syllabus
Course Information
Title: Adventures in Literature: Elf Queens, Cyborgs, and Teenage Delinquents—Gaming Lives and Literature
Number: ENG 190-002
Time & Location: T & R 3:30–4:45 (MO 101)
Instructor: Dr. Jeremy Tirrell
Office: MO 161
Office Hours: T & R 11:00–12:00, 2:00–3:00, and by email or appointment
Course Overview
Summary:
Students in this course will examine how tangible and digital gaming impacts notions of self and identity, and how this manifests in different literary forms and genres. Students will identify and read different texts and participate in different types of tabletop and online role-playing gaming (RPGs) to engage with how identities are established and reflected in these spaces.
This course affirms the Seahawk Respect Compact, which will guide class interactions. All class members are expected to treat each other with appropriate courtesy and decorum, and all coursework should be completed in a thorough, timely fashion. All students must read and abide by the policies articulated in this syllabus.
Catalogue Description:
ENG 190 - Adventures in Literature
Credits: 3
An interdisciplinary study of a significant theme, genre, or author, focusing primarily on literary works but also drawing on sources from other fields, including art, music, and history. University Studies: Approaches and Perspectives/Aesthetic, Interpretive, and Literary Perspectives
Course Learning Outcomes:
To complete this course successfully, students should demonstrate the ability to:
- Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and make cogent subjective judgments regarding artistic and literary works, using the appropriate conventions and language of appropriate arts and humanities disciplines (AILP 1)
- Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the significance of major literary and artistic work and movements within their larger socio/historical contexts (AILP 2)
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of the importance of artistic expression to free and open-minded inquiry in human society (AILP 3)
Required Materials:
- Slay, by Brittney Morris
- In Real Life, by Cory Doctorow
- One of the titles published by Boss Fight Books
Other materials will be provided through the course Canvas site.
Course Policies
Technology Expectations:
- ability to interact with the course website
- an email account checked regularly for course-related business
- a network drive or other means to backup coursework
Students need not be technological experts to succeed in this course, but digital technology interaction is an aspect of contemporary society, and computer problems are not valid excuses for incomplete work. Practice the core principle of digital data work: redundant backup. Digital technology will fail you; be prepared for that eventuality.
Students may use laptops, cell phones, and other digital devices during class, provided that they do not disrupt other students’ learning. This is not a trick. This course is situated in an increasingly connected multimedia environment. Each student is responsible for their own engagement with class meetings, and thus their resultant success or failure. Research such as this and this suggests that students will be better served by not using such devices in class.
Attendance and Punctuality:
Because this class contains a strong workshop and discussion component, class attendance is crucial. Students who are not present when role is taken will be considered absent. If there are extraordinary circumstances that will prevent a student from attending class—including illness or concern about a possible COVID-19 exposure—the student should contact the instructor. There is no separate attendance component of the course grade, but any student who misses more than five in-class meetings without clearance from the instructor will fail the course automatically. Additionally, any work missed because of an absence cannot be made up without clearance from the instructor. The class abides by the maxim that all members of the class should show respect to one another by meeting at designated times and places prepared to work.
Late Work:
If an emergency arises that will prevent a student from submitting coursework he or she should contact the instructor.
Statement on COVID-19:
Because of the unique challenges posed by COVID-19, this course seeks to be flexible while retaining scholarly integrity. Students who are impacted by COVID-19 either directly through infection or indirectly through care giving responsibilities or changes in life circumstances are encouraged to contact the instructor. In order to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on UNCW, all university members must report illness. Students who experience COVID-19 symptoms should immediately contact the Abrons Student Health Center at (910) 962-3280.
Statement on Academic Integrity:
All UNCW community members are expected to adhere to the guidelines set forth in the UNCW Student Academic Honor Code. Students are expected to produce original work in this course. Collaboration and incorporation of external material and ideas into original work is of course necessary and acceptable, but all students are ethically obliged to document external sources through appropriate citation practices. Students who are uncertain if some element of their work constitutes plagiarism or another honor code violation should speak with the instructor. The point of any class is to educate, not to punish; nevertheless, the consequences of honor code violations are appropriately dire. Please consult the UNCW Code of Student Life for more information.
Statement on Services for Students with Disabilities:
The university will make every effort to accommodate students with disabilities. Students requiring accommodations should contact the Disability Resource Center, as the instructor can take no action without its guidance. Students should do this as soon as possible, as accommodations cannot be made retroactively.
Statement Regarding Violence and Harassment:
UNCW practices a zero tolerance policy for any kind of violent or harassing behavior. Students experiencing an emergency of this type should contact the police at 911 or UNCW CARE at 962-2273. Resources for individuals concerned with a violent or harassing situation can be located at the UNCW Crisis Resources page. Students should be aware that all university employees, including instructors, are legally obligated to communicate any report of alleged sexual misconduct, on or off-campus, to the Dean of Students. Three university entities are confidential resources exempt from this obligation: CARE, the Counseling Center, and the Abrons Student Health Center.
Statement on Religious Observance:
In accordance with NC SL 2010-211, students are entitled to two excused absences for religious observances per academic year. Students must inform the instructor in writing the first week of class if they will miss any classes due to religious observance. Additionally, students should inform the Registrar the first week of class who will then coordinate with the corresponding course instructors. Any absence for religious purposes will be considered unexcused unless a student submits the request in writing the first week to the instructor or Registrar.
Course Grading
Grade Disbursement:
Students will have private, secure access to their grades online through this Canvas site.
Grade Components:
Engagement Assignments = 15 points
Responses = 30 points
Literary Analysis = 50 points
Media Product Analysis = 50 points
Character Analysis = 55 points
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Total = 200 points
Final Course Grades:
This courses uses the plus/minus grading system on final grade reports. The breakdown is as follows:
- 92%–100% = A
- 90%–91% = A-
- 88%–89% = B+
- 82%–87% = B
- 80%–81% = B-
- 78%–79% = C+
- 72%–77% = C
- 70%–71% = C-
- 68%–69% = D+
- 62%–67% = D
- 60%–61% = D-
- 0%–59% = F