23 October 2006 – Frankenstein

1.  Announcements and Assignments

2.  Preface and Introduction – Roger’s Presentation

3.  Johnson Article -Eliana’s Presentation

4.  Group Discussion:

• film as translation of novel
• representation of women and domesticity in novel
• your discussion questions

5.  Thesis Statement Workshop

6.  For Next Time:

• Meet in Transcriptions Studio to discuss Patchwork Girl
• how does Patchwork Girl reflect/comment upon the themes of Frankenstein

18 October 2006

1.  Attendance and Announcements

• Patchwork Girl viewing

2.  Brief discussion of Intellectual Property Seminar

3.  The Monster’s Story and Language

4.  Volume III; Merlin’s Presentation

(5.  Preface and Introduction; Roger’s Presentation)

6.  From Close Reading to Argument: Using a Sample Quotation

Example of using a quotation from Frankenstein in a paragraph

7.   Paper Topics and Close Reading Activities

8.   For Next Time:

• Thesis Statements
• Consider the role of women and the domestic world in the novel
• How does the novel translate into film?

Paper I Topics

Download paper topics.

Paper I Topics Write a 3-4 page analytical essay based on one of the following topics.  The topics are only guidelines and suggestions to prompt your thinking; you should use close reading and literary analysis to develop the prompt into a coherent critical argument.   

In your essays, pay close attention to the language and imagery of the texts (focus on how things are said, not what is said).  If you are writing on Frankenstein, I suggest that you focus your discussion on two or three pivotal moments in the text. Due in class on Monday, October 30.  3-4 pages (double-spaced, 12 point font, no Courier, 1 inch margins, include works cited)  

1.  Choose one of the poems from Songs of Innocence and Experience in the Blake Archive.  How does the poem’s form—both its formal elements and the form in which it is presented—contribute to its meaning?  Be sure to give some attention to the physical presentation of the poem. 2.  Frankenstein explores the idea of artistic creation.  How does the novel present the process of creation?  What is the relationship between dreams and creating?  What are some of the positive aspects of creation?  What are some of its negative or dangerous aspects? 

3.  Frankenstein is narrated through three primary voices: Walton, Frankenstein, and the creature.  Yet women figure prominently in the story.  Discuss the role of one or more of these women in the novel.  How do their stories comment upon the major themes of the novel?   4.  If you wish to write on a topic of your own choosing, you must meet with me to discuss it.  I must approve your topic in writing by Monday, October 23.

Remember to Register for Online Forum!

Remember to register today for the online discussion forum–you must be approved as a member before you are allowed to post.  If you wait until Wednesday morning to register, it will be too late for you to complete the assignment due Wednesday.

English 10LCI: Artists, Creation, Technology, and Structure

English 10LCI: Introduction to Literary Studies
Introduction to Literature and Culture of Information
Artists, Creation, Technology, and Structure

Instructor: Maggie Sloan (msloan@umail.ucsb.edu)
Class Meets: MW 3:30-5:10, South Hall 1415
Office Hours: M 2:15-3:15, South Hall 2432 F (graduate tower)
Mailbox: Sankey Room, South Hall, 2nd floor

This course offers an introduction to literature with an emphasis in exploring the intersection between traditional forms of literature and newer technologies. We will read across three primary genres–poetry, drama, and prose–and work closely with the texts to develop critical reading and writing skills. We will pay particular attention to the importance of media and to the consideration of digital approaches to literature.

The course requirements reflect the diverse nature of our course readings: assignments include posts to an online discussion forum, traditional academic papers, and a web project. You will complete two short (1 page) written assignments. These are designed to develop the most important critical skill in literary studies—how to do a close reading. We will spend a considerable amount of class time working on this important skill, which will help you succeed not only in this class but in all literature classes in general.

In addition to these short assignments, you will write two short papers (3-4 pages) that develop a critical argument about a literary text. Topics will be announced in class. The final project for the class will be a website project that allows you to use a creative, non-traditional academic genre to present and develop a critical argument about a text.

Recommended for students interested in doing a future Literature and Culture of Information specialization. English 10 is required for all English majors and recommended for English minors.

Please note: Robin Chin, Transcriptions RA, is available for assistance during the following drop-in hours:
Monday: 1:30 – 5:30 pm
Tuesday: 3 – 6 pm
Wednesday: 12 – 5 pm

Course Goals

The goals for this course are learning-centered and designed to provide students with the tools to succeed in any literature class. Additionally, this class will give students a brief introduction to literature and culture of information. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• recognize major literary genres and identify important literary terms and to demonstrate this knowledge in class discussion and activities

• to ask analytical and critical questions about a literary text and about the intersection of literature and technology

• to demonstrate these analytical skills during class discussion and an in-class presentation

• to perform close readings by analyzing the relationship among different literary elements of a text and evaluating how they contribute to its meaning

• to develop a coherent critical argument and present it in a traditional academic genre, an analytical literary essay

• to develop a coherent critical argument and present it in a non-traditional academic genre, a website