Course Directives

Dr. D. F. Felluga,
Purdue University

ATTENDANCE [from Latin, attendere : to stretch toward]:

Discussion sections are considered a crucial part of the course and are therefore mandatory. Excessive absence, especially if unexplained, may result in reduction of grade. This is the time when you can deal most personally with the texts we read and stretch most effectively toward an understanding of the principles of scholarly writing.

CLASS PARTICIPATION [class, germanic, kla/kela : to shout, roar]:

Dialogue is the only path to knowledge; here we do it verbally and I do expect you to roar, or at least speak. I believe in an interactive classroom in which we learn from each other and respect (although not necessarily agree with) the opinions of others. Remember: 15% of the grade will be given on the basis of your class participation.

ESSAYS [from latin, exigere : to weigh out, examine]:

Your paper should be the correct length, typed and double-spaced, with conventional 1-inch margins and conventional font size. Always keep a hard copy or duplicate for your own protection. Your essays will be scholarly and thoughtful examinations of topics chosen from those to be provided.

LATE PAPERS [late, Old English, lettan : to hinder, impede]:

The task of learning to write scholarly papers is impediment enough: do not hinder yourself further with the chronic illness of handing in late papers. I will allow a grace period of one week without penalty as long as you provide some excuse. Grades will be lowered a third of a grade per day following the grace period. In other words, three days late means one full grade reduction (an A becomes a B, a B becomes a C, etc.).

PLAGIARISM [from latin, plaga : net]:

Plagiarism is the undocumented use of another's words or ideas. The possible consequences include: failure for the paper, failure for the course, expulsion from Purdue, perdition! This net does not save but entraps you.

BOOKS: I expect you to buy all of the following books in the correct editions and to have the books entirely read on the first day we discuss them.

REQUIRED TEXTS (in order of study)
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Ed. D. L. Macdonald et al. Peterborough: Broadview, 1994.
Aldous Huxley. Brave New World & Brave New World Revisited. N. Y.: HarperPerenniel, 1965.
Ursula Le Guin. The Dispossessed. N. Y.: HarperPrism, 1974.
Orwell, George. 1984. N. Y.: Plume/ Harcourt Brace, 1983.
Gibson, William. Neuromancer. N. Y.: Ace Books, 1984.
Course Reader. Available at Copy Mat, Chauncey Village.

Course Syllabus

Guide to Literary Terms

D. F. Felluga's home page