Course Guidelines Path 1 Calendar Class Discussion Path 2 Groups & Texts Writing Assignments Reference Texts


Grace and the Grotesque
Course Guidelines

ornamental line


"People look at the outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart."
(1 Samuel 16:7B, NIV)

the basics / diversity / content & communication /course goals / texts / path 1 / path 2 / miscellany

THE BASICS

English 354: Grace and the Grotesque
thematic thread: "Grace and the Grotesque"
class location (S26): sec 01 (7:10-9 a.m.) & sec 02 (9:10-11:00 a.m. in 20.139
e-mail: pmarchba@calpoly.edu
office: 805-756-2159 / building 47 (the "maze"), hallway 35, office A / available hours

DIVERSITY, ACCOMODATION, & ACCESSIBILITY


CONTENT & COMMUNICATION

The films and literature I teach run the gamut of human experience, from the ecstatic and joyful to the degrading and sordid.  Many visual and literary artists regularly exercise this kind of topical license, operating under the assumption that representing even the most difficult material can serve a beneficial purpose.  One individual might become sensitized to social problems they had previously ignored once they encounter such problems dramatized in art.  Another might find in a tale’s scenarios a few helpful analogues for painful things they have themselves experienced: the story, that is, might provide them a voice—useful words and strategies for expressing their own grief and suffering.

Others, however, might be re-traumatized by watching something that hits too close to home because they’re not ready to re-experience their pain, even through the medium of fictional art.  Or, they might fundamentally disagree with the creators’ representation of challenging subject matter—might be offended by the representation and quickly point to other, less harrowing portrayals of difficult subject matter.  They might even hold that the creator has no right to represent what they have framed because that creator’s own identity do not closely enough mirror the factors they have chosen to represent.

Though I'll include optional content warnings (don't follow the links if you don't want to know what happens!), I invite you to exercise your freedom during class to disagree with the perspective of others (incl. myself), to approach me during office hours or via email with concerns, and to just leave the classroom for a few minutes if you become upset or disturbed.  (If the latter happens, do keep the lines of communication open, and let me know if a particular issue or representation bothers you: you needn’t explain why it bothered you unless you wish to do so.)


COURSE GOALS

MATERIALS (purchase these editions & have physical copies of them in hand during class)

PATH 1: In-Class Discussion and Exams [Path 1 (175 pts) + Path 2 (125 pts) = 300 pts total]


PATH 2: Outside Research and Writing [Path 2 (125 pts) + Path 1 (175 pts) = 300 pts total]


MISCELLANY

Grading

A = 94-100

A- = 90-93

A (18-20 on 20-pt scale, 5.4-6.0 on 6-pt scale): creative, topically focused, tightly structured, supported with the most convincing evidence, and virtually error-free

 C+ = 77-79

C = 74-76

C- = 70-73

C (14-15.9 on 20-pt scale, 4.2-4.79 on 6-pt scale): a relatively focused essay with clear sense of progression from one idea to the next; argument bolstered by some supporting evidence; distracting number of grammatical errors
B+ = 87-89

B = 83-86

B- = 80-82

B (16-17.9 on 20-pt scale, 4.8-5.39 on 6-pt scale): topically focused, tightly structured, supported with solid evidence, and containing just a few stylistic or grammatical bumps

 D = 65-69

D (13-13.9 on 20-pt scale, 3.9-4.19 on 6-pt scale): topic clear but ineffectively argued; evidence provided tangentially relates to argument; loose sense of structure; profound difficulties w/ grammar
    F = 0-64

F (0-12.9 on 20-pt scale, 0-3.89 on 6-pt scale): little evidence of effort, or contains plagiarism

Contact

Take advantage of my office hours. Go here to find an open slot, then email me to reserve that time for an office visit. The fastest way to contact me if you have a quick question is via email. You can also reach me in my office at 805-756-2159, or in the evening (before 10 p.m.) at 593-0192.

Writing Lab Center
Experienced writers at the University Writing & Learning Center (in Kennedy Library, Room 11C) offer free assistance with writing assignments for any course. Using this service will improve even the best writer’s output. Visit their website to schedule an appointment in advance of your desired date, or simply drop by between 10a.m. and 8 p.m. MTWRF (reduced hrs on weekend). Here's a video that helps elaborate the sign-up process. If writing remains a challenge for you, you might consider enrolling in ENGL 150, a one-credit writing support course.

Plagiarism and the Honor Code
I encourage you to improve your writing with the help of peers, instructors, and myself. Remember, however, that all work you submit must be your own. (I will occasionally vet student work to verify authorship.) Any paper containing borrowed but undocumented thoughts or words will receive a failing grade (this includes material created by generative A.I.), and I am obligated to report all instances of plagiarism to the Vice President of Student Affairs. Let me know if you have further questions concerning this important issue.


The figure of a man obscured behind many small white shapes. Light brown/ white
Pietà from The Apocalypse of St. John (1960)
made using nail gun technique
Salvador Dalí


Dr. Paul Marchbanks
pmarchba@calpoly.edu