COURSE NUMBER: ENGL 129/329

COURSE TITLE: Stranger than Fiction: Literature and Film

NAME OF INSTRUCTOR: Philip Mingay

CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION: credits 3 (hrs lect 3 - hrs sem 0 - hrs lab 0)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course will examine the relationship between film and literature by studying films that have been adapted from literary texts.  Like literature, films are narratives that can be examined and discussed using similar methodologies.  However, film has its own distinct techniques and terminology. By studying the adaptation of one art form to another, we will improve our understanding of both fields of study. Furthermore, we will be able to discuss our Christian perspectives and assumptions as they presented in these two mediums. 

In the end, however, these literary and cinematic texts are about the understanding of self, and our discussions will inevitably mine this key theme. 

Please note before you commit to the course that some of the films are rated R, and contain profanity, nudity, and suggestive situations. Also, because the films will be shown in class, some discussion will take place in forums and other arenas. 

Prerequisites: ENGL 214 or ENGL 215

REQUIRED TEXTS:

These are the texts that you are required to read. They may not have the same titles as the films themselves. The films and texts are listed in our Schedule both on our website and Moodle. 

• Krakauer, Jon. Into the Wild (Anchor)
• Munro, Alice.  “The Bear Came Over the Mountain”
• Nolan, Jonathan.  “Memento Mori” (website)
• Portis, Charles. True Grit (Overlook)
• Strayed, Cheryl. Wild (Vintage)
• TBA (student choice) 

• Literary and film theory terms will be a significant part of the course. To reduce student costs, many of these terms will be accessed through the King's library database. See the Schedule page and the weekly tiles in Moodle for specific links and readings. 

MARK DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT:

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Students must complete all writing assignments to qualify to write the final exam.  Failure do so will result in a failing grade in the course even if the grade is mathematically a pass.
• All assignments must be submitted by the last day of classes.
• Any rescheduling of the final exam must be formally requested by the student through Registry. 
• I do not accept rewrites of essays or additional assignments for credit. However, I am happy to assist you with any of your assignments to improve your grades.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• To understand the role of narrative in film and literature, and how it reveals to us the intricacies of the human experience.

• To build a critical language for discussing about film and literature.

• To understand how literature and film can reveal opportunities to discuss the place of Christianity in art.

• To apply and expand many of the skills we have learned in English literature to the study of film.

The classes will incorporate both lecture and discussion formats. Either a student group or I will introduce each text and its critical background, and then as a class we will examine the text in detail, as well as any supplementary texts. We will also watch the films together as a class. This means that you must attend class, keep up with the readings, and be prepared to contribute to class discussions. It would be useful for you to note what you believe are significant sections from the texts, and how they may contribute to our understanding of the course as a whole. As well, you will be expected to support your classmates' presentations by asking productive questions and contributing to our understanding of each presentation's topic. 

Participation (10%)

• contributions to class discussions, as well as their level of sophistication.
• contribution to online forums and assignments. 
• writing improvement over the course of the semester.
• presentation of a "fun fact" or other details about the film.

COPYRIGHT AND PRIVACY 

Under the law, a lecture is classified as a “public performance” which means three important things:

• your instructor legally owns the lecture including any notes / materials / slides / presentation / recordings; if these include other published works (in full or in part), they are covered by educational agreements of usage or under “fair dealing” principles.
• you may not re-post lectures (in full or in part) on any media
• you may not record lectures (even for personal use) unless you have written permission from your instructor

ATTENDANCE POLICY

The University expects students to attend all classes, seminars and laboratory periods. Part of a student's responsibility in contributing to the community of the University is his or her contribution to and participation in each class. Students should note that some classes (e.g., physical activity courses, Choir) have minimum attendance requirements. Students auditing a course must attend at least 80% of the lectures.

The classroom is a collaborative space where each member contributes to the intellectual progression and stimulation of the class. Be present; be prepared; be professional or we are all lesser for it.

DEADLINES   

All grades will be assigned using The King's University alpha scale below (A+ - F). Please make copies of your assignments before submission. Keep all assignments in electronic form (on file or on usb) until the semester is over and you have received your official final grade. All essays must be uploaded to Turnitin via Moodle on the due date.

Late paper assessment will follow standard Department of English late policy: one alpha grade-step deduction per day (excluding 12am to 11:59pm on Sundays and statutory holidays) to a maximum of five steps. If extenuating circumstances arise, contact your instructor ASAP in writing to arrange a plan for completion of the paper. Unless a written extension has been granted in advance, essays will not be accepted more than TWO weeks past the due date, and no assignments can be accepted after the last day of classes.

ACADEMIC HONESTY
Academic integrity measures will be used in this course, including screening all essays for originality through Turnitin. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence with potentially disastrous consequences, and I intend to hold you to the highest academic standards. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with University policies regarding scholarly ethics and academic integrity (see current King's calendar).

The University disciplinary code defines the following as offenses. Committing these or aiding another student in committing these is academic misconduct.

Cheating includes: obtaining or providing information or material from or to others during an exam; allowing another student to observe answers during an exam; or possessing or attempting to acquire or distribute unauthorized material relating to an exam.

Plagiarism includes: representing another's work in whole or in part as one's own in an exam or paper, knowingly including a false statement or reference as if it were true, or submission by the student of the work prepared for a different course without the express consent of the instructor. Keep these key examples of plagiarism in mind:

Passages are quoted without quotation marks and proper citations.
Ideas are paraphrased or summarized without proper citation. (This includes ideas garnered from AI, such as ChatGPT).
Knowingly including a false statement or reference as if it were true (including false references generated by AI, such as ChatGPT).
Submission by the student of the work prepared for a different course without clear documentation on the second assignment and the express consent of both the instructors.
Other offenses are: tampering or attempting to tamper with examinations, class work, grades or class records; failure to abide by instructor directions regarding the individuality of work; impersonation of another student in an examination or other class assignment; falsification or fabrication of lab reports; the non-authorized recording of lectures; failure to obtain approval, permission, or to otherwise follow procedures, as required by the University as outlined in the University Calendar.

The first occurrence of academic dishonesty in any course results in a zero for the assignment, test, or exam; the second case in any course results in a zero for the course; and the third case in any course results in academic suspension. Occurrences of academic dishonesty will also be noted on the student’s academic record. For more information see the King’s Calendar.

Academic integrity applies to every aspect of the classroom – from testing to our relationship with peers. Major assignments will be vetted by Turnitin; students will also sign and submit an Academic Integrity Agreement detailing our shared understanding of professional practices and conduct.

***Please (PLEASE!) discuss with me any concerns you may have regarding your research or other matters. I will also address plagiarism and proper citation methods throughout the semester, and post information on our website.

The University's position on AI:

Given the fast changing nature of generative AI and its recent public introduction, university and classroom policies and practices will quickly evolve. Flexibility will be required of all students and faculty in these early days of new technology. With this in mind, The King’s University holds its faculty and students to high standard for academic integrity. Learning to use sources well is not only an important part of scholarship, but also a reflection of our core commitment to credit the resources we consult while doing our work. Remember to cite every source that provides you with anything that is not common knowledge, or that you did not discover on your own.

We encourage discussions about how to use generative AI responsibly in the service of learning, keeping in mind that the use of uncited generative artificial intelligence programs in the production of submitted student work is considered plagiarism under university policy.

ACADEMIC SUPPORTS
Centre for Teaching & Learning
• Learning Specialists provide direct support to students to help them succeed. The specialist will work with students individually or in groups to identify ways students can improve academically. Learning Specialist are available to meet with students in the following areas.
• Writing support, researching, creating, and editing a successful university paper.
• Time management, organization, and research methods that employs intentional critical thinking skills to articulate and attain personal & educational learning goals.
• Digital Technology support creates confidence, literacy, and skills to apply ethical and efficient problem solving, task completion, and effective adaptability to new and emerging technology.
• Presentation Methods teaches speaking and presentation skills to connect class outcomes to learning beyond the classroom.
• Health & Wellness support examines the relationships between health and wellness and the accomplishment of life goals while exhibiting and promoting behaviors that advance a healthy
community at TKU.
• General Academic Support, which may include notetaking, how to read academic textbooks and test taking skills.

Looking to book an appointment or more information? Contact kristin.lemke@kingsu.ca

Career and Vocational Counselling
The Centre for Career and Calling helps students discern God’s call for their lives. It equips them to understand themselves, make meaning of their experiences, and explore pathways to purposeful work in service of a more humane, just, and sustainable world. Find out more about services as well as the link to make an appointment with Witty Sandle, the Career and Vocational Counsellor on the King’s website under Student Services.

Mental Health Supports
Counselling Services: Available Monday-Friday. Book a free, confidential appt online through kingsu.janeapp.com. Rm A142
Wellness Room: N112. Open with your ID card if locked.
Prayer Room: L117.
Spiritual Mentor and Life Coach: Bob Foo (Robert.Foo@kingsu.ca)
Work Out Center: 7 am—11 pm G106
Check out the King’s website, visit the Student Life office or email slo@kingsu.ca for more support information.
If you are in need of immediate mental health support after campus hours, please phone Access 24/7 at 780-424-2424.
To find more Edmonton area support services visit ab.211.ca