Humanities 101F: Love, Death, and Steampunk
When and where this course meets:
8:30-9:20 am MWF, Main 224
Course Description
Humanities 101 is designed to engage students during their first semester in small-group seminars in humanistic inquiry, with special attention given to value questions and issues. The course includes substantial reading and group discussion and considerable work on English composition skills.
Section Description
Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction and fantasy in which the past—particularly the Victorian past—is rewritten in fictional works that attempt to portray the future as it might have been, given alternative scientific and political events. In this course, we will read short fiction in the steampunk genre that addresses the twin themes of love and death, as well as the minor theme of artificial life.
Expected Student Learning Outcomes
Students will learn to
- think critically about subjects of humanistic inquiry
- read actively and analytically
- argue persuasively and coherently
- access, evaluate, and integrate information
- write focused, well-organized, and error-free papers which integrate content relevant to the topic and employ clear, direct, concise diction
- reflect on their writing and use that reflection to critique their own writing and the writing of others
Diversity and Inclusion
All members of this class are expected to contribute to a respectful, welcoming and inclusive environment. Individuals of all ages, ethnicities, gender identities, gender expressions, national origins, races, religions and cultures will be treated with respect in this course.
Required Textbooks
- Steampunk II: Steampunk Reloaded (ISBN 9781616960018)
- The Transition to College Writing, 2nd ed. by Hjortshoj, ISBN 9780312440824
Textbooks are available in the Wofford College Bookstore (see “Note on Textbooks” at right)
Course Requirements
- Read everything assigned, on time and with care and attention.
- Participate in class discussions when possible
- Three (3) short essays with revisions and peer review)
- Three individual conferences with your professor
- Regular reading response questions to be completed before seminar discussion, on-line quizzes, and exercises
Grading Breakdown
- Essay 1: 25%
- Essay 2: 25%
- Essay 3: 35%
- Other: 15%