Course Syllabus 1

HUMA 1301: Exploration of the Humanities

Fall 2008

Course Information

HUMA 1301.001
MC 2.410 MWF 9:30 – 10:20

Professor/TA Contact Information

Dr. Ingrao
Office: JO 5.306
Office Hours: MW 1:00 – 3:00 and by appointment
Office Phone: 883 – 6089
Email: jingrao@utdallas.edu

TA contact information for this course is as follows:

Stacey Knepp
Office: JO 5.410D
Office Hours: W 10:45 – 11:45 and by appointment
Office Phone: 883 – 2186
Email: sjk071000@utdallas.edu

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

This course requires no pre-requisite.

Course Description

Intended to introduce students to connections between various fields of studies in the humanities,
this section of HUMA 1301 will apply an interdisciplinary approach to our sometimes
beneficial, sometimes threatening relationship to our creations. How might our creations,
in terms of both technology and ideas, impact ourselves and our world? What
responsibilities do we owe our creations, each other, and our world? Moreover, how are
these responsibilities interrelated? Answers will be sought in a dialogue between myth,
fiction, philosophy, essays, and film.
Course Syllabus 2

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

This course seeks to offer students the potential to: 1) Learn to examine a variety of texts from the
humanities: fictional, philosophical, and cinematic; 2) Analyze connections between multiple
texts (for example: fictional, philosophical, and cinematic) and draw informed conclusions from
said connections; 3) Apply considered analysis and respond to works in the humanities as
examples of human expression and aesthetic and ideological principles.

Required Textbooks and Materials

Textbooks are available at the UTD Bookstore, Off Campus Books, and commercially. Please
use only the following editions:

Mary Shelley, Frankenstein (Penguin, ISBN: 0140433627)

H. G. Wells, The Island of Dr. Moreau (Penguin, ISBN: 014144102X)
Philip K. Dick, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (Random House, ISBN: 0345404475)
Don DeLillo, White Noise (Penguin, ISBN: 0140077022)

Handouts, such as Emerson’s “Nature,” will be available through e-reserve. Films, such as A.I.,
and several film excerpts will also be incorporated in this course.

How to Access E-Reserve Materials

Several readings for this course will be accessed through e-reserve. These readings are marked as
e-reserve on the syllabus. A syllabus is also available as a Word document (.doc) through e-
reserve should a printed copy be misplaced. To access e-reserve:

1. Go to the following URL:

http://utdallas.docutek.com/eres/coursepass.aspx?cid=489

2. Next, students will be asked for a password. The password is “frankenstein.” After entering
the password, click “Accept.”

A list of e-reserve materials should appear. Click on the needed reading for a PDF version.

Please contact the instructor at jingrao@utdallas.edu concerning problems accessing materials

placed on e-reserve.

Assignments & Academic Calendar

Aug. 22: Defining “Humanities”

Introduction to course themes and goals
Course Syllabus 3

Aug. 25: Myths of Creation and Responsibility

Aug. 27: Introduction to Frankenstein
Aug. 29: Frankenstein, pages 5-12

Sept. 1: NO CLASS; LABOR DAY

Sept. 3: Frankenstein, pages 15-50
Coleridge, Part 1 of The Rime of the Ancyent Marinere (e-reserve)
Sept. 5: Frankenstein, pages 51-90

Sept. 8: Frankenstein, pages 93-150

Milton, Excerpts from Books I and IV of Paradise Lost (e-reserve)
Sept. 10: Frankenstein, pages 155-225
Sept. 12: Discussion of Frankenstein (text)

Sept. 15: View Frankenstein (1931)

Sept. 17: View Frankenstein (1931)
Sept. 19: View Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Sept. 22: View Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Sept. 24: Discussion of Frankenstein (films)
Sept. 26: First exam

Sept. 29: Emerson, “Nature” (e-reserve)

Oct. 1: Further discussion of Emerson, “Nature” (e-reserve)
Bronowski, Excerpt from “The Creative Mind” (e-reserve)
Oct. 3: View Jurassic Park

Oct. 6: View Jurassic Park

Oct. 8: View Jurassic Park
Oct. 10: Discussion of Jurassic Park
Crichton, Excerpts from Jurassic Park (e-reserve)

Oct. 13: Introduction to Island of Dr. Moreau

Oct. 15: Island of Dr. Moreau, pages 5-64
Oct. 17: Island of Dr. Moreau, pages 65-131

Oct. 20: Discussion of Island of Dr. Moreau

Oct. 22: Second exam
Oct. 24: Introduction to Do Androids Dream?
Short essay assigned

Oct. 27: Do Androids Dream?, pages 3-83

Oct. 29: Do Androids Dream?, pages 84-153
Oct. 31: Do Androids Dream?, pages 154-202

Nov. 3: Do Androids Dream?, pages 203-244

Nov. 5: Discussion of Do Androids Dream?
Discussion of films viewed in conjunction with short essay
Nov. 7: View A.I.
Course Syllabus 4

Nov. 10: View A.I.

Nov. 12: View A.I.
Nov. 14: Discussion of A.I.

Nov. 17: Short essay due

Discussion of short essay
Nov. 19: White Noise, pages 3-40
Nov. 21: White Noise, pages 41-105
Johnson, “The Joy of Boredom” (e-reserve)

Nov. 24: White Noise, pages 109-163

Nov. 26: White Noise, pages 167-223
Berry, “Faustian Economics” (e-reserve)
Nov. 28: NO CLASS; THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

Dec. 1: White Noise, pages 224-295

Dec. 3: White Noise, pages 296-326
Dec. 5: Discussion of White Noise

Dec. 8: Conclusion/Final exam review

Dec. 17: Final exam begins at 8:00

Grading Policy
Semester grades will be calculated in accordance with the following percentages:

First exam 20%

Second exam 25%
Short essay 25%
Final exam 30%

Assignment letter grades correspond to the following numerical values in calculating a student’s
semester grade:

A+ 4.00 C+ 2.33 F 0.00

A 4.00 C 2.00
A- 3.67 C- 1.67

B+ 3.33 D+ 1.33
B 3.00 D 1.00
B- 2.67 D- 0.67

In general, letter grades are determined by the following criteria:

A--represents outstanding participation in all course activities; all assigned work completed on
time, with very high quality and original thought in all work produced for the course.
Course Syllabus 5

B--represents excellent participation in all course activities; all assigned work completed on time,
with consistently high quality in course work.

C--represents good to average participation in course activities; all assigned work completed,
with generally good overall quality in course work.

D--represents uneven participation in course activities; some gaps in assigned work completed,
with inconsistent quality in course work.

F--represents minimal participation in course activities; serious gaps in assigned work completed,
or very low quality in course work.

Course & Instructor Policies

Among other pedagogical methods, such as discussion, this course utilizes lecture. Students are
welcome to ask questions concerning lectures during class. Students may also contact the TA or
instructor. Though neither the TA nor the instructor will re-teach material presented during a
specific date in its entirety as originally presented in class, specific questions concerning material
presented in class are welcome.

Short lecture outlines will be posted on WebCT. Note that the short outlines are just that; though
intended to help students review such material as names, dates, and key terms mentioned during a
lecture, the outlines will not mention all the specifics of content covered during a given lecture,
and should not be taken as a substitute for attending class. To access lecture outlines:

1. Go to the following URL:

http://webct6.utdallas.edu

2. Click “Log In.”

3. Enter UTD NetID and password.

4. The “My WebCT Page” screen should appear with a list of all courses in which a student has
enrolled. Click on the course title.

5. Click “Learning Modules” under the “Course Tools” menu at the left of the screen.

6. Lecture outlines are dated chronologically.

Please contact the instructor at jingrao@utdallas.edu concerning problems accessing materials

placed on WebCT. Note that a copy of the syllabus is also available through WebCT in the event
a printed copy is misplaced.

In terms of specific assignments, the first and second exams will not be comprehensive. Both
exams will consist of a series of short answer questions. The final exam, in contrast, will be
comprehensive. This exam will include a short answer section. Students will also be required to
Course Syllabus 6

complete a short essay during the scheduled final exam time. The essay prompt will be provided
prior to the final exam. Nevertheless, students should avoid bringing notes or books for use
during the final exam.

Students are expected to take responsibility for bringing blue books to all examination periods.
Blue books are available through the UTD Bookstore, Off Campus Books, and the SGA.

In addition to the exams, students will be assigned a short essay of two to three pages. The essay
should, first, analyze the presentation of the idea of responsibility for creation in one of the
following four widely-available films. Next, apply this ideological analysis to a current
social/ethical issue concerning scientific/technological advancement. The instructor plans to
provide a list of suggested issues.

Blade Runner (1982; Harrison Ford)**

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991; Arnold Schwarzenegger)
The Matrix (1999; Keanu Reeves)
I, Robot (2004; Will Smith)

**Use either the “Director’s” or “Final Cut” edition.

Finally, unannounced quizzes will be given during the course of the semester. Quizzes will be
graded on a check + (exceeds expectations), check (meets expectations), check - (does not meet
expectations) basis, and will be instrumental in the determination of borderline grades at the end
of the semester. Said determination will be made by weighing the number of earned check pluses
and checks against the number of check minuses and missed quizzes.

This course will be conducted according to strict codes of academic honesty. All cases of
cheating will be fully investigated. Penalties for cheating may include failing an exam, failing the
course, or suspension and expulsion from the University. Students are expected to know the
University’s policies and procedures on such matters, as well as those governing student services,
conduct, and obligations.

Attendance

Participation is important. The instructor expects that students will be present and seated at the
beginning of each scheduled class day. Moreover, the instructor expects that students will
participate during discussion and be attentive during lecture. Remember that all exams will ask
short answer questions that test knowledge of specific material presented during class time.

Though missed quizzes cannot be made up, students should remember that any individual quiz
grade is less important than an overall pattern of participation at a level that exceeds (check +) or
meets (check) course expectations.

Missed exams cannot be made up without a valid excuse. The short essay will not be accepted
late without a valid excuse. Inform the instructor—in advance if possible—if a valid reason for
being absent exists, and be prepared to document all legitimate excuses. Legitimate excuses for
missing class include only the following:
Course Syllabus 7

1) Religiously observant students wishing to be absent on holidays that require missing

class should notify their instructor in writing and should discuss with him, in advance,
acceptable ways of making up any work missed because of the absence.

2) Students participating in an officially sanctioned, scheduled University extracurricular

activity will be given the opportunity to make up class assignments or other graded
assignments missed as a result of their participation. It is the responsibility of the student
to make arrangements with the instructor prior to any missed assignment for making up
the work. Students who must travel in association with a University athletic function
should plan on completing any work prior to travel.

3) A documented illness. Documentation should clearly state that the student was
instructed by a physician not to attend class on a specific date(s) for his or her health
and/or for the health of others. The date(s) missed should be specifically stated in the
note, as should physician contact information. Non-documented illness will not
constitute a valid excuse for missing class.

Vacations, travel plans, and so on, do not constitute excused absences under this policy.

Students seeking to turn in the short essay after the due date indicated on the daily schedule or
make up an exam must first present documentation of a valid excuse to both the TA (copy) and
instructor (original) before the make-up assignment can be scheduled. Students will have a
maximum of one week (seven days; this does include weekends) from the original exam date to
take the make-up exam or turn in the short essay.

Students should be aware that a make-up exam will differ from the in-class exam in content.
Though the format of the exam will be the same, students seeking to make up the first exam, for
example, should expect to be asked different short answer questions than those presented on the
in-class exam.

Computers in the Classroom

Students are welcome to use computers to take notes during class discussion and lecture with the
following caveat. Any student discovered to be using a computer for any purpose other than note
taking during class will be banned from using a computer in class for the remainder of the
semester. This ban may be imposed by either the instructor or TA.

Technical Support

If students experience any problems with their UTD accounts they may send an email to:
assist@utdallas.edu, or call the UTD Computer Helpdesk at 972-883-2911.
Course Syllabus 8

Field Trip Policies

Off-campus Instruction and Course Activities

Off-campus, out-of-state, and foreign instruction and activities are subject to state law and
University policies and procedures regarding travel and risk-related activities. Information
regarding these rules and regulations may be found at the following website address:
http://www.utdallas.edu/BusinessAffairs/Travel_Risk_Activities.htm. Additional information is
available from the office of the school dean. Below is a description of any travel and/or risk-
related activity associated with this course.

N/A

Student Conduct & Discipline

The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and
regulations for the orderly and efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility
of each student and each student organization to be knowledgeable about the rules and
regulations which govern student conduct and activities. General information on student
conduct and discipline is contained in the UTD printed publication, A to Z Guide, which
is provided to all registered students each academic year.

The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of
recognized and established due process. Procedures are defined and described in the
Rules and Regulations, Series 50000, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System,
and in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities of the University’s Handbook of
Operating Procedures. Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in
the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are available to assist students in
interpreting the rules and regulations (SU 1.602, 972/883-6391) and online at
http://www.utdallas.edu/judicialaffairs/UTDJudicialAffairs-HOPV.html.

A student at the University neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of
citizenship. He or she is expected to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the
Regents’ Rules, University regulations, and administrative rules. Students are subject to
discipline for violating the standards of conduct whether such conduct takes place on or
off campus, or whether civil or criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct.

Academic Integrity

The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty.
Because the value of an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work
done by the student for that degree, it is imperative that a student demonstrate a high
standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work.

Any student who commits an act of scholastic dishonesty is subject to discipline.

Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the
submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to
another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair
advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts.
Course Syllabus 9

Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from
any other source is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the University’s policy on
plagiarism (see general catalog for details).

Copyright Notice

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making
of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials, including music and
software. Copying, displaying, reproducing, or distributing copyrighted works may
infringe the copyright owner’s rights and such infringement is subject to appropriate
disciplinary action as well as criminal penalties provided by federal law. Usage of such
material is only appropriate when that usage constitutes “fair use” under the Copyright
Act. U.T. Dallas students are required to follow the institution’s copyright policy (Policy
Memorandum 84-I.3-46). For more information about the fair use exemption, see
http://www.utsystem.edu/ogc/intellectualproperty/copypol2.htm.

Email Use

The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication
between faculty/staff and students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises
some issues concerning security and the identity of each individual in an email exchange.
The University encourages all official student email correspondence be sent only to a
student’s U.T. Dallas email address, and that faculty and staff consider email from
students official only if it originates from a UTD student account. This allows the
University to maintain a high degree of confidence in the identity of all individuals
corresponding and the security of the transmitted information. UTD furnishes each
student with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with University
personnel. The Department of Information Resources at U.T. Dallas provides a method
for students to have their U.T. Dallas mail forwarded to other accounts.

Withdrawal from Class

The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level
courses. These dates and times are published in that semester's course catalog.
Administration procedures must be followed. It is the student's responsibility to handle
withdrawal requirements from any class. In other words, the professor cannot drop or
withdraw any student. Students must do the proper paperwork to ensure that they will not
receive a final grade of "F" in a course if they choose not to attend the class once they are
enrolled.

NOTE: September 8 is the last day to drop this course without incurring a “W.”

Student Grievance Procedures

Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and
Activities, of the University’s Handbook of Operating Procedures.

In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other

fulfillments of academic responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a
Course Syllabus 10

serious effort to resolve the matter with the instructor, supervisor, administrator, or
committee with whom the grievance originates (hereafter called “the respondent”).
Individual faculty members retain primary responsibility for assigning grades and
evaluations. If the matter cannot be resolved at that level, the grievance must be
submitted in writing to the respondent with a copy of the respondent’s School Dean. If
the matter is not resolved by the written response provided by the respondent, the student
may submit a written appeal to the School Dean. If the grievance is not resolved by the
School Dean’s decision, the student may make a written appeal to the Dean of Graduate
or Undergraduate Education, and the Dean will appoint and convene an Academic
Appeals Panel. The decision of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The results of the
academic appeals process will be distributed to all involved parties.

Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of
Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and
regulations.

Incomplete Grade Policy

As per University policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably
missed at the semester’s end and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An
incomplete grade must be resolved within eight (8) weeks from the first day of the
subsequent long semester. If the required work to complete the course and to remove the
incomplete grade is not submitted by the specified deadline, the incomplete grade is
changed automatically to a grade of F.

Disability Services
The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational
opportunities equal to those of their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in
room 1.610 of the Student Union. Office hours are Monday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to
6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30
p.m.

The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:

The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22

PO Box 830688
Richardson, Texas 75083-0688
(972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY)
disabilityservice@utdallas.edu

If a student anticipates issues related to the format or requirements of this course, please
meet with the Coordinator of Disability Services. The Coordinator is available to discuss
ways to ensure full participation in the course. If a student determines that formal,
disability-related accommodations are necessary, it is very important that he or she be
registered with Disability Services to notify them of eligibility for reasonable
accommodations. Disability Services can then plan how best to coordinate
accommodations.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an
accommodation. Disability Services provides students with letters to present to faculty
Course Syllabus 11

members to verify that the student has a disability and needs accommodations.
Individuals requiring special accommodation should contact the professor after class or
during office hours.

Religious Holy Days

The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required
activities for the travel to, and observance of, a religious holy day for a religion whose
places of worship are exempt from property tax under Section 11.20, Tax Code, Texas
Code Annotated.

The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible
regarding the absence, preferably in advance of the assignment. The student, so excused,
will be allowed to take the exam or complete the assignment within a reasonable time
after the absence: a period equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum of one
week. A student who notifies the instructor and completes any missed exam or
assignment may not be penalized for the absence. A student who fails to complete the
exam or assignment within the prescribed period may receive a failing grade for that
exam or assignment.

If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose
of observing a religious holy day], or if there is similar disagreement about whether the
student has been given a reasonable time to complete any missed assignments or
examinations, either the student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief
executive officer of the institution, or his or her designee. The chief executive officer or
designee must take into account the legislative intent of TEC 51.911(b), and the student
and instructor will abide by the decision of the chief executive officer or designee.

These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of

the Professor.