General Studies (GNST) 201 - Lecture 08
Inquiry Seminar in Communication and Culture: The Uses of Narrative
Winter 2007
Tuesdays /Thursdays 14.00--15.15  

Instructor:	Prof. C.T.Sutherland
Office Location:	SS338
Office Phone:	220-4844,
E-Mail:	sutherla@ucalgary.ca
Web Page:
Office Hours:	W.13.15--16.15

Additional Information

Students should send me an email message at the beginning of term so that I have their address.

Course Description

How do we use stories to complain, critique, confess, demonstrate, understand, connect, envision, reassure, heal? This course studies the uses of narrative in various disciplines and genres. Students will be introduced to the concept of interdisciplinarity and to some of the techniques of research. Students will also be given practice in writing and speaking.

Objectives of the Course

The course is intended to

*introduce students to the concept of interdisciplinarity

*introduce students to some of the techniques of research

*give students practice in writing and speaking.

Textbooks and Readings:

1. Robert Fulford, The Triumph of Narrative: Storytelling in the Age of Mass Culture

2. Book of Readings

Assignments and Evaluation

It is the student's responsibility to keep a copy of each submitted assignment.

Personal Memoir 15% Due January 23

Preliminary research proposal with annotated bibliography 10% Due February 6

First draft of research paper 10% Due Feb.27

Final text of research paper 25% Due March 27

Oral presentations of research 10% Due April 3

Reflections on Narrative 15% Due April 3

Class participation 15% This will be based in part on the submission of 5 mini-assignments consisting of a one-page summary of the chapter assigned for the day in the Triumph of Narrative and a suggested topic or question for discussion. These mini-assignments will not be graded or returned but they will be taken into account in determining your class participation mark. There will be NO extensions given on these: the point of them is to prepare you for the discussion on the given day. They are due as follows: Jan.16 Chapter I; Feb.8 Chapter V (Note: THIS IS CHAPTER FIVE,THE LAST CHAPTER); March 1 Chapter II; March 20 Chapter III; March 29 Chapter IV.



The grade of A+ may occasionally be given to reward outstandingly good work. It will be taken into account in calculating the final grade for the course.

Registrar-scheduled Final Examination: No

Please note: If your class is held in the evening, the Registrar's Office will make every attempt to schedule the final exam during the evening; however, there is NO guarantee that the exam will NOT be scheduled during the day.

Policy for Late Assignments

Assignments submitted after the deadline may be penalized with the loss of a grade (e.g.: A- to B+) for each day late. Extensions may be given if there is good reason and if they are requested BEFORE the due date.

Writing Skills Statement

Faculty policy directs that all written assignments (including, although to a lesser extent, written exam responses) will be assessed at least partly on writing skills. Writing skills include not only surface correctness (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc) but also general clarity and organization. Research papers must be properly documented. If you need help with your writing at any stage, you are invited to contact the Writing Centre, SS 110, 220-7255.

Grading System

The following grading system is used in the Faculty of Communication and Culture:

A+/A (4.0); A- (3.7); B+ (3.3); B (3.0); B- (2.7); C+ (2.3);
C (2.0); C- (1.7); D+ (1.3); D (1.0); F (0)

 

Plagiarism

Using any source whatsoever without clearly documenting it is a serious academic offence. Consequences include failure on the assignment, failure in the course and possibly suspension or expulsion from the university.

You must document not only direct quotations but also paraphrases and ideas where they appear in your text. A reference list at the end is insufficient by itself. Readers must be able to tell exactly where your words and ideas endand other people’s words and ideas begin. This includes assignments submitted in non-traditional formats such as Webpages or visual media, and material taken from such sources.

Please consult your instructor or the Writing Centre (SS 110) if you have any questions regarding how to document sources.

Students with Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability who may require academic accommodation, it is your responsibility to register with the Disability Resource Centre (220-8237) and discuss your needs with your instructor no later than fourteen (14) days after the start of the course.

Students' Union

For details about the current Students' Union contacts for the Faculty of Communication and Culture see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info

"SAFEWALK" Program -- 220-5333

Campus Security will escort individuals day or night -- call 220-5333 for assistance. Use any campus phone, emergency phone or the yellow phone located at most parking lot booths.

Schedule of Lectures and Readings

To be handed out in class.