Course Syllabus

ENGL 376VV: Electronic Literature

When: 9:30 (section 1) and 11:00 (section 2)
Where: ITCC 327
Who: Zach Whalen (www.zachwhalen.net, @zachwhalen, zwhalen@umw.edu, x2355)
Office: Combs 308 MWF 10-12AM 

Overview and Outcomes

For as long as computers have been capable of expressing symbolic communication, people have been using computers to expressive creative literary ideas. As platforms evolve, authors, programmers, and designers find new modes and new audiences for born digital literature. This class will be a survey of the history, genres and forms of Electronic Literature.

Successful students will

• acquire or develop knowledge of historical and contemporary electronic literature
• gain experience using digital tools for creative expression
• apply literary critical methodology in analyzing non-traditional textuality

Requirements

This class requires one textbook, #! (pronounced she-bang), by Nick Montfort. It is available at the bookstore. You may also need to purchase a video game (TBD) later on this semester, at a cost of no more than $20.

Assignments

Blogging. (20%)
Working in rotating groups, students will post detailed analysis of electronic literary works.

Midterm. (20%)
This is an exam, given in the week before Spring Break, that will cover all the content presented so far. It will include identifications, multiple choice questions, and short essay responses.

Creative Project. (10%)
Use digital technology to make something literary and interesting.

Final Project. (20%)
Design and implement a project that contributes something new and valuable to the field of electronic literature.

Homework. (10%) 
Short, responsive or reflective work due every day before class.

Quizzes. (5%)
Short, infrequent, multiple-choice quizzes delivered in Canvas.

Participation. (15%)
Participation is crucial. For this class, to participate means attending class prepared to discuss the assigned work and contributing to the online community of the class. A pattern of non-attendance will result in a zero participation grade.

Grading

Philosophy

The assignments in this class invite you to encounter electronic literature through a number of critical and creative ways. Each assignment will have clear grading criteria or rubrics, but generally speaking, you can earn an A in this class if you participate fully and if you produce uniformly excellent work. An A is reserved for work that demonstrates the highest intellectual engagement, creativity and attentiveness to detail. Some basic technical proficiency will be necessary to complete some assignments, but other, non-technical factors will always be the most important criteria in evaluating any assignment for this class.

Schema

Policies and Expectations

Decorum

Students are expected to treat the instructor and fellow students with the appropriate degree of respect, both in class and in online discussions. Communication, either in person or through electronic media, that is deemed abusive, threatening, or harassing in nature will not be tolerated.

Late Work

Unless otherwise noted, assignments may be submitted after their due date, but your work will be worth fewer points, equal to a 10% deduction for the first 24 hours after the specified due date and time, followed by a 20% reduction for each 24-hour period following. Effectively, this means work that is more than 5 days late will not be graded.

Homework is due 15 minutes before class and cannot be submitted late.

Academic Dishonesty

The UMW Honor System is in effect for our course. I may authorize specific assignments as collaborative work, but all other work must be your own, as per Article 1, Sections 1 and 2 of the University of Mary Washington Student Honor Code.

Computer Use in the Classroom

This class is about literary work created for computers. Likewise, the classroom where we meet is full of computers. What's more, you're welcome to bring your own computing devices to class. I simply ask that you be responsible with your computer use. Often, we'll do specific computer-based tasks in class, such as the quizzes that will take place at the beginning of class every day. Other times, I'll be lecturing about something, and you are welcome to take notes or use Twitter as a backchannel while that's going on. While we are having a discussion-based, however, I must ask that you keep your attention away to the screen and instead engage fully with the conversation around you. Failure to do so, i.e. Facebook chatting while I'm attempting to draw you in to a discussion, will result in my revoking your computer use privileges.

Disability Accommodations

The Office of Disability Resources has been designated by the University as the primary office to guide, counsel, and assist students with disabilities. If you already receive services through the Office of Disability Resources and require accommodations for this class, get in touch with me as soon as possible to discuss your approved accommodation needs. Please bring your accommodation letter with you to the appointment. I will hold any information you share with me in the strictest confidence unless you give me permission to do otherwise. If you have not contacted the Office of Disability Resources and need accommodations, (note taking assistance, extended time for tests, etc.), I will be happy to refer you. The office will require appropriate documentation of disability. Their phone number is 540-654-1266.