LLT 180.998 Hero & Quest: Animal Heroes
Instructor: J. A.
Johnson
Office Hours: 9 am - 12 noon Mondays
Office: 105
Siceluff 
8:45-9:15 am, 12:15-12:45 pm Tues/Thurs
Telephone: 836-5172 or
836-5122 and
by appointment
Email: JulieJohnson@missouristate.edu
Web: http://courses.msu.edu/JulieJohnson/
Paperback Texts: (Required)
Bambi: A Life in the Woods, by Felix Salten (Pocket
Books)
The Panćatantra, translated by Chandra Rajan (Penguin
Books)
Renard the Fox, translated by P. Terry (University of
California Press)
Uncle Remus: His Songs and His Sayings, by Joel
Chandler Harris (Penguin Classics)
Online Texts:
Fables,
by Aesop http://etext.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/AesFabl.html
On Nature,
by John Steward Mill (available at http://www.lancs.ac.uk/users/philosophy/texts/mill_on.htm)
On Nature,
by Ralph Waldo Emerson (available at http://www.emersoncentral.com/nature2.htm)
Walden,
by Henry David Thoreau (available at http://eserver.org/thoreau/walden00.html)
Texts (Recommended):
Animal Farm, by George Orwell (Signet
Classic)
A Essay Concerning the true original extent and end of Civil Government,
Chapt. 2 ‘Of the State of Nature’, by John Locke (available at http://www.constitution.org/jl/2ndtreat.htm)
Films: Bambi, Animal Farm
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Classes
Assignments
Wk 1
Introductions
Bambi, pp. 9-70
(Aug 24/26) Film: Bambi
(J.S. Mill, On Nature)
Reading Journal 1
Wk 2 Analysis & Discussion Film: Bambi
Bambi, pp. 71-139
(Aug 31/Sep 2) Preliminary organizing for
projects
(Emerson, On Nature)
Peter & the Wolf
Peter
& the Wolf II
Reading Journal 2
Wk 3 Analysis & Discussion Goodfeathers intro.
Aesop
Bambi, pp. 140-188
(Sep 7/9) At the Zoo
Humans ain't what they
seem....
(Thoreau, Walden, Chapt. 2)
Reading Journal 3
Wk 4 Background on Aesop and Panćatantra MS of Arabic Translation
Panćatantra, pp 1-69
(Sep14/16) Analysis & Discussion Animated Tale (Lion
&
Donkey)
Reading Journal 4
Journals on Bambi due. Select Aesopic fable for
presentation. Brahma
tale
Law of the Jungle - Kipling
Honest
John
Wk 5 12 Presentations & Discussion The
Raven "Snake"
Panćatantra, pp. 70-141
(Sep 21/23) 21st Guest- Dr. Llewelyn, Religious
Studies on ancient Indian culture and religion Reading Journal 5
23rd- Zach A., Lindsey
P., Tyler F., Anna M, Jacob M
Wk 6 12 Presentations &
Discussion The
Lark
Panćatantra, pp. 142-189
(Sep 28/30) 28th-Danielle J., Bob B., Liz H., Joe A,
Kristen R.
Reading Journal 6
30th –
Garrett B., Dylan E., Zach S., Morgan L., Conor S.
Wk 7
Discussion Nightengale To
a Mouse The
Tyger
Panćatantra, pp. 192-264
(Oct 5/7) 5th- Chase T., Emily S., Nick D., Oana T., Natalie M.
Reading Journal 7
Frog
Song
Wk 8 Panćatantra Journal entries due
Renard, pp. 25-63
(Oct 12) Mid-Term Essay Exam (Bambi, Aesop, Panćatantra)
Reading Journal 8
---------------Fall Break (Yay!) -----------------------------------
Wk 9 Pedigree on Renard &
Discussion 
Renard, pp. 64-93
(Oct 19/21) Update on
Projects
Reading Journal 9
Wk 10 Analysis &
Discussion Orwell's
Animal Farm text
Renard, pp. 94-134
(Oct 26/28) Film
Animal Farm Animal
Farm Song
Reading Journal 10
Wk 11 Background on Remus'
tales Veterans
Day 'Taps'
Remus, pp 55-65
(Nov 2/4) Analysis &
Discussion Song
of the South excerpt Reading Journal 11
Renard Journal Entries
due Excerpt
2
Wk 12 Analysis &
Discussion Terrapin
Station
Remus, pp. 66-86
(Nov 9/11) 11th - Final
Project Organization
Reading Journal 12
Comparing:
Sylvester & Tweety
Road Runner & Wile E.
Coyote
Pinky and the Brain
Tom and Jerry
Bugs Bunny
Wk 13 Analysis &
Discussion
Remus, pp. 87-105
(Nov 16/18) 16th- Kristen, Chase, Brandi & Liz
Reading Journal 13
18th- Joe, Natalie & Tyler, Morgan
Platero
y Yo J. R. Jimenez
Wk 14 Analysis &
Discussion more
Platero
y Yo
Remus, pp. 105-125
(Nov 23) 23rd- Oana, Lindsey, Danielle, Bob
Reading Journal 14
---------------Thanksgiving------- --------
Wk 15 Analysis &
Discussion
Remus, pp. 126-154
( Nov 30/Dec 2 ) 30th- Nick & Zach A., Jacob, Conor, Garrett
Reading Journal 15
2nd- Dylan, Emily, Zach S., Anna
Bright
Eyes from Watership Down
Wk 16 Analysis & Discussion: Final Thoughts
(Dec 7/9) Compete Reading Journals due (15 pages)
Final Exam: Thursday, Dec 16, 8:45 am
Syllabus
- Course Description: This course fulfills 3
hours of General Education requirements under the area of inquiry "Self-Understanding,
Humanities Perspective". As such, it aims at the General Education
Goals under both Part One: Intellectual Abilities and Dispositions and
Part Two, C. Self-Understanding. The details of these goals are laid out
at the following web site and factor into the specific sectional course
objectives: http://www.missouristate.edu/GeneralEducation/Faculty_Senate_Approved_GenEd.htm
LLT 180 also connects to the MSU Public Affairs mission by addressing two of the main themes of Public
Affairs: (1) Ethical Leadership (in the consideration of animal heroes and anti-heroes and their impact on
the community) and (2) Cultural Competency (in the examination of values expressed by fables from
different times, different cultures—eastern and western).
LLT 180 is designed to examine conceptions of the hero from diverse perspectives and to prompt explorations into our own value systems and their foundations. This particular section will deal with heroes of beast fables, with special attention to the function of these fables (from widely disparate cultures) in the moral education of the young and in the subversion of social power structures. We will also focus on the entertainment values of beast fables, and their roles in reflecting and developing human values in each context. As this is an Honors section, it will also feature enhanced opportunities to write and to talk.
Course Objectives:
(1) To practice skills and reinforce dispositions developed in General Education courses. Specifically:
To practice your ability to analyze written texts
To practice your ability to assess primary sources
To practice your ability to reflect on evidence and to develop reasoned views
To advance your ability to speak clearly and to write competently
To advance your ability to present information in an understandable and engaging manner
(2) To increase your knowledge of beast literature and its didactic, satiric, and expository functions in several different cultural settings
(3) To consider how popular beast tales both reflect and impact culture, particularly with regard to their use of animal heroes
(4) To ponder the lessons conveyed through animal heroes – What do they suggest about cultural values?
(5) To explore human attitudes toward nature and the use of leges naturae ("laws of nature") as precepts for human conduct
Class: Class time will be taken up in discussion of readings and films and in student presentations. I will occasionally present background material in order to give context to the readings. As this is an Honors Section, students are expected to be proactive and to show up for class with weekly reading assignments completed and with discussion questions/observations ready to throw out for class consideration. You should always have something to say. All views will be respected; they should also be supported by evidence and by reason.
Disclaimer: Some of the assigned texts include materials and language that may be construed as offensive (e.g., scenes of violence and rape, language considered unacceptable by current standards). These are objects of study and should be approached with scholarly distancing. Analysis does not entail endorsement.
Graded Assignments:
Reading Journal - 50 points
2 Class Presentations - 50 points (25 pts each)
Participation - 25 points
Project - 50 points for the report
2 Exams (Mid-term & Final) - 50 points (25 pts each)
225 points total
Grading: Class presentations will be graded by all students and presentation grades assigned will be the result of averaging the average of student grades with the instructor grade. Other grades will be assigned according to the instructor’s assessment. As this is largely a discussion class, your participation grade will depend on both being present and speaking up.
If you have any questions or contentions about a particular grade, please see me immediately to inquire or to make your case. If we do not have a meeting of the minds, I will refer you next to Dr. Madeleine Hooper, Head, Department of Modern & Classical Languages, for her decision. After that, the ordinary course of grade appeals can be followed at administrative and committee levels. Do not wait until the close of semester to raise any issue about grading!
At the end of term, your points will be totaled and a letter grade awarded on the basis of the points achieved out of total possible: 100-90% = A; 80-89% = B; 70-79% = C; 60-69% = D; 59-0% = F.
Reading Journal: All students are required to keep a journal covering the weekly reading assignments. There is a limit of one page per weekly entry. Each entry must include both (1) a brief synopsis of the readings—no more than 300 words! and (2) your own reflections upon the readings and their significance for you with special attention to analysis of the hero. These journals will be handed in every 3-4 weeks for review, and the final accumulation (15 pages) will be turned in for grading at the end of the semester.
Journal entries should be produced on a word processor or typewriter. They should be maintained in a simple, cheap plastic cover or file folder for portability. If you have any questions about format or content, ask.
Class Presentations: Each student will give 2 ten-minute presentations to the class: the first on a selected fable by Aesop, the second on his or her selected class project. Presentations will be scored on clarity, coherence, interest, insight, and audibility and will be graded on the basis both of class and instructor assessments (see above, Grading).
Class Project – Presentation & Report (6-10 pages): Each student will select a beast tale not covered by the class for analysis. The selection can be made from written tales, oral history, film, cartoons, etc. (E.g., Charlotte’s Web, Wind in the Willows, Penguin Island, Watership Down, Fable of the Bees, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Peter Rabbit, Dumbo, Lion King, Lady and the Tramp, Ferdinand the Bull, Chicken Run, Isengrimus, Secrets of NIMH, Babe, Animaniacs, etc...) Analyze the work, assessing the medium, purpose, success, and appeal of the fable. There should be no overlap of projects, however if two or more people are eager to do the same work, you may (in consultation with me) arrange to do a joint project. In such joint projects, however, each member of the team should produce a separate written report. Your reports
( in addition to an analysis of the hero in his/her context and the lessons of the tale and the effectiveness with which those lessons are conveyed) should give your own views on whether the work is culturally beneficial or not, and how so or how not.
Exams: There will be two essay exams: a mid-term and a final exam. You will be asked to respond to questions on the readings, on films, on class discussions, and on class activities.
N.B.: There will be no make-ups on exams and no extensions of deadlines without my express permission prior to the dates in questions. Medical absences should be verified by a physician’s note. However, in the case of a natural disaster (e.g., fire, flood, plague of locusts, rain of toads) we will adjust the schedule as appropriate. Risk neither life nor limbs. Don’t drive through flowing water. So far as the final exam is concerned, there will be absolutely no fudging on the official date and time as scheduled by the university. Don’t even ask.
Undergraduate Catalog. It is your responsibility to read and understand this document.
Procedures for Grade Inquiries: If you have any questions about test, written work, or final course grading, please see me first. If you have further questions, I shall refer you to Dr. Madeleine Hooper, as the next step in the process. Any inquiries about grading should be made within a week of receipt of the grade in question.
Courtesies: Late arrivals to and early departures from class are both rude and disruptive. Inclement weather aside, such comings and goings are not tolerable. If special circumstances pertain (e.g., an 8:00 in the Professional Building), please let me know at the start of term.
Integrity: I presume at the outset that everyone is of the highest moral character and probity. However, in a case of suspected cheating or plagiarism (‘Plagiarism’ means the theft of intellectual property, stealing the ideas or words of another and passing them off as one’s own.), I shall return the assignment without a grade, and the student must see me immediately. If good faith has been restored, a grade will be given. In the case of unquestioned dishonesty, the test or written material will be given an automatic zero; and the student must still see me immediately. In the latter instance, the student will be counseled to drop the course and the Academic Integrity Council may be notified.
Missouri State University is a community of scholars committed to developing educated persons who accept the responsibility to practice personal and academic integrity. You are responsible for knowing and following the university’s Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures, available at www.missouristate.edu/policy/academicintegritystudents.htm. You are also responsible for understanding and following any additional academic integrity policies specific to this class (as outlined by the instructor). Any student participating in any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to sanctions as described in this policy. If you are accused of violating this policy and are in the appeals process, you should continue participating in the class.
Accommodations: To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact the Director of the Disability Resource Center, Plaster Student Union, Suite 405, (417) 836-4192 or (417) 836-6792 (TTY), www.missouristate.edu/disability. Students are required to provide documentation of disability to the Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations. The Disability Resource Center refers some types of accommodation requests to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, which also provides diagnostic testing for learning and psychological disabilities. For information about testing, contact the Director of the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, (417) 836-4787, http://psychology.missouristate.edu/ldc.
Nondiscrimination: Missouri State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. At all times, it is your right to address inquiries or concerns about possible discrimination to the Office for Equity and Diversity, Park Central Office Building, 117 Park Central Square, Suite 111, (417) 836-4252. Other types of concerns (i.e., concerns of an academic nature) should be discussed directly with your instructor and can also be brought to the attention of your instructor’s Department Head, of Professor Madeleine Hooper, Head, Department of Modern & Classical Languages, 223 Siceluff Hall.. Please visit the OED website at www.missouristate.edu/equity/.
Emergency Response
Students who require assistance during an emergency evacuation must discuss their needs with their professors and Disability Services. If you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible.
For additional information students should contact the Disability Resource Center, 836-4192 (PSU 405), or Larry Combs, Interim Assistant Director of Public Safety and Transportation at 836-6576.
For further information on Missouri State University’s Emergency Response Plan, please refer to the following web site: http://www.missouristate.edu/safetran/erp.htm
Cell Phone Policy : As a member of the learning community, each student has a responsibility to other students who are members of the community. When cell phones or pagers ring and students respond in class or leave class to respond, it disrupts the class. Therefore, the Office of the Provost prohibits the use by students of cell phones, pagers, PDAs, or similar communication devices during scheduled classes. All such devices must be turned off or put in a silent (vibrate) mode and ordinarily should not be taken out during class. Given the fact that these same communication devices are an integral part of the University’s emergency notification system, an exception to this policy would occur when numerous devices activate simultaneously. When this occurs, students may consult their devices to determine if a university emergency exists. If that is not the case, the devices should be immediately returned to silent mode and put away. Other exceptions to this policy may be granted at the discretion of the instructor.
Dropping a Class: It is your responsibility to understand the University’s procedure for dropping a class. If you stop attending this class but do not follow proper procedure for dropping the class, you will receive a failing grade and will also be financially obligated to pay for the class. For information about dropping a class or withdrawing from the university, contact the Office of the Registrar at 836-5520.
Faculty may also wish to include relevant drop deadlines. See Academic Calendars (http://calendar.missouristate.edu/academic.aspx) for deadlines.
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