ENG 1053 Spring 2020

Introduction to Folklore 1053

Course Syllabus
Spring 2020

1. COURSE TITLE
ENG 1053 Introduction to Folklore 1053 Lecture

2. FACULTY INFORMATION
● Rebecca Davis
● CR 101D
● (580) 387-7467
● [email protected]
● 3-4 MWF and 3-5 TTh

3. COURSE DESCRIPTION
ENG 1053- A classic and general introduction to the theories, origins, forms, and
characteristics of folklore is provided in this course. It also provides a background in
folklore terminology, genres, motifs in folklore and serves as a supplementary course to
other folklore.

Credit: Three semester hours.

Prerequisite: None.

4. REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

Please visit www.bookstore.mscok.edu or one of our bookstore locations to verify or purchase your
required course materials. Changes may have been made based on product availability.

Title of Book Ed. Author Publisher ISBN #

Introduction to
Folklore: Ronald M. James Independent #978-
Traditional 15214232
Studies in 64
 Europe and
Elsewhere
Other Multi-pocket binder,
materials notebook, writing
instruments

5. COURSE MEASURABLE OBJECTIVES/STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

MSC Introduction to Folklore 1053 Student Learning Outcomes
1 Analyze, evaluate, and critique assigned readings.
.
2 Identify, analyze, and evaluate folkloric archetypes within a cultural context
.
3 Locate, evaluate, cite, and use conventional and field research,
.
4 Use established writing techniques to construct original grammatically, mechanically, and
. structurally correct essays
5 Create an original presentation on a folklore topic
.

6. COURSE GRADING POLICY

● GRADING SCALE
A: 90%-100%
B: 80%-89%
C: 70%-79%
D: 60%-69%
F: 0%-59%

● PERCENTAGE OF WEIGHTED AVERAGES

Essays: 60%
Quizzes: 20%
Tests: 20%
____________________________
Total 100%

Essays: Students are required to complete a two (2) formal essays for a total of 60% of the final
grade. Both essays are required. All essays must be submitted to turnitin.com. Instructions will
be provided. Students will be required to submit hard copy drafts upon request.

Essays must be saved in Word 97-2003 or above in order to be submitted successfully. Essays must
follow standard MLA guidelines. Include the following information in the upper left hand corner of
the essay:
 Student’s Name
Ms. Davis
ENG 1053. Section number
Date

Essays not turned in on time will receive one letter grade off for each day late. Any essay more
than three days late will not be accepted and is considered non-existent, which will result in an F or
W in the course.

Students who have submitted all essays will be able to revise one previously submitted essay
during Revision Week for a possible higher grade on the essay.. Students will not be allowed to
revise essays that were not submitted. A deadline for essay revision will provided. No late
revisions will be accepted.

Written work in ENG 1053 should be relatively free of errors in grammar, mechanics, punctuation,
and spelling. Essays will be graded according to the following standards:

A/90-100% Superior work; original, concise, in-depth treatment of topic; excellent development and
organization; insightful use of research; varied sentence patterns; novel word choice; virtually free of
surface errors.
B/80-89% Above average work; adequate treatment of topic; good organization and development;
appropriate use of research; conventional word choice few surface errors.
C/70-79% Average work; predictable treatment of topic; less thorough development; adequate use of
research; common word choice; some surface errors.
D/60-69% Below average work; contains significant errors in development and/or organization;
insufficient or inappropriate research; numerous surface errors.
F/59%-below Unacceptable work; does not address the assigned topic; lacks development and/or
organization; contains no research or invalid research; contains repeated surface errors.

There may be opportunities for bonus points during the semester, but this is at the instructor’s
discretion. Bonus points can be used to enhance a grade in the course but cannot move a grade
from failing to passing the course.

Quizzes: Quizzes (approximately four) are worth a total of 20% of the final grade in the course. To
determine content comprehension, a variety of assessment techniques including but not limited to
the following will be used: identification, definition, listing, providing examples, paraphrasing,
illustrating, supporting, critiquing, and creating. Quizzes will be graded according to the following
scale:
A=90% and above correct
B=80%-89% correct
C=70%-79% correct
D=60%-69% correct
F=59% and below correct

Arrangements to make up quizzes missed due to official MSC activities/events or

personal/family/medical emergencies MUST be made at the first class after the
 student’s return. Failure to do so will result in a loss of make up opportunity and a
zero for the quiz grade. Quiz make ups must be taken within one week of the student’s
return to class.

Tests: Tests (approximately two) are worth a total of 20% of the final grade in the course. To
determine content mastery, a variety of assessment techniques including but not limited to the
following will be used: identification, definition, listing, providing examples, paraphrasing,
illustrating, supporting, critiquing, and creating. Tests will be graded according to the following
scale:
A=90% and above correct
B=80%-89% correct
C=70%-79% correct
D=60%-69% correct
F=59% and below correct

Students will have the opportunity to make up missed tests at the end of the semester on a
day set by the instructor if the test grade will mathematically help the overall grade in the
course.
If an instructor is going to require a student to use social media as an
assignment, it must be in the syllabus!!!!!!!!

7. COURSE OUTLINE

The following example is a tentative schedule of the material to be covered is this course:

Week 1 – Syllabus, class procedures, What is Folklore?

Week 2 – The Hero: Greco/Roman, Norse, Celtic
Week 3 – The Hero: North American, Fairy Tale, Modern. Quiz #1
Week 4 – Essay #1: Research and Write
Week 5 – The Monster: Origins, Sources, Characteristics
Week 6 – The Monster: European/Asian/American. Quiz #2
Week 7 – Test #1
Week 8 – The Other: Elves and the Fae
Week 9 – The Other. Quiz #3
Week 10 – Essay #2: Research and Write
Week 11 – The Landscape: Forests and Caves
Week 12 – The Landscape: Monuments and Mountains . Quiz #4
Week 13 – Test #2
Week 14 – Final Project Research
Week 15 – Final Projects Presentation
Week 16 – Finals Week
8. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
● STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: Students are strongly encouraged to ask questions of the
instructor at appropriate times. In order for each student to be successful in this class and in
future educational endeavors, students are strongly encouraged to acknowledge the following
items:

1. Take responsibility for learning.

2. Arrive for this class ready to participate.
3. Engage in learning through reading, listening, observing, and doing.
4. Think critically, creatively, and reflectively.
5. Recognize and solve problems using reasoning, imagination, analysis, and intuition.
6. Examine attitude, values, and assumptions.
7. Communicate with clarity and originality.
8. Use technology to gather, process, and communicate information.

● ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT: Academic dishonesty is never condoned by Murray State College.

Penalties for such acts may range from admonishment to being dismissed from the college,
depending on the degree of the infraction and instructor’s stated policy. A complete Academic
Integrity Policy Statement, including penalties and appeal, can be reviewed in the Student and
Faculty Handbooks and on the MSC Website at the following link starting on page 12.
http://mscok.edu/sites/www/Uploads/files/Academics/Acadmemic%20Integrity%20Revised
%202014.pdf
● ATTENDANCE: Attending class and being on time are essential to being a successful
student. There is no SAFE number of absences. Thus, it is the policy of Murray State
College that students be on time for and attend all meetings of all classes. Absences and
lack of active participation in lecture class or online activities may negatively affect student
success.
The MSC catalog recommends no more than a maximum of 3 absences for a 3 hour course. It
is understood that students are sometimes absent for reasons beyond their control.
Students should communicate with the instructor regarding those absences prior to the
date the student will be absent if possible. With any absence from class it is essential
student check blackboard or with the instructor immediately for updated course
information.

According to page 32 of the 2016-17 MSC catalog:

Absences are either excused or unexcused, with the exception of college sponsored
activities. Individual instructors will determine whether an absence is to be
excused. An excused absence allows a student to make up, within a reasonable
length of time, any course requirement misse4d due to the absence. An unexcused
absence means that the student will not be permitted to make up course work
missed as a result of the absence. However, when absences (either excused or
unexcused) become so excessive that in the judgment of the instructor the student
cannot perform the requirement of the course, the instructor may administratively
withdraw the student from the course.
 ● USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN THE ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT: Murray State
College encourages the use of technology throughout the institutional environment.
However, the use of such devices may be disruptive and disrespectful of others in certain
instances. Therefore, every student is required to adhere to the following policy regarding
the use of electronic devices within the course environment.

Definition: Electronic devices includes cell phones, smartphones, computers (laptops,

notebooks, e-readers, netbooks, and handhelds), mp3 and other digital audio and video
players (including DVD players), and analog and digital audio and video recording
devices (still and movie cameras), or other devices identified by your instructor.

Policy Statement

1. Instructors may restrict or prohibit the use of personal electronic devices in his
or her classroom, lab, or any other instructional setting. An instructor may
allow students to use laptops or other devices for taking notes, class work,
research, or viewing electronic textbooks.
2. Students may be directed to turn off electronic devices if the devices are not
being used for approved class purposes. If the student does not comply, the
student may be asked to leave the classroom or have other disciplinary
action taken.
3. In establishing restrictions, instructors must make reasonable
accommodations for students with disabilities. At the start of the semester,
students with disabilities who require electronic devices for their day-to-day
functioning are to advise the ADA and Disability Services Compliance Officer in
the Academic Advisement Center.
4. The course instructor reserves the right to withdraw previously granted
approval for the use of an electronic device, on an individual or blanket basis, if
in the instructor’s best judgment; continued use of such device detracts from the
effectiveness of the classroom learning environment.
5. Specific to this course, please make sure that cell phones, pagers, and all other
mobile devices are turned off before class begins. Not texting in class.

9. INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
INSTRUCTOR FEEDBACK
o The instructor will provide feedback on grades and assignments within a week of
student turning-in/posting the assignment.
o The instructor will respond to student emails, phone calls, discussion postings
within 48 working hours.
o Students will be notified if response-time of feedback will be altered so adjustments
can be made.

10. TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

● TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Contact the Information Technology at 580-387-7160 or email them at
https://itsupport.mscok.edu for technical help with Internet, email, or Blackboard. Please do
 not contact the Information Technology/Media Center for help in the areas of course
content or assignments. For help in the areas of course content and/or assignments, please
contact your instructor first.
● TECHNOLOGY REQUIRED
1. Computer (desktop, laptop, or tablet) capable of fully accessing Blackboard and which
cannot be used successfully on tablet or phone.
2. High Speed Internet connection
3. Ability to download and use Blackboard mobile apps.
4. Speakers to listen to instructions from different websites.
5. Microsoft Word to complete assignments.
6. Access the following websites during the course:
MSC Library/EBSC0

● TECHNICAL SKILLS
1. Students will be able to use email and send attachments in Microsoft word formats.
2. Students will be creating and submitting files in Microsoft word processing program formats
“doc” or “docx”.
3. Student will need to know how to successfully copy and paste.
4. Students will need to know how to submit to turnitin.com.
5. Students will need to know how to use Microsoft Word.

11. LEARNER SUPPORT

● ACADEMIC SUPPORT

Academic Support Services are available to meet the needs of our students. For further
information or to schedule an advisement session, please contact the MSC-Tishomingo
Academic Advisement Center at (580) 387-7201 or the MSC-Ardmore Advisement Center
at (580) 319-0370.

● Student Success Center (SSC)

The Student Success Center is located in the library on the Tishomingo campus and offers
individual and online tutoring services, peer-led learning, and group study activities for a
variety of subjects and courses.  The Student Success Center also houses a writing lab
where students can schedule an in-person or online appointment for assistance with
writing assignments.  For detailed information about services provided, please visit the
SSC's website at https://www.mscok.edu/academics/student-success-center

LIBRARY

The MSC Library/Learning Resource Center is a comfortable service-oriented facility. A

friendly, knowledgeable staff is available to assist students in the use of various online
library resources that include the MSC catalog, full-text periodicals, and web-based
databases. For further information contact the MSC-Tishomingo Library at (580) 387-
7300 or the UCSO Learning Center at (580) 319-0340.The hours at the MSC Library are:
Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Sunday 5:30 p.m.
to 8:30 p.m. The hours at the UCSO Library are: Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.;
Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday – Closed.
 The Student Success Center also provides academic and career coaches, college success
workshops, group study rooms, and online tutoring. For more information, contact the
Student Success Center at 580-387-7589 or [email protected].

● TUTORING SERVICES

The Help Center in Tishomingo is located in the Library Resource Center which is housed
in the Library Science Building. The Ardmore Help Center is located in Room 228 at UCSO. 
Both campuses provide tutoring to MSC students in a variety of subject areas, including but
not limited to English, Mathematics, and Science.

Any questions concerning professional tutors at MSC-Tishomingo or MSC-Ardmore, please

send an email to [email protected]. To reach by phone, call Tishomingo Testing Center at
(580)387-7304 or call Ardmore Testing Center at (580)319-0371. Student Support
Services tutors are under the direction of Rhonda Pickens who can be reached at
(580) 387-7262, or by email at [email protected].  All questions of a general or
operational nature, including tutor schedules, will be available and posted at the beginning
of each semester.

● STUDENT SERVICES SUPPORT – TRIO

The Office of Student Support Services is a federally-funded program designed to meet the
special needs of the student. The program goal is to improve the retention and graduation
rate of targeted students. The main emphasis of the program is to provide a special
environment in which students can come for assistance in meeting their academic,
personal, career, and social needs.

Students must be enrolled as a MSC student and need academic support. In addition, you
must belong to one of following student groups: First-generation college student, Low
income, or Disabled. The Student Support Services provides academic advisement, career
counseling, extensive tutorial assistance, financial aid information, and referrals to campus
and community resources. For further information, students may contact the Student
Support Services office at (580) 387-7262.

● MSC TESTING CENTERS – ARDMORE AND TISHOMINGO CAMPUSES:

Testing Services are available for faculty approved proctored exams and make-up tests at
the Tishomingo and Ardmore Campuses. After the faculty submits a request for testing
services, the student is required to make arrangements with the testing center coordinator
at the appropriate testing site to complete the test in the allotted time. Off-site, faculty
approved, proctored testing is available, but must be arranged through the testing center
coordinator.

Ardmore Campus Testing Center Information(University of Southern Oklahoma) the

Testing Center hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and 8:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Other hours may be available by arrangement. You must call
for an appointment before arriving at the center at (580) 319-0371 or email
[email protected].
 Tishomingo Campus Testing Center Information: Library Science Building 118: The Testing
Center hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Other hours may be
available by arrangement. You must call for an appointment before arriving at the center in
LS 118 for testing at (580) 387-7304 or e-mail [email protected] (preferred).

Proctored Exams for Students who are outside of the MSC area:

If a student is not able to attend one of the MSC Testing Centers, students will need to set up
an account with ProctorU. A student can find a link to access the MSC ProctorU website in
their blackboard course under the “Testing Center” button. The student will find the
information needed about required technology (web cameras, microphone, high speed
internet). If you have any questions, please contact one of the MSC Testing Centers.

12. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MURRAY STATE COLLEGE

MSC MISSION and GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS:

● MSC Mission Statement:

Murray State College provides opportunities for student learning, personal growth,
professional success, and community enhancement.

● MSC General Education Goals:

To help make this mission a reality, Murray State College has seven primary general
education goals that contribute to this mission. This course contributes substantially to two
emphasized in bold in the list below) of the following seven goals.
1. Effective Communication-MSC provides students with the educational
opportunities necessary to develop effective communication skills essential for
daily interaction in society and the workplace.
2. Responsible Citizenship -MSC provides an educational environment in which students
demonstrate an awareness of social and civic responsibilities.
3. Global Awareness -MSC provides students with educational opportunities to learn
about cultural diversity and global awareness through curricular and extracurricular
activities including lectures, music, literature, film, and art.
4. Critical Thinking -MSC provides educational opportunities in which students
demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills necessary for personal and
professional success.
5. Quantitative Reasoning -MSC provides educational opportunities for students to collect
and use quantitative data, create and examine quantitative models, apply mathematical
skills and solve scientific problems.
6. Information & Technology Literacy -MSC provides students with educational
opportunities necessary to demonstrate and apply information literacy skills and
utilize technological resources necessary for personal and professional success.
7. Health and Wellness-MSC provides students with educational opportunities which will
encourage self-management skills, foster a healthy lifestyle, and provide personal
enrichment.

FEDERAL CREDIT HOUR DEFINITION STATEMENT:

 Each credit hour represents one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum
of two hours of outside class-work per week for approximately 16 weeks. For semesters that
are less than 16 weeks, students should also spend a minimum of two hours outside of class for
every hour in class. Academic activities include, but are not limited to reading, writing,
studying, research, and completing worksheets. In addition, at least an equivalent amount of
out of class work is required for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other
academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

STUDENT SUPPORT CONCERNING ADA NEEDS:

Murray State College is committed to providing equal access to College programs and services
for all students. Under College policy and federal and state laws, students with documented
disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodation to ensure the student has an equal
opportunity to perform in class. If any member of the class has such a disability and needs
special academic accommodation, please report to the Testing Centers before the end of the
first week of the semester. On the Tishomingo Campus, contact the Testing Center at (580)387-
7304 located in LS119. On the Ardmore campus, contact the Testing Center at 580/220-2875
located in the UCSO main building. Reasonable accommodation may be arranged after
verification of ADA needs. Do not hesitate to contact the instructor if any assistance is needed
in this process.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE:

It is important for students to know that all faculty members, as mandated by federal law,
are mandated reporters of any incidents of sexual misconduct. That means that the
instructor cannot keep shared information about sexual misconduct confidential. The
Office of Student Affairs can provide students with information regarding Sexual Violence
Prevention, Advocacy, and Counseling Services. They can also help students access other
resources on campus and in the local community. The office is located on the Tishomingo
Campus in the Administration Building, Office AD 104, and may be reached at 580/387-
7131.

The student sexual misconduct policy is in the MSC Student Handbook, which can be found
on the Current Student Section of the MSC website: www.mscok.edu. There students will
find the policies, definitions, procedures and resources.

ACADEMIC CONCERN PROCESS:

If a student has a concern about an assignment, grade, or other academic issue, he or she
should first email the instructor explaining the issue. Include the date, time, class, and
assignment or grade in question. If the situation cannot be resolved via email, request a
meeting with the instructor and bring in any relevant paperwork or assignment. If the
situation remains unresolved, make an appointment with the respective academic Department
Chair. If, after meeting with the faculty member and the Department Chair, a student has not
had the issue resolved, he or she may complete the Student Issue Concern form on the MSC
website. This form can also be used for non-academic issues. If the student is still not satisfied
with the final semester grade, he or she can file a Grade Appeal in the Academic Affairs Office.

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION:

If you enroll in this or any other course at MSC, and you determine that you are unable to
complete the semester, it is your responsibility to officially withdraw from that class (or from
school if needed).  If you receive federal financial aid, and you do not attend at least one class
 through 60% of the semester, you WILL be responsible for repaying a portion of the federal
financial aid you have received.

EMERGENCY DISMISSAL OF CLASS:

Traditional Face to Face Courses:
In the event a class is dismissed due to instructor illness or emergency, a sign will be posted on
the door of the classroom.  An announcement will also be posted on Blackboard with notice of
the cancelled class and assignments for day.
 
Online Courses:
Instructor will place an announcement on Blackboard, for students planning to contact or visit
either of the campuses.

INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN:

When inclement weather conditions warrant a change in class starting times or a cancellation
of classes, the area television and radio stations can be expected to report the information.
If daytime classes are to be cancelled or scheduled to start later than normal, the following will
take place:
● The media will be contacted by 6:30 a.m.
● A message will be posted to the MSC Homepage (www.mscok.edu)
● An announcement will be provided on the campus switchboard.
If evening classes are to be cancelled, the following will take place:
● The media will be contacted by 3:30 p.m.
● A message will be posted on the MSC Homepage(www.mscok.edu)
● An announcement will be provided on the campus switchboard.
●
NO ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE IF CLASSES ARE MEETING AS SCHEDULED