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ENGL 102: 018

Inquiry into Fairy Tales and Popular Culture
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Fall 2016
Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. -C. S. Lewis
Location: College of Nursing 107
Time: 12:20-1:10pm
Instructor: Dr. Stephanie Metz
Email: smetz4@vols.utk.edu
Office Hours: Mondays 11:15am-12:15pm and 2:30-3:30pm in 2448 Dunford Hall,
Wednesdays 11:15am-12:15pm in 2448 Dunford Hall, and by appointment

Course Description: In this course, you will investigate different research methods used within
various disciplines across the university. You will also formulate your own research questions and
investigate them throughout the course. The goal is not only to learn how to conduct research, but
also to be able to integrate your research findings with written analysis and argument to come to a
meaningful conclusion about your source materials. As a way to direct the research you will be
doing, fairy tales will be our inquiry topic. We will read and watch different versions of fairy tales
to provide material you can explore in your research.
Course Goals: By the end of this course your skills should improve significantly in these areas:
Reading critically to understand complex texts and multiple viewpoints
Locating and evaluating primary and secondary sources
Creating research questions
Presenting research effectively for academic audiences
Using citations and source documentation correctly
Using feedback productively to improve writing
Reflecting on ones writing process
Writing clearly and correctly using Standard American English
Required Materials:
Benson, Kirsten, ed. Rhetoric of Inquiry. 4th ed., Boston: Bedford/St. Martins, 2016. Print.
Glenn, Cheryl, and Loretta Gray, eds. The Writers Harbrace Handbook. 6th ed., Boston:
Wadsworth, 2017. Print.
Maguire, Gregory. Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. New York: Harper Collins, 1999. Print.
materials from Blackboard

Attendance: Since in-class research/writing activities and discussion is crucial to this course, it is
essential that everyone come to class consistently. Our knowledge about how to conduct research
and how to write will gradually accumulate throughout the semester, so missed classes will result in
gaps in your knowledge. Therefore, I allow three absences (either excused or unexcused) from
class for the semester. Upon your fourth absence and each subsequent absence after that you will
lose 2 steps on the grading scale. For example, a B+ with four absences would become a B-.
Upon your seventh absence, you will not receive credit for the course and will need to re-take it.
Assignments and Requirements: I will require you to prepare daily readings and come to class with
questions or comments for discussion. Group work and short in-class writing assignments will also
be required throughout the course. Short out-of-class writing assignments will also be assigned to
help you prepare for class discussion and help you to develop your writing skills throughout the
semester.
You will write three major papers throughout the course. For all three major papers you will turn
in prewriting materials such as provisional thesis statements, rough drafts, etc., in addition to final
drafts. At times, you will also be asked to bring research materials and other prewriting materials
into class. Grades for rough drafts and preparatory materials will consider whether or not you have
completed the research/writing as well as the quality of the work. In preparation for the final
paper, you will also write an Annotated Bibliography and Research Proposal.
Archival Research Paper: Fairy tales constitute some of the worlds oldest stories, and because of
this they appear in numerous historical contexts as they were passed down orally from generation
to generation. You will choose two versions of the same fairy tale and analyze the historical
contexts which contribute to their similarities and differences. 4-6 pgs. Due Friday, September
23rd.
Qualitative Research Paper: Your paper will begin to explore what people today think about fairy
tales. You will conduct observations, surveys, or an interview as data to help you research peoples
understanding of this genre. After gathering this information for the reader, you will analyze and
interpret it by pointing out important patterns that emerged through your research. 4-6pgs. Due
Friday, October 28th.
Secondary Source Research Paper/ Project: For this assignment you have the option to either
write a paper or complete a creative project in which you will explore the ways fairy tales permeate
popular culture using secondary sources. After reading several secondary sources concerning the
topic you choose, you will write a research question to which you will then respond within either a
paper or a creative project. You will also write a proposal to introduce me to your paper topic and
an annotated bibliography in which you will evaluate the sources you will use. 6-8pgs. Due during
the final exam period.
If you earn a grade of 73% or below, you may revise your first two papers in this course, focusing
on improving the structure, content, and argument when you revise rather than just copyediting for

grammar mistakes. When you turn in your revision, you will need to include a 1 page paper
justifying the need to revise and regrade your paper, simply telling me what you changed, why you
changed it, and what impact the changes made. Grades for revisions will be based on your ability
to improve the aforementioned issues within the paper. I will then average the grades from both
papers to obtain your final grade. You must turn in revisions no later than two weeks after I return
the paper to you with your initial grade.
Conferences: Each student will be required to attend two conferences with me throughout the
semester to discuss papers, your writing process, and your progress in the class. One conference
must be in person; however, the other can be an online conference via email if you would prefer
that. Missing a scheduled conference without giving me prior notice will be counted as a class
absence.

Grading
A 93-100

B+ 87-89.9

C+ 77-79.9

D+ 67-69.9

A- 90-92.9

B 83-86.9

C 73-76.9

D 63-66.9

B- 80-82.9

C- 70-72.9

D- 60-62.9

Final Grade Breakdown:

Prewriting/Homework Assignments

20%

Archival Research Paper

20%

Qualitative Research Paper

20%

Secondary Source Research Proposal

10%

Secondary Source Research Annotated

Bibliography

10%

Secondary Source Research Paper

20%

F 0-59.9

NC (given for grades of C-,

D+, D, D-, and F)

*You must earn 73% (C) or above and turn in all three papers as well as a Proposal and Annotated
Bibliography in order to receive credit for the class. Any student who earns 72% (C-) or below will
receive an NC for the course.
Classroom behavior: I require respectful behavior towards myself and your classmates at all times.
Do not use racist, sexist, homophobic or prejudicial language of any kind during class. Respect the
opinions of those in our class even if you do not agree with them. Please turn off or silence all

electronic devices before class begins and place them face down on your desk to avoid temptation.
Laptops should be used only in relation to what we are discussing or working on in class.
Late Work Policy: Any work submitted after the class period in which it is due will be docked one
step on the grading scale for each day it is late. For example, a B- paper submitted a day late
would earn a C+. If you are sick or have a legitimate reason to be absent when work is due, please
talk to me and we will make alternate arrangements. Work done in class may not be made up
outside of class.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is using the intellectual property or product of someone else without giving
proper credit. The undocumented use of someone elses words or ideas in any medium of
communication (unless such information is recognized as common knowledge) is a serious
offense, subject to disciplinary action that may include failure in a course and/or dismissal from the
University.
Specific examples of plagiarism are:
copying without proper documentation (quotation marks and a citation) written or spoken
words, phrases, or sentences from any source; summarizing without proper documentation
(usually a citation) ideas from another source
(unless such information is recognized as common knowledge);
borrowing facts, statistics, graphs, pictorial representations, or phrases without
acknowledging the source (unless such information is recognized as common knowledge);
collaborating on a graded assignment without the instructors approval;
submitting work, either in whole or in part, created by a professional service and used
without attribution (e.g., paper, speech, bibliography, or photograph);
In addition to the types of plagiarism listed above, I consider recycling work from another class to
be academic dishonesty and doing so will result in failing the assignment.
All plagiarism and academic dishonesty is reported to the Office of Student Conduct and
Community Standards. (Hilltopics)
You must abide by the UT Honor Statement:
An essential feature of the University of Tennessee is a commitment to maintaining an
atmosphere of intellectual integrity and academic honesty. As a student of the university, I
pledge that I will neither knowingly give nor receive any inappropriate assistance in
academic work, thus affirming my own personal commitment to honor and integrity. (Hilltopics)
In addition to submitting a physical copy of each paper, you will also submit electronically to Safe
Assign, a program which monitors plagiarism, on our class Blackboard page.
Writing Center Policy: The Writing Center (writingcenter@utk.edu) is an excellent resource
provided by the university which can supplement your learning in this class. Tutors at the Writing
Center can help you with any stage of the brainstorming, writing, or revision processes, but they do
not proofread papers. No appointments are needed.
For an additional hour of credit you can also enroll in ENGL 104 (S/NC grading), offered through
the Writing Center to allow you to spend additional time working on your research and writing

assignments and talking with tutors on a regular basis about your writing. Enroll anytime during
the regular drop/add period. Late enrollment for one week after the drop/add period closes may
be possible by requesting an ADD slip from the Writing Center.
The Writing Center is located in HSS 212 and is open Monday-Thursday 9am-6:30pm, and
Friday 9am-3pm. They also offer help in Hodges Library Room 220G Sundays 5-7pm (excluding
holidays).
Library Policy: The UTK Libraries are staffed by knowledgeable and helpful professionals and
should be one of your first research resources throughout your time at UTK. For example, you
can chat with a reference librarian to ask a quick question (about almost anything) and you can
request a book for pickup at Hodges rather than weeding through the stacks. During this courses
first unit, we will participate in a tutorial session at the library on how to use databases and other
research tools.
Office of Disability Services: If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a
documented disability or if you have emergency information to share, please contact the Office of
Disability Services at 2227 Dunford Hall, 974-6087 (ods.utk.edu). This will ensure that you are
properly registered for services.
The Counseling Center: The Counseling Centers (counselingcenter@utk.edu) mission is to
promote students psychological, educational, and social well being. They provide a variety of
services, including crisis intervention, individual counseling, workshops, and more. If you or
someone you know could benefit from their assistance, contact them anytime at (865)-974-2196,
visit them at 1800 Volunteer Blvd. (in the Student Health Building), or online at
http://counselingcenter.utk.edu.
*I reserve the right to make any changes to this syllabus.

Daily Assignment Schedule

The readings and assignments on the schedule are due the date they appear.

RI= Rhetoric of Inquiry, Bb= Blackboard, Harbrace= Writers Harbrace

Unit 1: Archival Research
Week 1
W Aug. 17 Syllabus Introduction
F Aug. 19 RI Ch. 1 (pgs. 3-16), Bb Selection from Little Red Riding Hood Uncloaked

Week 2
M Aug. 22 RI Ch. 2 (pgs. 19-41); Submit a Key-Point Summary for Little Red Riding
Hood Uncloaked; Bb Tatar Introduction
W Aug. 24 Sample Essay Due, RI Ch. 6 (pgs. 143-67); Optional: RI Appendix A (pgs. 27576)
F Aug. 26 Bb Goldflower and the Bear, Bb The Little Girl and the Wolf, Bb Little
Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, Bb Annotated Little Red Riding Hood, Bb Little Red
Hip Hop; Optional: RI Appendix A (pgs. 271-272)
Week 3
M Aug. 29 Library Research Day (Meet in Library 128), Please read RI Ch. 4 (pgs. 79-88,
105-115, skim 89-104) before coming to class.
W Aug. 31 Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister (Prologue, Part I Obscure Child pgs. xi-77),
RI Ch. 7 (pgs. 169-75, 191-95); Optional Practice: RI Appendix A (pgs. 277-281)
F Sept. 2 Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister (Part II The Imp-Riddled House, pgs. 77-129),
RI Ch. 3 (pgs. 59-76); Write a 1-page Reflective Response** to todays reading from

Confessions
Week 4
M Sept. 5 Labor Day
W Sept. 7 Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister (Part III The Girl of Ashes through Wind and
Tide, pgs. 130-203), RI Ch. 5 (pgs. 119-132, 135-139), Harbrace Ch. 2 (pgs. 29-35);
Optional Practice: RI Appendix A (pgs. 282-83)
F Sept. 9 Choice of Topic/Provisional Thesis Due, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister
(finish Part III Girl of Ashes and read Part IV The Gallery of Gods Mistakes through The
Changeling, pgs. 204-283); Bring Harbrace with you to class and we will review Ch. 13 on
MLA style/documentation.
Week 5
M Sept. 12 Works Cited Due, FinishConfessions of an Ugly Stepsister (remainder of Part
IV The Gallery of Gods Mistakes and Part V The Ball and Epilogue pgs. 284-368),
Harbrace Ch. 23 (pgs. 541-47) and 24 (pgs. 548-54)
W Sept. 14 Submit activity in RI Appendix A (pg. 295), RI Appendix B: Sample Paper by
Chelsea Smith (pgs. 381-90), Harbrace Ch. 40 (pgs. 723-34) and Ch. 44 (pgs. 766-67)

F Sept. 16 Submit Archival Rough Draft to Bb; Conferences in Hodges Library Starbucks
Week 6
M Sept. 19 Conferences
W Sept. 21 Conferences
F Sept. 23 Archival Research Paper due; Bb The Rough-Face Girl, Mufaros Beautiful

Daughters

Unit 2: Qualitative Research

Week 7
M Sept. 26 RI Ch. 8 (pgs. 213-227), Harbrace Ch. 34 (pgs. 663-65)
W Sept. 28 1-page Reflection Paper due, Bb Bluebeard, RI Ch. 9 (pgs. 239-45), RI
Appendix A (pgs. 311-12)
F Sept. 30 Bb Jack and the Beanstalk, Bb Rumpelstiltskin, RI Ch. 9 cont. (pgs. 245-49)
Week 8
M Oct. 3 Research Question Due, RI Ch. 9 cont. (pgs. 250-56), RI Appendix A (pgs. 30307)
W Oct. 5 Bb Instructions by Neil Gaiman, RI Ch. 9 cont. (pgs. 257-62), Harbrace Ch.
14 pgs. 323-30; Write a 1-page response to Instructions, selecting one sentence from the
poem and explaining its significance within the poem itself and/or in relation to the other
tales we have read. Optional: Harbrace pgs. 331-50.
F Oct. 7 Fall Break
Week 9
M Oct. 10 Interview Questions Due, RI Ch. 8 cont. (pgs. 227-36), Bb The Story of the
Mosquito; Optional: RI Appendix A (pg. 315)
W Oct. 12 Survey Questions Due, RI Appendix A (pg. 320), Harbrace Ch. 36 (684-85),
Bb The People Could Fly
F Oct. 14 Harbrace Ch. 37 (691-705), Bb Excerpt from One Thousand and One Nights

Week 10
M Oct. 17 RI Appendix B: Sample Papers by Brittany Stanford (pgs. 401-10) and Jeremy
Norton (pgs. 411-25); Write a 1-page Analytic Response** to one of the sample essays.
W Oct. 19 Conferences
F Oct. 21 Submit Qualitative Rough Draft to Bb, Conferences
Week 11
M Oct. 24 RI Ch. 5 (pgs. 132-35), In-class viewing of Big Fish
W Oct. 26 Harbrace Ch. 3 (pgs. 53-59, 60-70, 82-84), In-class viewing of Big Fish
F Oct. 28 Qualitative Research Paper due; Finish watching Big Fish

Unit 3: Secondary Source Research Unit

Week 12
M Oct. 31 Discuss Big Fish (Submit worksheets in class.)
W Nov. 2 RI Ch. 2 (pgs. 42-54), Harbrace Ch. 35 (pgs. 675-83), Bb Old Woman
Magoun
F Nov. 4 1-page Reflection Paper due, RI Appendix A (pg. 292), Bb Im Here
Week 13
M Nov. 7 Bb The Courtship of Mr. Lyon, Tigers Bride by Angela Carter
W Nov. 9 Secondary Source Research Proposal due, Bb Young Peoples Mental Health:
The Spiritual Power of Fairy Stories, Myths, and Legends; Harbrace Ch. 39 (pgs. 713-20)
F Nov. 11 Bb A Nation of Little Princesses, Bb Wake Up, Sleeping Beauty, Bb A
New Disney Princesa, Bb Are Fairy Tales Too Scary for Children?; Write a 1-page
Agree/Disagree Response** to one of the articles you read for today.
Week 14
M Nov. 14 Annotated Bibliography due, In-class viewing of Brave, Harbrace Ch. 12 pgs.
245-61; Optional: Harbrace Ch. 12 (pgs. 262-68)
W Nov. 16 In-class viewing of Brave

F Nov. 18 Discussion of Brave; Write a 1-page response to Brave, selecting one scene
from the movie and explaining its significance within the film itself and/or in relation to the other
tales/articles we have read.
Week 15
M Nov. 21 RI Appendix B: Sample Papers by Christopher Sharpe (pgs. 339-47) and
Isabella Straun (pgs. 348-57), Harbrace Ch. 38 (706-11)
W Nov. 23 Submit Secondary Source Rough Draft to Bb, Conferences
F Nov. 25 Thanksgiving Break
Week 16
M Nov. 28 1-page Reflection Paper due, Bb The Sleeper & the Spindle
Final Exam: Secondary Source Research Paper or Project due
018: Wednesday, Dec. 7th 12:30-2:30pm

**See RI pg. 25 for explanations of Reflective, Analytic, and Agree/Disagree Responses.