Always bring readings/book to class with you.

Readings: You must do all assigned reading prior to the corresponding class and be prepared to discuss texts in depth.

You will earn a daily participation grade between 0 (absent) – 10 (prepared, engaged) for each class meeting. Students may be asked to lead discussions. Come to class ready to propose questions and share responses to readings.

Participation: Because this course relies on the lively exchange of ideas, full participation is expected.

If you are absent more than three times for any reasons other than religious holidays, documented medical problems, or events designated by official college policy, I will contact your Dean and you will receive a course warning. In the case of absence, you are still responsible for turning in assigned work on time. Please notify me prior to class with a legitimate explanation if you will not be present or will be late. Lateness due to last-minute work (or printing issues) is unacceptable. Poor attendance and lack of participation will adversely affect your final grade.

RESPONSIBILITY (DISCUSSION / PARTICIPATION) 25%.

There is a lot of focus on character interaction and reflection, especially as whatever past deeds comes back to haunt the narrator. The one that stands out in this regard is “Raphael,” which also almost serves as a template for The Only Good Indians because of how the future reckons with the deadly consequences of the past.

There’s a sense of reflection, but none of the nostalgia for “better days,” especially since many of those protagonists and narrators can’t relate. In addition, with the stories featuring children never tend to stay with childhood. The story begins and you’re there with the characters. They mostly feel like someone is conveying a happening to someone, without much introduction or world-building. What I enjoy the most is the how quickly these stories start.

With elegant language that keeps a sharp focus on the characters, these chilling tales drop the reader right into the middle, gently guiding them along a ramping up sense of dread and shattering reality for all parties involved. From urban legends about murdered bulls, to kids making mistakes during the summer, to an island of shifters, to several families keeping secrets, these stories touch on a variety of horror. Prolific horror author Stephen Graham Jones also has a short story collection that are small doses of terror.

Citizen claudia rankine sparknotes