LITT 2120: Detective Fiction ANALYSIS EXERCISE 2: Arthur Conan Doyle, A Study in Scarlet Your writing assignment this week has 2 sections: textual analysis and cultural analysis. Section 1: Textual Analysis (400-700 words) ‘Task: Discuss how Doyle’s story portrays the tropes of the detective genre. ‘Goals: To practice recognizing and identifying core features of the detective fiction genre, and to practice locating and integrating textual evidence into your writing. ‘Directions: In this section, you’ll be discussing how Doyle’s novel portrays some of the core detective fiction tropes, and you’ll use specific examples from the text to illustrate your points. Choose at least 5 separate, distinct tropes that you see reflected in the Doyle novel (excluding murder). Write a separate paragraph for each trope, explicitly discussing how the story depicts that trope. Section 2: Cultural Analysis (400-700 words) ‘Task: Respond to one of the cultural analysis prompts from the study guide. ‘Goals: To practice critical thinking and cultural literacy. To practice the essential literary interpretation skill of analyzing how literature reflects the anxieties and biases of the culture and time in which it was written. In other words, to practice thinking about literature in context. ‘Directions: Read the cultural analysis prompts on the Doyle study guide. As you read, keep all these issues in your mind, and keep track of examples. When you conclude the novel, choose the cultural analysis prompt that you would most like to respond to. You must incorporate at least 5 pieces of direct textual evidence from the novel to illustrate your points, and your evidence must come from across the entire novel. Each quote should be one or two sentences long at the most. LITT 2120: Detective Fiction STUDY GUIDE Arthur Conan Doyle, A Study in Scarlet (1887) DOYLE & DETECTIVE FICTION Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was a Scottish-born physician and author who is considered one of the most prolific and respected writers in British literary history. He wrote medical fiction, crime fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, plays, poetry, historical novels and more. Doyle is responsible for the creation of the most iconic detective character of all time, Sherlock Holmes. The Holmes canon includes four novels and over fifty short stories that feature the detective and his sidekick, Dr. Watson. Though not the very first detective fiction, Doyle’s Holmes stories represent a landmark in the history of the genre, and they are considered among the genre’s fundamental classics. Doyle was highly influential on the genre, in both how he portrayed the process of detection and how he portrayed the detective figure. Many of Holmes’s qualities have come to be synonymous with what we think of as a detective character. The Holmes canon has had a vibrant afterlife, giving rise to many film adaptations and spinoffs over the last 125 years. Most recently, these adaptations include a series of blockbuster films (2009-2019) starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, as well as Sherlock (2010-2017), a popular BBC television show starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Many of you have probably seen some or all of the adaptations. But set aside what you’ve seen and what you think you know; there are surprises in store as we go back to the original source text! AS YOU READ The novel A Study in Scarlet is the very first text in which Holmes appears. Reading it gives us a rich opportunity to encounter Sherlock Holmes at the very beginning of his ‘career’ as a detective character. It also gives us a chance to learn more about the Victorian culture in which the text emerged. Use the questions below to help you frame your reading experience, and to help you prepare for your analytical exercise. Read all the questions ahead of time, so that you know what to look out for and you can underline related quotes and passages as you read. Your second analytical exercise will be directly based on the topics below. Remember to consult Blackboard for your specific AE2 assignment sheet. And remember that the general AE assignment sheet includes all the basic mechanical guidelines for the analysis exercises. Textual Analysis ‘Detective Genre: Continue updating your developing understanding of detective fiction’s tropes by identifying traits of the detective story, the detective figure, and the companion that you see emerging in the text. How is the portrayal of detecting and deduction similar or different than in Poe, and why does this matter? What can it tell us about the culture? Cultural Analysis ‘British Empire / The ‘Foreign’: We saw colonialist anxieties in Poe, registered through his portrayal of ‘the foreign’. In what ways does Doyle’s text hint at late-Victorian anxieties about the British empire, and what are these anxieties? Why might the concepts of foreignness and detection be continually brought together as an integral part of the detective genre’s origin? ‘Setting and Culture: How would you describe/characterize the two major geographical settings that Doyle chose for this novel? What effect does each separate setting have on the story? How might we use the novel to arrive at some ideas about what British Victorians thought about America and, in particular, the American West? What is the effect of the novel’s portrayal of the particular American subculture that it depicts? ‘Gender/Sexuality: What issues around gender and sexuality stick out to you from this novel? From this portrayal, what can we infer about 19th-century British culture’s ideas about gender? How does the detective genre seem to be engaging with or registering cultural ideas about gender?

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.