Cryptozoology 101 – Introduction to Cryptozoology
[ a fictional course used to demonstrate teaching technologies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst ]
Spring 2007
Download printable PDF of this syllabus.
Professors:
Dr. Barnaby Seeker
210 Heuvel House
bseeker@cryptid.umass.edu
Tuesdays, 4-5 pm
Dr. Carlton von Fuzzypants
220 Heuvel House
cvfuzzypants@cryptid.umass.edu
Wednesdays, 10-11 am
Meeting times:
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-3:30 pm, 301 Heuvel House
Description of Course Purpose:
The purpose of this course is an introduction to the history of animals whose existence has been or is still questioned. Those who are considered mythical animals and do not truly exist are categorized under the study of Cryptozoology. This course explores the mythical creatures of Cryptozoology, as well as some animals that were once considered mythical (Once a Cryptid), but whose existence has since been confirmed. We will also study the history of those people, so called Leading Lights, who have worked to prove or disprove the existence of species in question.
Required Readings:
Most of the reading for this course is available in the learning modules of SPARK. For each class, you will be required to find the designated Cryptozoology animal, Once a Cryptid animal, or Leading Light in the appropriate learning module, read the provided text, and study the pictures. Occasionally, supplemental readings will be provided in class.
Assignments:
There will be a total of five assignments required throughout the course. Each assignment will be worth 10% of your final grade. 5% will be deducted from the grade of any assignment that is handed in more than a day late.
Descriptions of the assignments are as follows:
Assignment 1: Add to the class Cryptozoology hoax gallery
Due Thursday, September 21st
For this assignment, you will upload a picture of your own to the class photo gallery of cryptozoology hoaxes. You have two options in doing this.
1. Create your own picture of a cryptid animal in Photoshop if you know how to manipulate images with this program and upload it onto the gallery in the Vista4 course;
OR
2. Find a manipulated picture online that is not copyrighted, save it, and upload it onto the gallery in our Vista 4 course. Whichever option you decide, make an effort to find or create something creative and convincing!
Assignment 2: Write your own myth
Due Thursday, October 5th
This is a creative writing assignment. Write your own myth about a cryptid animal, (either a pre-existing cryptid, or one that you imagine). This myth should be written in the folk-lore style in which we have read other stories so far this semester. Your myth should be at least 4 pages.
Assignment 3: Cryptids
Due Thursday, November 2nd
Research your favorite cryptid animal and write a 3-5 pages about it. Make sure to explore the history of the search for this cryptid, the lore surrounding it, and the possibility of its existence. You must site at least 5 sources that are not on our Vista course site.
Assignment 4: Once a Cryptid
Due Thursday, November 16th
Examine the history of one of the animals studied in this course that was once thought to be a cryptid but was later discovered to be real. Write a 3-4 page paper answering the following questions:
– What barriers existed to people believing in this species’ existence?
– What was the final convincing evidence that made people believe?
– Who found this evidence?
You must site at least 5 sources that are not on our Vista course site.
Assignment 5: Leading Light Opinion Essay
Due Thursday, November 30th
Write a 3-5 page opinion essay about which Leading Light researchers you deem to be the most credible. Support your argument with the text provided in this course as well as any additional sources you are able to find.
Grading:
Assignment 1 10%
Assignment 2 10%
Assignment 3 10%
Assignment 4 10%
Assignment 4 10%
Midterm Exam 25%
Final Exam 25%
***Up to 5 Extra Credit points will be added to your score for reading about the Extra Credit Leading Light, Roy Mackal, and writing a 5 page paper about his Fatal Flaw and why he was so obsessed with Cryptozoology and with which species he became most obsessed. This Extra Credit assignment is due on the day of the Final Exam. No late submissions will be accepted.***