Spring 2015 - WL 101W D900
Writing About Literature (3)
Class Number: 4731
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
-
Course Times + Location:
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 22, 2015
Wed, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
Surrey
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Examines international migrancy, cultural identities, or cross-cultural influence in world literatures, while introducing the fundamentals of literary analysis and expository writing. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
COURSE DETAILS:
In the summer of 1946, British author George Orwell published an essay detailing his journey to become a writer. “Why I write” has become a classic of creative non-fiction, spurring many authors to come forward and lay bare the reasons for their writing. While the responses all pointed to the urge to give expression to the self and the desire to be listened by readers, they also shed light on the role of critical writing in understanding and loving literature.
This course introduces students to the study of literature and the role of critical writing in deepening our understanding and appreciation of literary works. Novels and short stories focusing on cultural identity, migration, global diasporas, and cross-cultural encounters will help us unravel the complexity of “subject formation” and the ways in which the “writing act” shapes individual and social identities. As critical readers, much of our class work will be dedicated to working on writing skills and reflecting on the ways in which our own writing practice changes our relation to literature.
Readings comprise texts from Canada, Pakistan, Native America, Uganda and Trinidad. If you love reading and want to develop, and improve, essay-writing skills, this course is for you!
Grading
- Attendance & active participation 10%
- Paper 1 - first draft 10%
- Paper 1 - revision 15%
- Final paper 25%
- Textual analysis 15%
- One-page reader response papers 25%
NOTES:
Guidelines and exercises on analytical writing will be posted on Canvas.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Silko, Ceremony Penguin, 1987
ISBN: 9780143104919
Madeleine Thien, Dogs at the Perimeter McClelland & Stewart, 2011, 13: 978-0771084096
ISBN: 10-0771084099
Doreen Baingana, Tropical Fish: Tales From Entebbe Broadway, 2006, 13: 978-0767925105
ISBN: 10: 0767925106
Mohsin Hamid, The Reluctant Fundamentalist Anchor Canada, 2008
ISBN: 9780385663458
Earle Lovelace, Is Just a Movie Haymarket Books, 2012, 13: 978-1608461752
ISBN: 10: 9781608461752
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS