Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2016 - ENGL 112W D100

Literature Now (3)

Class Number: 7748

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2016: Mon, Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 8, 2016
    Thu, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to contemporary works of literature in English and/or contemporary approaches to interpreting literature. May focus on one or multiple genres. Includes attention to writing skills. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

English 112W: Knowing Through the Body  

“We see eye to eye,” “I heard it through the grapevine,” and “A taste of your own medicine” are familiar idioms that reinforce the importance of the five senses in North America culture. Sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell are physical senses through which we apprehend our environments, but more than that, are also ways in which we construct forms of knowledge and navigate our social and cultural worlds. While sight is still very much the dominant sense in the post-Enlightenment West, this course is interested in exploring how the other senses are emerging in literature and culture as alternate ways of knowing and experiencing the world. We will read contemporary North American literature (3 novels, 1 novella, case studies, and 1 graphic novel) that draws attention to particular senses and raise questions about how our bodies are positioned within the world and shape what we know about it. We will also think carefully about the language attached to each of the senses and consider how they operate as metaphors for knowing.

Grading

  • Participation and Tutorial Presentation in Pairs 15%
  • First Essay with revision (1000 words) 25%
  • Final Essay 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Nella Larsen, Passing
Oliver Sacks, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat (excerpts)
Michael Ondaatje, The English Patient
Monique Troung, Bitter in the Mouth
Margaret Atwood, Oryx and Crake
Mariko Tamaki, Skim

Department Undergraduate Notes:

IMPORTANT NOTE Re 300 and 400 level courses: 75% of spaces in 300 level English courses, and 100% of spaces in 400 level English courses, are reserved for declared English Major, Minor, Extended Minor, Joint Major, and Honours students only, until open enrollment begins.

For all On-Campus Courses, please note the following:
- To receive credit for the course, students must complete all requirements.
- Tutorials/Seminars WILL be held the first week of classes.
- When choosing your schedule, remember to check "Show lab/tutorial sections" to see all Lecture/Seminar/Tutorial times required.

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