Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2016 - ENGL 113W D900

Literature and Performance (3)

Class Number: 7860

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2016: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 14, 2016
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Surrey

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to plays and performance works created and adapted for the stage, and/or the performative dimensions of other literary forms. May be organized historically, generically or thematically. The course may also explore the links between literary and performance theory. Includes attention to writing skills. Students with credit for ENGL 103W may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Screenwriting, Performance, and Visual Culture

This course examines screenplays and original stories as the performative and production models of six feature films: City Lights (1931), directed and with a screenplay by Charles Chaplin; Sunset Boulevard (1950), directed and with a screenplay by Billy Wilder; Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), directed by Howard Hawks and from an original story by Anita Loos; Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002), directed by Phillip Noyce and from an original story by Jane Garamara Pilkingham; Brokeback Mountain (2005), directed by Ang Lee, from an original story by Annie Proulx and with a screenplay by Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana; and Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), directed and with a screenplay by Wes Anderson. The course focus is on screenwriting, the composition of stories and scripts for the screen, and about the distinctive aesthetic and technical properties of these literary texts, performative properties such as form, structure, style, syntax, characterization, setting, narratology, dramaturgy, and visuality. Tutorials are student cluster discussion groups organized around course, lecture, and experiential topics. The course requirements are: 1) a 500-750 word film treatment essay, or equivalent creative project, in the form of a brief scenario or storyboard based an assigned screenplay or original story (worth 20%); 2) a 1000-1500 word argumentative essay on an assigned screenplay or original story (30%), along with a revision (10%), 3) a two-hour open-book and -media final examination (30%), and 4) tutorial participation (10%), based on attendance and preparedness and contributions to discussion.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

• essay writing and self-editing competence

• comprehensive knowledge of the history, theory, and practice of screenwriting and filmmaking

• introductory knowledge of cinematography

• experience with interactive and collaborative learning

• self-discovery

Grading

  • 1) a 500-750 word film treatment essay, or equivalent creative project, in the form of a brief scenario or storyboard based an assigned screenplay or original story 20%
  • 2) a 1000-1500 word argumentative essay on an assigned screenplay or original story 30%
  • 3) a revision of argumentative essay 10%
  • 4) a two-hour open-book and -media final examination 30%
  • 5) tutorial participation, based on attendance and preparedness and contributions to discussion. 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Charles Chaplin, City Lights (BFI online script)


Billy Wilder, Sunset Boulevard (U of California P)


ISBN: 97800520218550

Anita Loos, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: The Illuminating Diary of a Professional Lady (Liveright)


ISBN: 97800871403179

Jane Garamara Pilkingham, Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence (U of Queensland P)


ISBN: 9780702233555

Annie Proulx, Larry McMurtry, and Diana Ossana, Brokeback Mountain: Story to Screenplay (Scribner)


ISBN: 97800743294164

Wes Anderson, The Grand Budapest Hotel: The Illustrated Screenplay  (Opus)


ISBN: 97800571314355

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