Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2016 - ENGL 115W D100

Literature and Culture (3)

Class Number: 7955

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2016: Tue, Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 16, 2016
    Fri, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An Introduction to the study of literature within the wider cultural field, with a focus on contemporary issues across genres and media. Students with credit for ENGL 105W may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:


The City in Literature
We now live in a time when, according to the United Nations, 54% of the world’s citizens live in cities and just over 80% of Canadians live in urban areas. This course will examine the various ways that cities and urban life, in their complexity, conflict and energy, have been represented in contemporary literature and other art forms. The literature, films, and art that we will read will take us across the globe -- to New York, London, Tokyo, Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver and other cities. In the case of New York, we will look at its cultural history of music, art and literature alongside how it has been reshaped through global and urban processes. Toronto (one of the most diverse cities in the world) will be looked at as a global city, shaped by migration, history, and culture. We will also read a diverse selection of prose and poetry regarding Vancouver to grasp how it has changed since the 1970s and the role workers, Indigenous people, and other communities have had in building and representing this waterfront city. We will also examine issues of cities and consumerism and the idea of a global network of cities.

Grading

  • Tutorial Attendance and Participation 10%
  • Short Essay (1000 words) 20%
  • Proposal for final essay 10%
  • Final Essay (1,200-1,500 words) 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Dionne Brand, What We All Long For

William Gibson, Pattern Recognition

Jay McInerney, Bright Lights, Big City

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