Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2016 - ENGL 357 D100

Studies in Canadian Literature since 1920 (4)

Class Number: 3796

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2016: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Two 100 division English courses, and two 200 division English courses.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The study of selected works of Canadian literature written after 1920. Students with credit for ENGL 356 or 358 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

SFU Reads

This course on contemporary Canadian fiction will model itself on the CBC Canada Reads competition. We will read four winning books and one runner-up from past competitions since 2002, as well as one book not included in the competition for comparison. Each student will have the opportunity to both defend and critique the texts both verbally and in writing. In addition to staging the debates in class, we will discuss the novels in terms of nation-building, literary merit, and the stakes involved in developing a national literature. We will consider the role of Indigenous literature “within” or “against” Canadian literature, and engage with postnationalist challenges of ‘Canada’ from ethnic minority writers who create a sense of belonging through diasporic communities. We will also explore the relationship of nationalism to questions of gender, sexuality, class, race and ethnicity. In addition to the novels, we will read critical theory relating to the politics of literary prize-giving, book marketing, and the exigencies of publishing in the 21st century.

Grading

  • participation 10%
  • defense presentation 10%
  • critique presentation 10%
  • critical analysis 10%
  • position paper 25%
  • final research paper 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Michael Ondaatje, In the Skin of a Lion
ISBN: 978-0394281827

Miriam Toews, A Complicated Kindness
ISBN: 978-0676978568

Wayde Compton, The Outer Harbour
ISBN: 978-1551525723

Rawi Hage, Cockroach
ISBN: 978-0887848346

Richard Wagamese, Indian Horse
ISBN: 978-1553654025

Kim Thúy, Ru Tr. Sheila Fischman
ISBN: 978-0307359711

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