Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - ENGL 113W D100

Literature and Performance (3)

Class Number: 3994

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2017
    Sat, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

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:

Introduction to Drama: Theatre, Performance, and Identity examines six diverse plays that range chronologically from the Elizabethan period to the first decade of the twentieth-first century. The major themes we will consider involve identity and the performativity of identity; while this focus will draw us into discussions of gender roles, race, sexual orientation, and class, we will also consider staging, genre, form, the social and cultural places and functions of the theatre, and how all these concerns intersect. Drama was meant to be performed, so we’ll engage in informal reading (and maybe even acting!) in tutorials, and we’ll watch clips of film versions of the plays. I encourage you to find the time to go see a play or two in Vancouver while you are taking this course. This is a writing course, so you will be doing regular writing assignments, both in and outside of class, including a major revision.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • To gain an introductory understanding of how the performative arts of drama and theatre can be a venue for the exploration of identity. 
  • To improve skills in critical writing about drama.
  • To improve academic essay-writing skills. 

Grading

  • tutorial participation 15%
  • first essay (3-4 pages) 10%
  • revision of first essay 15%
  • second essay (3-4 pages) 20%
  • third essay (3-4 pages) 20%
  • final exam 20%

NOTES:

All requirements must be completed in order to pass the course.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required texts (available at the SFU Bookstore):
Othello, William Shakespeare
A Doll’s House, Henrik Ibsen
End Game, Samuel Beckett
Top Girls, Caryll Churchill
Angels in America Parts One & Two, Tony Kushner
Yellow Face, David Henry Hwang

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