Fall 2018 - ENGL 112W D100
Literature Now (3)
Class Number: 4493
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Mon, Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 6, 2018
Thu, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Broc Rossell
brossell@sfu.ca
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:
Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Real Life
What does it mean to imagine another world? Why do we do that? All stories rely on imagination (the author’s, or the reader’s, or a people’s), but some kinds of stories are more inventive than others; they have less to do with our world and more to do with other worlds…or do they? (Bwahahaha!) Popular genres of fiction – science fiction, fantasy, horror, romance, detective spy and police procedurals, etc. – are, more often than you might think, more than just entertaining or conventional stories. They’re also written to challenge our understanding of what’s possible, what’s normal, and what’s acceptable. The books we're reading in this course are highly imaginative, very inventive, sometimes scary, and more than a little weird, but they also thoughtfully engage real world problems in surprising ways - and all of them engage in some way the question of equality, which will be our theme.
Grading
- Tutorial assignments and participation 20%
- First essay 20%
- First essay revision 15%
- Second essay 25%
- Final exam 20%
NOTES:
In addition to being at the bookstore, all the books you need for class can be found online, sometimes used, and you should get them ASAP. In all cases you are strongly recommended to buy the editions listed here. If you buy an edition with different page numbers you may not be able to follow lectures or tutorial discussions, which will affect your mark.
The final exam is long-answer and comprehensive. A study guide will be provided.
REQUIREMENTS:
It is common to require your book in hand at tutorial to be considered present. Tutorial assignments (including participation) are designed, determined, and graded by your TA.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Margaret Atwood, Oryx & Crake (Vintage Canada, 2009) ISBN 9780307398482
Octavia E. Butler, Kindred (Beacon Books, 2003) ISBN 9780807083697
Mohsin Hamid, Exit West (Riverhead / Random House, 2017) ISBN 9780525535065
Ursula Le Guin, The Left Hand of Darkness (Penguin / Ace Books, 2010) ISBN 9780441478125
China Mieville, The City & the City: A Novel (Ballatine / Del Rey, 2010) ISBN 9780345497529
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