Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2018 - ENGL 315 D100

Studies in Seventeenth Century Non-Dramatic Literature (4)

Class Number: 4479

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 13, 2018
    Thu, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Selected works of seventeenth-century poetry and/or prose, situated in their cultural context. May include some writing from North America. Students with credit for ENGL 314 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

[Please note: This course is T-Th. Both sessions will be a mixture of lecture and seminar.]

The King James Bible

First published in 1611, the King James Version of the Christian Bible (KJV) may be the single most influential text in the English literature of the seventeenth century—or any other. Its cadences, sayings, ideas and stories were foundational, until very recently, for all literary, social and political discourse throughout the English-speaking world. In this course, we will not be trying to do serious Biblical scholarship. Neither will we be tracing, in any systematic way, the seventeenth-century tussles over exegesis and theology. Neither, for sure, will we have a revival meeting. Rather, our goal will simply be to read and discuss selections, from both the Old and New Testaments, with a view toward learning the major tropes, symbols, images, narratives, characters, patterns, and interpretative problems of the Biblical legacy. We may look at a fair bit of art, listen to some music (from classical to country), and even watch excerpts from cheesy Hollywood epics. We may also connect our primary readings in KJV to some other literary texts of the period (by Donne, Herbert, Marvell, Milton, and others). But basically, if you’ve ever wanted to get a grip on the whole Bible thing, this is your chance. Not “the Bible as literature”; more like, the Bible is literature.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

-- Acquiring a working familiarity with the King James Bible, considered as a foundational text of the modern world.
-- Augmenting general skills of textual interpretation and rhetorical argumentation.

Grading

  • Mid-term 20%
  • Presentation/other 15%
  • Term Paper 35%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

 Flexibility and creativity are encouraged for the presentation element. It can be in-class or online; verbal or visual; individual or group work.

REQUIREMENTS:

 Reading, attendance, and other usual stuff.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

You, the readings, your time, and your effort.

REQUIRED READING:

The Bible: Authorized King James Version. Eds Robert Carroll and Steven Pricket. Oxford World’s Classics, 2008.
ISBN: 13:978-0199535941

RECOMMENDED READING:

The entire Western tradition, and all the others, if you got time. But hey--let's just start with the Bible.

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