Fall 2018 - ENGL 360 D100

Popular Writing by Indigenous Authors (4)

Class Number: 8656

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 5, 2018
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines works of popular fiction by Indigenous authors, and their use of specific genres (e.g. the mystery novel, vampire thriller, sci fi, comic book). Students who have taken FNST 322 under this topic, or FNST 360 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will examine the relationship between word and image in Indigenous graphic novels, comic books, film, and new media. In recent years, graphic novels have enjoyed renewed attention in popular and academic discussions. An especially fascinating and fast-growing manifestation of the genre is the Indigenous comic book/graphic novel. These works raise questions such as: what are the dominant representations of Indigenous people in popular culture and how have artists challenged these representations? To what extent are these texts drawing upon Indigenous traditions of oral storytelling and of material sign-making? How have Indigenous writers used the accessibility of comic book forms to reach wider or more specific audiences? Along with the graphic novels listed below, we will also watch films and online performances, and read selections of secondary readings that discuss graphic novels, adaptations, Indigenous storytelling traditions and material culture, literacy and audience, and popular cultural representations. Graphic novels and comic books bring to the fore debates about literary value, literacy, and the question of audience; the book market and visual culture; and the relationship between graphic novels and film. Please note: There are four (4) required texts. The other graphic novels that we are reading are available at the SFU library online. You are welcome to read them there. However, if you wish to purchase a hard copy there will be a limited number of copies available at the bookstore.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

-to read, interpret, and creatively engage with Indigenous texts that work at the interface of the visual and the textual
-to understand significant developments and movements in contemporary Indigenous graphic novels in English
-to analyze texts and films across a range of genres and media
-to explore alternate modes of critical thinking through image and text
-to synthesize and evaluate a range of critical approaches to literature, particularly Indigenous literary nationalism, decolonization, and resurgence.
-to recognize complex relationships between texts and contexts (historical, social, cultural, literary)
-to identify challenges posed to literary study by new media and technologies
- to acknowledge the diversity and complexity of Indigenous stories in many forms and formats.

Grading

  • Participation and attendance 10%
  • Short paper (750-1000 words) 15%
  • Group Presentation (15 minutes) 10%
  • Reading journal and scrapbook (10 entries with words and images) 15%
  • Final Paper or Project (2000-2500 words) 35%
  • Take Home Exam 15%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

 

 

REQUIRED READING:

UNDERSTANDING COMICS : THE INVISIBLE ART by Scott McCloud
ISBN: 9780060976255

A GIRL CALLED ECHO, VOL 1PEMMICAN WARS by Katherena Vermette
ISBN: 9781553796787

THE OUTSIDE CIRCLE BY PATTI LABOUCANE-BENSON
ISBN: 9781770899377

MOONSHOT : THE INDIGENOUS COMICS COLLECTION by Hope Nicholson (ed)
ISBN: 9780987715258

RECOMMENDED READING:

RED by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas
ISBN: 978-1771620222

THE LIFE OF HELEN BETTY OSBORNE by David Alexander Robertson
ISBN: 978-0968965344

Sugar Falls: A Residential School Story by David Alexander Robertson
ISBN: 978-1553793342

7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga by David Alexander Robertson
ISBN: 978-1553793557

The 500 Years of Resistance Comic Book, by Gord Hill
ISBN: 978-1551523606

The Place of Scraps, by Jordan Abel
ISBN: 978-0889227880

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