Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - ENGL 113W D100

Literature and Performance (3)

Class Number: 1500

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 19, 2018
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.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:

This course will introduce students to the study of drama, both as literature on the page and performance on the stage. We will use ways in which cultures interact as a focus, exploring who has power and why, and analyzing ways in which gender ideology and cultural identity affect relationships. We will study Los Vendidos, Lysistrata, The Rover; Or, The Banished Cavaliers, The Octoroon; Or, Life in Louisiana, and Ola Nā Iwi (The Bones Live). As part of our exploration of how we respond to drama as literature scholars, each student will attend a dramatic performance (not one of the plays we are studying—you are free to choose a local stage performance) and write a review of it.
The writing-intensive nature of the course means that we will be doing low stakes in-class writing (i.e. not for marks), looking at examples of the ways in which academics in English approach drama, workshopping written assignments in tutorial, and having the opportunity to revise one written assignment for marks.
Note:

  • course material contains language and subject matter readers may find offensive
  • course material contains dialect and/or mixtures of English and other languages which may pose extra challenges to students who speak English as an additional language 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1/ to become familiar with ways of gathering textual and spectatorly evidence from drama,
2/ to practice putting that evidence together into reasoned arguments,
3/ to deepen our ability to enjoy drama even while we analyse it

Grading

  • Essay (approx. 1500 words) 20%
  • Revision of essay (approx. 1500-2000 words) 15%
  • Review of a dramatic performance (approx. 750 words) 20%
  • Participation 15%
  • Final Examination 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Introduction to Literature: Drama, Pearson Custom Library [because this is a custom text it is only available through SFU's bookstore]
ISBN: 1-269-82294-2

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