Summer 2019 - ENGL 111W D100

Literary Classics in English (3)

Class Number: 4267

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2019: Mon, Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 12, 2019
    Mon, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines literary “classics”, variously defined, apprehending them both on their own terms and within larger critical conversations. May incorporate the comparative study of work in related artistic fields and engage relevant media trends. Includes attention to writing skills. Students with credit for ENGL 101W may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Literary Classics: Monsters and the Monstrous

There is a venerable literary tradition of monsters going back to ancient times, and the English were quick to see possibilities in the subject, adapting Latin texts and creating their own. This course begins with some traditional monsters from the international folktale tradition, and then moves onto their literary elaboration in the Old English epic of Beowulf. But great literature soon moved beyond the mere point-and-shoot hero vs. monster, and we continue to modern literature with Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde to see what literature has to say about the monstrousness of man and of science and technology. Then we remove the pseudo-supernatural "science" altogether to look at pure human monstrousness in Charles Dickens's Nicholas Nickleby and then finally end with the contemporary classic Kindred by Octavia Butler, which complicates and thoroughly humanizes the monstrous.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Above all, this is a writing course. There are two short papers. Each student will give feedback to and receive feedback from other students on the papers, as well as receiving feedback from the instructor; the papers will be resubmitted after revision. By the end of the course, you should be comfortable writing fluently in formal standard Canadian English, including the conventions of punctuation and grammar used in the formal language. Other writing skills include citation, organization, structure, argument, and clear communication. The focus is on how to write effectively about literature, but the skills being built are crucial to success in every field.

Grading

  • Essay #1 Introduction (200–300 words) 8%
  • Peer Review #1 2%
  • Essay #1 Full Draft (1400–1800 words) 20%
  • Essay #2 Introduction (200–300 words) 8%
  • Peer Review #2 2%
  • Essay #2 Full Draft (1400–1800 words) 20%
  • Tutorial Mark 15%
  • Final Exam 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Ray Liuzza, trans., Beowulf. (Broadview Press, facing page translation.)
ISBN: 978-1-55481-113-7

Butler, Octavia E., Kindred 

ISBN: 9780807083697

Shelley, Mary, Bram Stoker, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Frankenstein; Dracula; Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
 
Note: this is a combined edition to save a bit of money, but you're welcome to read other editions.

ISBN: 9780451523631

Dickens, Charles, Nicholas Nickleby
ISBN: 9780199538225

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://www.sfu.ca/students/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