Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - ENGL 359 D100

Studies in the Literature of British Columbia (4)

Class Number: 4687

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The study of selected works of British Columbian literature.

COURSE DETAILS:

"Wild and courageous"; a "harrowing, compulsive read"; a "superbly puzzling and richly cinematic tale." Such are the descriptions which critics have bestowed on some of the books we'll be reading in ENGL 359 this term, as we explore the ways in which Vancouver writers have responded to the clandestine drug trade and its social ramifications.

In looking at the effort to ban alcohol after the First World War, historians have described a "Prohibition culture." Narrowly construed, the phrase refers to the social arrangements (dealers, hangouts, codewords, etc.) that sprang up to facilitate the production, sale, and enjoyment of the forbidden substance. More broadly, "Prohibition culture" denotes the cinema, literature, popular music, etc. that reflect an age when new, bohemian interrelations between the sexes and races, new attitudes towards authority, and new rural-urban interconnections were emerging (alongside fearsome criminal syndicates) in contexts defined by resistance to the ban.

Given the importance of British Columbia's now partly legalized marijuana industry, and Vancouver's role as an entrepot for the trafficking of other illegal drugs, we are licensed to ask: Is it possible to discern such a "Prohibition culture" in contemporary BC? If so, what are its salient features? And how does it interact with the wider field of cultural production? These questions will hover over our readings of a series of recent works of prose fiction by established as well as up-and-coming writers, all set at least partly in Vancouver and all exploring the distinctive physical and social landscapes of the city known as "Lotusland"--from a mythical island of stoners.

Grading

  • Video-conference participation 5%
  • Discussion posts 15%
  • Group exercise 5%
  • Paper 1 (3-5 pp.) 15%
  • Paper 2 (4-6 pp.) 20%
  • Paper 3 (7-10 pp.) 25%
  • Reading quizzes 15%

NOTES:

Our work will involve both: (a) synchronous video-conferences (not recorded) during most of the Monday time slots; and (b) asynchronous discussion threads that can be viewed or added to in students' own time.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Each of the five books listed below should be acquired in print form and in the edition indicated (i.e. they must have the ISBN numbers given here). Use Amazon if you must; a better option would be to use a local bookseller. Please be advised that Pulpfiction offers free local delivery and, for special orders, generous discounts (up to 40% off the cover price). Massy Books offers free delivery across the Lower Mainland on orders of $50.00 or more.

REQUIRED READING:

E.R. Brown, Almost Criminal (Dundurn 2013)
ISBN: 9781459705838

Ranj Dhaliwal, Daaku: The Gangster's Life (New Star 2011)
ISBN: 9781554200597

Eden Robinson, Blood Sports (Emblem 2007)
ISBN: 9780771076053

Eden Robinson, Traplines (Vintage Canada 1998)
ISBN: 9780676970265

Sam Wiebe, Invisible Dead (Random House Canada 2016)
ISBN: 9780345816276

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:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).