Spring 2022 - ENGL 360 D100
Popular Writing by Indigenous Authors (4)
Class Number: 5551
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Mon, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 21, 2022
Thu, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Sophie McCall
smccall@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
30 units or 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). This course may be repeated for credit if a different topic is taught. Students who have taken FNST 322 under this topic, or FNST 360 may not take this course for further credit.
COURSE DETAILS:
Indigenous Graphic Novels
This course will examine the relationship between word and image in Indigenous graphic novels, comic books, and film. 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 graphic arts? 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 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.
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 explore alternate modes of critical thinking through image and text
- to acknowledge the diversity and complexity of Indigenous stories in many forms and formats.
Grading
- Participation and Attendance 10%
- Composition Notebook 20%
- Short Paper (@1500 words) 15%
- Group Presentation (@20 minutes) 10%
- Final Project 30%
- Take Home Exam 15%
NOTES:
- Some of the graphic novels we’re studying are not available electronically via SFU Library or canvas. These are the ones I am asking you to purchase or to find in your local library. I have ordered a limited number of the graphic novels that are available in electronic format, in case you prefer to have a hard copy. They are all required reading.
- The SFU Bookstore is scrambling to adjust to in-person courses and may not be a reliable source for the required books. Please consider ordering the books from your local bookstore. Please check out the Indigenous-owned bookstores Iron Dog Books (https://irondogbooks.com/) and Massy Books (https://www.massybooks.com/). Other reliable independent bookstores in Vancouver are Pulp Fiction and Book Warehouse. You may also order these titles from Chapters or Amazon or other online outlets.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Laboucane-Benson, Patti. The Outside Circle. Anansi, 2015. (*Paper Copy to be Purchased)
ISBN: 978-1770899377
Pauls, Cole. Dakwäkãda Warriors. Conundrum Press, 2019. (*Paper Copy to be Purchased)
ISBN: 978-1772620412
Nicholson, Hope (ed.). Moonshot: The Indigenous Comics Collection. Volume. 1. Inhabit Education, 2020 (originally published with AH Comics 2015). (*Paper Copy to be Purchased)
ISBN: 978-0228706205
Hill, Gord. 500 Years of Resistance Comic Book. Arsenal Pulp, 2010. (*Required but Electronic Copies Available)
ISBN: 978-1551523606
McCloud, Scott. Excerpts from Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art. HarperCollins, 1992. (*Required but Electronic Copies Available)
ISBN: 006097625X
Robertson, David Alexander. 7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga. Highwater Press, 2012. (*Required but Electronic Copies Available)
ISBN: 978-1553793557
Yahgulanaas, Michael Nicoll. Red. Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre 2009. (*Required but Electronic Copies Available)
ISBN: 978-1771620222
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 SPRING 2022
Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place. Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).
Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required. You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.
Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.