Spring 2022 - ENGL 376 D100
Special Studies (4)
Class Number: 5190
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 13, 2022
Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Torsten Kehler
tkehler@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
30 units or two 200 division English courses.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
The course may be repeated for credit if a different topic is taught.
COURSE DETAILS:
"Down the Dark Alley: Crime and Film Noir"
Film noir was a term used by French critics to describe a group of b&w Hollywood films from the 1940s dealing with dark, cynical themes. But these films didn't emerge out of nowhere; they were often adapted from superb literary works. We will study some of the best known of these novels and films. We will focus on themes such as corruption, moral uncertainty, and the fragility of trust.
After briefly outlining noir’s origins, and noir's relationship to the murder mystery and the detective novel traditions, we will begin with Dashiell Hammett's hardboiled classic The Maltese Falcon (1930). Then we will read James Cain’s cynical masterpiece Double Indemnity (1943). Next will be Dorothy Hughes' In a Lonely Place (1947). (Each of these three novels was turned into iconic noir films, which we will study.)
From there we move on to that most literary (and optimistic) of crime novelists, Raymond Chandler, reading his The Big Sleep (1946). We will conclude with a work from the 1950s — Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley — that takes traditional noir in a different, psychological, direction. (These last two novels were also turned into films, but we will not study the film versions.)
In addition to studying the novels listed, students must be prepared to view a number of noir films, especially in Lecture but occasionally at home, and to discuss them in Seminar. A syllabus will be provided on Canvas. Essay topics will be supplied. There will be a few handouts, sold at cost (approximately three dollars in total). The course will be in person.
Grading
NOTES:
Attendance: 10%
Participation: 10%
First paper, due mid term (7-8 pages): 40%
Term paper, due end of semester (7-8 pages): 40%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
The Big Sleep, Raymond Chandler (Vintage Crime)
ISBN: 9780394758282
The Talented Mr. Ripley, Patricia Highsmith (Norton)
ISBN: 9780393332148
The Maltese Falcon, Dashiell Hammett (Vintage Crime)
ISBN: 0679722645
In a Lonely Place, Dorothy Hughes (New York Review Books)
ISBN: 9781681371474
Double Indemnity, James Cain (Vintage)
ISBN: 9780679723226
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.