Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2022 - ENGL 115W D100

Literature and Culture (3)

Class Number: 2243

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 10 – Aug 8, 2022: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 10, 2022
    Wed, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An Introduction to the study of literature within the wider cultural field, with a focus on contemporary issues across genres and media. Students with credit for ENGL 105W may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Canadian Literary Comedy: A study of the Leacock medal winners

“Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog. Few people are interested and the frog dies of it.” -E.B. White

Canada is famous for its production of comedy. While performers such as Samantha Bee and Seth Rogan may have garnered more fame, Canada also celebrates its homegrown literary comedy. Since 1947, the Stephen Leacock Association has awarded an annual medal for the best book of humour written in English by a Canadian writer. Medal winners have typically created comedy out of Canada's rugged terrain, its distinctions from the U.S. and the U.K., and its unique and determined characters. In this course we’ll read a selection of recent Leacock medal winners and, daring to counter E.B. White’s quip, discuss how their comedy functions and how they represent Canada. As this is a writing-intensive class, there will be ample opportunities to study the craft of writing and to draft and revise essays.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1. Understand how to analyze comic literature via close reading and comedy theory.
2. Gain an appreciation for Canada's self-definition through comedy.
3. Develop an understanding of the process of academic writing, including pre-writing, drafting, giving and receiving feedback, and revision.
4. Learn to write argumentative essays.

Grading

  • tutorial preparation, including attendance, participation, and quizzes 15%
  • paper 1 draft (1000 words) 10%
  • paper 1 revision (1000 words) 15%
  • paper 2 (1500 words) 30%
  • final exam 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:



REQUIRED READING:

All books available in print through the SFU bookstore.

Bill Conall, The Promised Land: A Novel of Cape Breton. ISBN 978-0991855209

Jennifer Craig, Gone to Pot. ISBN 978-1772600346

Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein, They Say/I Say. 5th edition (please make sure to get the 5th edition). ISBN ‎ 978-0393538700

Susan Juby, The Republic of Dirt. ISBN 978-1443423977

Cassie Stocks, Dance, Gladys, Dance. ISBN 978-1897126769

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 SUMMER 2022

Teaching at SFU in summer 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction.  Some courses may be offered through alternative methods (remote, online, blended), and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. 

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, online, or blended courses 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 summer 2022 term.