Fall 2024 - ENGL 216 D100
History and Principles of Literary Criticism (3)
Class Number: 4658
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 11, 2024
Wed, 8:30–10:30 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
JD Fleming
jfleming@sfu.ca
1 778 782-4713
Office: AQ 6149
Office Hours: tba
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Prerequisites:
12 units or one 100-division English course.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
The study of selected works in the history of literary criticism, up to and including modern and contemporary movements in criticism.
COURSE DETAILS:
Is it any good? And what is it good for?
This course will be an historical introduction to basic concepts and questions in literary criticism and theory. Our readings, for the most part, will range from old to ancient: including selections from Plato (Ion, Republic X), Aristotle (the Poetics), and Sidney (the Defence of Poesy). And yet--I think we will find--they introduce and examine ideas and terms that we still need, if we are to think about this strange phenomenon of literature.
Throughout, we will be asking two questions. (1) How do we study these strange texts that we call literary? And (2): why?
All readings will be made available on Canvas, via link or .pdf. (No book to buy.)
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
- Attaining familiarity with some basic and crucial questions of expression, representation, and interpretation.
- Reflexive and productive thinking about our own commentary (writing).
Grading
- Mid-term writing (4-5 doublespaced pages) 15%
- Presentation/project 15%
- Term paper (6-8 dbs pp) 35%
- Final exam 35%
NOTES:
Prompts will be provided for the written assignments. The presentation or project is low-pressure, and wide-open. (Please don't worry about that.) Detailed expectations for the final exam will be made clear well in advance.
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
All readings will be made available by the instructor, as weblink or .pdf, via the course's Canvas page.
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
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 website 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
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.