Fall 2024 - WL 301W D100
Writing and Research (4)
Class Number: 6915
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 16, 2024
Mon, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Kenneth Seigneurie
kseigneu@sfu.ca
1 778 782-8846
Office: AQ5120
Office Hours: TBA
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Prerequisites:
45 units including nine units in World Literature.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Helps students develop more advanced critical thinking and writing skills through a selected topic in world literature. Explores specific literary research methods such as formulating a research question, engaging with secondary sources, and creating a strong authorial voice. Writing.
COURSE DETAILS:
The Bible and Mid-20th century Novels and Film
Three strange things! First, almost nothing has been written on “the Bible and world literature” when the Bible is exemplary of world literature. Second, few study biblical intertextuality in mid-20th century world literature, an exceptionally fecund period for biblical influence. The first four weeks of the course will be devoted to reading the books of the Bible that have exerted the greatest influence on secular culture. In the longer, second half we will lean into novels and films of the mid-20th century in which biblical influence manifests as – third strange thing! – an obsession with evil. Why did writers the world over turn to the Bible for inspiration? How did the Bible help them respond to extremist ideologies, the Cold War, social injustices? We’ll study examples and students will choose from a list of other texts for their research paper. No background knowledge of the Bible is required, just a will to read with an open mind and to discuss and write frankly.
As an upper-level writing course, we’ll focus, too, on the writing process: formulating a research question, engaging with secondary sources, creating a strong authorial voice, outlining, and composition. I will provide readings on the theory of intertextuality and adaptation studies.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
- Understanding intertextuality as a fundamental feature of literary practice
- Grasping key themes of the Bible as they relate to culture and history
- Evaluating sources and formulating research-based arguments
- Expressing ideas orally and in writing at an advanced undergraduate level
Grading
- In-class five-paragraph essay 10%
- Research paper proposal (5%) and rewrite (10%) 15%
- Research essay (1500 words, 15%) + rewrite (2500 words, 20%) 35%
- Oral presentation on OT (5%) and oral report on final draft of research essay (10%) 15%
- Final exam 25%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
The Oxford Study Bible: Revised English Bible with Apocrypha. Oxford University Press, 1992. ISBN-13: 978-0195290004
Mahfouz, Naguib. The Beggar, The Thief and the Dogs, Autumn Quail. Random House, [1965] 2000. ISBN-13: 978-0385498357
Mauriac, François. Thérèse Desqueyroux. Sheed & Ward, [1927] 2005. ISBN-13: 978-0742548657
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.
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.