Spring 2025 - ENGL 210 D100

Reading and Writing Identities (3)

Class Number: 7232

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Yiwen Liu
    yiwen.liu@sfu.ca
    Office: AQ6102
    Office Hours: Tuesdays, 1-2 PM; Fridays, 3-4 PM
  • Prerequisites:

    12 units or one 100-division English course.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Considers how identity - construed psychologically, culturally, or socially - is performed and interrogated through literature and language. May be further organized by historical period, genre, or critical approach. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

The past five years have been a traumatic time for the world. Many of us suffered mental health challenges alone when facing the Covid-19 pandemic and navigating the news and realities of multiple ongoing wars. What does it look like when we can finally talk about our private sufferings openly? How do we generate collective energy for a healing future while maintaining individuality? And how to connect one’s pain with those of other humans, the more-than-human, and the environment? 

In this course, we will read literatures (including fiction, a memoir, a graphic novel, and short stories) to explore the idea that personal experience is not a property of oneself but a reference point to repair old wounds and build new relationships. We will explore topics ranging from the loss of loved ones, refugee experiences, and racialization to revolution, protests, and community building.

Grading

  • Attendance & Participation 10%
  • Weekly Reading Journal (submitted in 2 batches) 10%
  • First essay (1500 words) 25%
  • Second Essay (2000-2500 words) 30%
  • Final Examination 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Chariandy, David. Brother.


ISBN: 9780771023330

Cheung, Karen. The Impossible City: A Hong Kong Memoir.


ISBN: 9780593241455

Hamdy, Sherine and Coleman Nye. Lissa: A Story about Medical Promise, Friendship, and Revolution.


ISBN: 9781487593476

Lee, Krys. How I Became a North Korean.


ISBN: 9780399563935

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.