Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - ENGL 360 D100

Popular Writing by Indigenous Authors (4)

Class Number: 3333

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    30 units or two 200-division English courses.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines works of popular fiction by Indigenous authors, and their use of specific genres (e.g. the mystery novel, vampire thriller, sci fi, comic book). This course may be repeated for credit if a different topic is taught. Students who have taken FNST 322 under this topic, or FNST 360 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will focus on examples of popular texts created by Indigenous authors in the past decade, taking as its point of departure Daniel Heath Justice’s statement that Indigenous texts “are at least as concerned with developing or articulating relationships with, among, and between Indigenous readers as they are with communicating our humanity to colonial society, if not more so” (xix, Why Indigenous Literatures Matter). We will read a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and speculative fiction, as well as accompanying texts for each work, to consider the expectations we bring to these forms of writing and how, or if, they change when presented through an Indigenous storyteller. Additionally, we will engage with non-textual forms of popular Indigenous literature, including oral storytelling, performance, television, film, and land-based story.

Grading

  • Active Participation 20%
  • Reading Response 1 10%
  • Reading Response 2 10%
  • Research Outline 10%
  • Research Project/Paper 30%
  • Presentation 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Jonny Appleseed – Joshua Whitehead (2018)

Son of a Trickster – Eden Robinson (2017)

Venco – Cherie Dimaline (2023)

This Accident of Being Lost – Leanne Simpson (2017)

Indiginerds – edited by Alina Pete (2024)


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.