Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - ENGL 111W D100

Literary Classics in English (3)

Class Number: 2633

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines literary “classics”, variously defined, apprehending them both on their own terms and within larger critical conversations. May incorporate the comparative study of work in related artistic fields and engage relevant media trends. Includes attention to writing skills. Students with credit for ENGL 101W may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Indigenous Voice and Location

War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.

This classic line from George Orwell’s 1984 is as menacing and meaningful today as it was when it was first published in 1949. In a world of artificial intelligence, digital media and rising authoritarianism the role literature is declining. People do not read as much as they used to. Literacy rates are in decline. Readers have become streamers consuming content on platforms owned by vastly rich, faceless media companies who harvest user data to reproduce similar material. Some of that content is increasingly being produced by AI. Literature--printed, artistic works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, theatre, journalism--is under threat, and not just by AI and big tech. Books are being banned. Voices are marginalized. Literary truth is lost. But so what?

Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.

What does Orwell mean by this turn of phrase? How does understanding this quote help understand literary truth? This course will seek to answer that question. #Butfirst…This introductory course looks at literary classics that have been subject to book bans. These texts have either been officially banned by the state or they have been marginalized by society in one form or another. These texts come in a variety of forms including graphic novels, novels, poetry and theatre. The first text is the genre defining graphic novel, Maus I: A Survivor’s Tale by Art Spiegelman, which deals with the holocaust, fascism and the Second World War. This work is followed up by Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis, a graphic novel about the Iranian revolution. Next, George Orwell’s 1984 classic novel is about a future fascist authoritarian state run by “Big Brother”. Finally, the last work Honouring the Strength of Indian Women is a compilation of the life’s work of Ktunaxa Secwepemc writer and playwright Vera Manuel whose seminal work of Indigenous, matriarchal literary expression has long been marginalized and silenced. Other course material will be used in the course as well and will be shared through Canvas.  

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • To develop your skills in reading, interpreting, and writing about literary texts.
  • To learn how to read and interpret graphic novels that work at the interface of the visual and the textual.
  • To read, discuss, and write about complex relationships between texts and contexts (historical, social, cultural, literary).

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Diagnostic essay (in tutorial) 0%
  • 10-minute group presentation 10%
  • Essay 1 (800 words) 25%
  • Essay 2 (1000 words) 15%
  • Revision (1000-1200 words) 15%
  • Final examination 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Vera Manuel, Honouring the Strength of Indian Women.
ISBN: 9780593467947

George Orwell, 1984
ISBN: 978-0241453513

Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis (Pantheon 2007)
ISBN: 978-0375714573

Art Spiegelman, Maus I: A Survivor’s Tale: My Father Bleeds History (Pantheon 1992)
ISBN: 978-039474723

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.