Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - ENGL 272 D100

Creative Reading (3)

Class Number: 2666

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ENGL 111W, 112W, 113W, 114W, or 115W; or WL 105W; or PUB 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the art of reading for creative writers, focusing on the linguistic, literary, and conceptual tools writers use to manipulate language to create different experiences for those encountering it, and exposing new writers to innovative literature. This course may be repeated for credit if a different topic is taught. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course, students gain an introduction to informed practice of creative writing by learning to read closely and actively ‘as writers.’ This is different from how we read as critics or, simply, as readers. As readers and critics, we read for plot – what happened, and why? Or for character. Perhaps we read to learn about other cultures or to see new ways in which our own stories can be told. And, yes, we read for language – for the glorious ways in which it can be used, abused, twisted and pulled. But when we read as writers, we want to see how it was done. We want to see what we can learn from other writers.  How, for instance, does a story, poem, or personal essay work?  What is the practical effect of evoking a particular perspective in writing, and what changes arise from calculated shifts in voice or consciousness?  What sorts of details have we come to expect in writing, and how, paradoxically, might seemingly unnecessary details be crucial?  What are some of the broader stylistic conventions regarding stories, poems, and plays, and why do authors deliberately pressure or abandon such conventions, including code-switching into lesser used languages, dialects, or slang?  How have writers understood the freedoms, constraints, and responsibilities of writing, and how have writers sustained and re-invigorated their practice? Some beginning writers are afraid of being influenced by others: I disagree. In this course, we will learn how, by reading others, we learn to write ourselves. Please note that in addition to the texts listed below (Abel, Gladman, Davis), we will also read texts provided in a printed coursepack including material by N.K. Jemisin, Kevin Killian, Clint Burnham, Harold Jaffe, Gail Scott, Hamish Ballantyne and others including the guest writers.  I encourage you to purchase the three texts in printed format (not ebooks) since DIGITAL DEVICES ARE NOT PERMITTED IN LECTURE OR TUTORIAL.  That is, you will not be permitted to use laptops, tablets, or phones during class - be it lecture or tutorial. Much of the course will involve the submission of regular reading assignments, which will serve as prompts for tutorial discussions and in-lecture writing (creative-critical responses). Writer interviews and classroom visits (in person) - including Jordy Rosenberg, writer in residence Shani Mootoo, and SFU creative writing faculty (Cornel Bogle, Steve Collis, Jeff Derksen, Troy Sebastian) are in the process of being scheduled. The goals of this course are to become more attentive and passionate readers of literature, to engage the world of literature as an informed practitioner, to learn a practical vocabulary for the composition and editing of literary works, and to prepare for participation in advanced creative writing studio classes. We will also, always, think about what it means to write while living on the traditional ancestral territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including traditional territories of the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw), Tsleil-Waututh (səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ), Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm), and Kwikwetlem (kʷikʷəƛ̓əm) Nations.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

"No hymn will be raised to honor marriage of mine" (Sophocles - Antigone): you will learn to write for its own sake, for neither prizes nor grades.

"I'll sing you a corrido/a tale I know by heart" (Fernanda Melchor, This Isn't Miami): you will learn how writing creates its own music.

"The garden where Marvell scorned love's solicitude" (Phyllis Webb - "Marvell's Garden"): you will learn how to read writing creatively and for its diversity.

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • creative-critical response (in-class: ~500 words) 10%
  • creative-critical response (in-class: ~500 words) 10%
  • creative-critical response (in-class: ~750 words) 15%
  • creative-critical response (in-class: ~750 words) 15%
  • mid-term (100 minutes, in-class) 15%
  • Final exam (3 hours, during exam period) 20%

NOTES:

Your participation grade reflects not only your attendance but also your degree of informed participation in classroom exercises and discussions of readings. Please be aware that you will fail this class if your participation is not satisfactory: too, missing classes will affect your final grade, perhaps leading to a failing grade. Your creative-critical responses will be approximately 500-750 words and will take place during lectures on Mondays. The 4 assignments are each worth 10%/15% of your final grade, for a total of 50%.  I will provide a prompt in the lecture, and you will write your response, perhaps  discussing a pertinent concept or stylistic trait in the reading, relating it to material already covered in the course (whether lectures, other readings, or class discussion). There are two exams: a midterm and a final; the first will take place in lecture in October, and the second during exam period in December. 

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

There will also be a coursepack available in the SFU bookstore.

REQUIRED READING:

Jordan Abel, Dad Era

Renee Gladman, My Lesbian Novel

Lydia Davis, Essays: One

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.