Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - ENGL 360 D100

Popular Writing by Indigenous Authors (4)

IntroLitBanBooksMargVoices

Class Number: 2696

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 4:30–8:20 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:

Introduction to Literature, Banned Books and Marginalized Voices

This 3rd year course focuses primarily on Indigenous writing and Indigenous matriarchs through four primary texts: the novel Bad Cree by Jessica Johns, the play Kamloopa: An Indigenous Matriarch Story by Kim Senklip Harvey, the collection Honouring the Strength of Indian Women by Vera Manuel and the memoir In My Own Moccasins: A Memoir of Resilience by Helen Knott. Fiction, poetry screenplay and other course material will be used in the course as well and will be shared through Canvass.

This course challenges dominant settler narratives within Canada and Canadian Literature (CanLit) to allow space for Indigenous voice to exist and flourish. Students will challenge settler understandings of literary truth by routing their own experience and understanding of CanLit with emerging voices in Indigenous literature. The course aims to engage in challenging but necessary discussions, within and without CanLit to create space for Indigenous literatures and lives, including Indigequeer and Indigenous transgendered writers.

The main questions of the course are:

  • Where is Indigenous writing and writers in 2025?
  • Is Indigenous writing CanLit?
  • What is your location as a writer to Indigenous writers and Indigenous literatures?

To answer that last question, the following series of questions are critical for student understanding and relationality:

  • Where are you from?
  • What is your story to tell?
  • Whom are you writing for?
  • Whom are you writing to?

This course presumes each student is as a writer in the contemplation and completion of the assignments. The above questions provide a guide, a framework, a way to reflect and write about Indigenous literatures. The course will consider decolonization, the structure and purpose of settler narratives, cultural appropriation, settler amnesia & Canadian Literature, literary objectivity & the national interest, #rematriate and other narratives in context of popular Indigenous literature. Most of all, the course provides an opportunity for students to focus on their own writing. The course provides writing assignments that route the narratives present in each student in ways that can be surprising but are accessible. The premise is that each student has a vast array of narratives to rely upon that influence, inform and inspire their writing. 

Grading

  • Self-location essay - 6 pages 30%
  • Creative Response to Kamloopa - 4 pages 20%
  • Bad Cree, Dreams and the Creative Process - 4 pages 20%
  • Final Creative Assignment - 8 pages 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Kamloopa: An Indigenous Matriarch Story, Kim Senklip Harvey
ISBN: 9781772012422

Bad Cree, Jessica Johns
ISBN: 9780593467947

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

In My Own Moccasins, Helen Knott.
ISBN: 9780889777316

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.