Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - ENGL 112W D100

Literature Now (3)

Class Number: 2214

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to contemporary works of literature in English and/or contemporary approaches to interpreting literature. May focus on one or multiple genres. Includes attention to writing skills. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

How might one read Vancouver? This course approaches this question through the concept of the anthology --- bringing diverse works into conversation with each other and highlighting voices that might otherwise be overlooked. Vancouver and its surroundings have been the subject and/or setting for works by a wide range of writers and artists. Together, we will read a curated collection of contemporary fictions, poetry, artwork, and interactive digital texts to see and imagine the plurality of Metro Vancouver. From False Creek to Main Street, Burnaby Mountain to Chinatown, Steveston to Stanley Park, these texts provide a multiplicity of ways to understand the unceded territories on which we dwell.

Readings include works by Madeleine Thien, Lee Maracle, Shani Mootoo, Wayde Compton, Daphne Marlatt, Wayde Compton, and Timothy Taylor

Laptops, tablets, phones, and other digital devices are not permitted during lectures and tutorials. Please bring a notebook and pen to take notes.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

At the end of the class, students will be able to demonstrate they know how to

  • read literary works from a range of genres and identify major and minor themes and literary techniques in the works
  • define terms relevant to literary and cultural analysis
  • produce reflective, critical, and argumentative pieces of writing.
  • participate in thoughtful and productive discussions on course materials

 

Grading

  • Tutorial Participation 10%
  • In-class Close Reading Exercise 10%
  • Reflective or Epistolary Assignment 15%
  • Formal Essay: In-class close reading draft 5%
  • Formal Essay: In-class first paragraph draft 10%
  • Formal Essay: final version 20%
  • Final Exam (3 hours) 30%

NOTES:

All initial readings will be available on Canvas. Details about the hard copy coursepack will be discussed in class.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • You are expected to complete the course readings, attend both lectures and tutorials, and complete all written and online assignments on the dates specified in this Syllabus.
  • Laptops, tablets, phones, and other digital devices are not permitted during lectures and tutorials. Please bring a notebook and pen to take notes. If you have accessibility needs, please reach out to https://www.sfu.ca/students/accessible-learning.html so that you can be registered and accommodated. I highly encourage printing out the readings that are on Canvas. Paper handouts for in-class exercises will be provided
  • Engaging with course materials on a regular basis is essential to the successful completion of the course; expect to put in about 2-4 hours each week for reading and prep.
  • Check your SFU email account and Canvas regularly for class-related announcements and reminders.

Materials

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

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.