Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2016 - ENGL 105W J100

Introduction to Issues in Literature and Culture (3)

Class Number: 2436

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Wed, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 20, 2016
    Wed, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    .

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the study of literature within the wider cultural field, with a focus on contemporary issues across genres and media. Writing/Breadth-Humanities. Equivalent Courses: ENGL105 Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Digital Storytelling  

How are we using digital platforms to tell stories ? What are current digital storytelling trends and cultures? How are old stories repurposed in digital form ? What kinds of new stories and storytelling practices have emerged ? How can the study of computer-mediated stories deepen our critical understanding of narrative ? What are the aesthetic, social, and political functions of these cultural forms ? We’ll be asking these questions as we consider a wide variety of established and experimental digital story genres. We will study ‘born digital’ genres, such as web-based stories, social media stories on Twitter and Facebook, wiki-round stories, image-centric storytelling, short digital films, and web-based social games. We will also examine ‘digital surrogates’ like electronic editions, audio podcasts, republication blogs, and more. This course will aim to introduce students to a wide range of stories being told and retold across media platforms in the digital age, and reflect on how the digital revolution is transforming the art and purpose of storytelling.  

Students will be asked to engage with, critique, analyse, and write about digital stories in a variety of critical and creative formats, including producing their own reading and writing blog and digital story. Students should have basic digital literacy (eg. be comfortable browsing the web, using computer devices, downloading apps), but no technical knowledge is required for this course.

Grading

  • Attendance, tutorial participation, and in-class assignments 10%
  • Weekly Reading and Writing Blog 20%
  • Review of a Digital Story (500 words) 10%
  • Essay (1500 -1750 words) 20%
  • Group Digital Story-Telling Project 20%
  • Final Exam 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Course content will mostly be web-based or available via Canvas.

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:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS