Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2018 - ENGL 112W J100

Literature Now (3)

Class Number: 5507

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 13, 2018
    Mon, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

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:


Growing up with/in the contemporary Canadian novel  

This course will read four novels—three print, one graphic—by Canadian authors that feature young people growing up in Canada. Over the course of the term, students will be introduced to different critical theories pertaining to sexuality, indigeneity, nationalism, race, and gender, and the course will ask both “old” and “new” questions about Canada and what it means to different people. We will also be attuned to broader themes of belonging, loneliness, travel, adventure, and youth. “Growing up” is presented in each novel in distinct ways, and students will be able to reflect on their own experiences in relation to those presented in the novels. Students will not need any prior experience reading or discussing Canadian literature since this course serves as a broader introduction to the modern Canadian novel and its themes.  

To be successful in this course, students will need to attend class regularly and be prepared to discuss and to write about the assigned readings. Because this is a writing intensive course, students should bear in mind that completing the readings and assignments on time is very important, and that students will likely need to dedicate a 3-4 hours of work at home prior to every class (the course meets once per week).

Grading

  • Attendance and participation 10%
  • Six quizzes 5%
  • Six in-class writing exercises 15%
  • Midterm essay (3-4 pgs, with first draft and revision) 15%
  • Final project 30%
  • Final exam 25%

NOTES:

Midterm Essay (15%): Students will write the first draft of their midterm essay in-class, two-three weeks before the due date, and then will revise and rewrite this first draft into their final submissions. Essay is 3-4 double-spaced pages. Breakdown: First draft (5%) and Final Submission (10%).  

In-class Writing (15%): Students should be prepared to do six (6) in-class writing exercises over the course of the term. Each exercise will be approximately 30 minutes in length, and will be graded according to a check, check plus, check minus system: check signifies a thought-provoking response written in clear prose; check-minus lacks either in clarity or in depth of analysis; check-plus goes over and above the expectations in lucidity and / or in analysis. Each exercise will be assigned a word limit; Please stay within the word limit, because two major criteria of the in-class writing exercises are their concision and poignancy. N.B. At the end of term, the top 5 of 6 reflections will be counted, and so students may miss one reflection without negatively affecting their grade.  

Six Quizzes (5%): Students can expect 6 pop quizzes based on the readings over the course of the term. Each quiz is worth 1% of a student’s final grade.  

Final Project (30%): The final project will consist of two parts. The first part will be a (creative) creation of the student’s devising that is based on a course theme. The project might be a short story, a graphic novel, a series of journal entries, a piece of artwork, or some other idea approved by the instructor. This “creative” portion is worth half of the student’s final project grade. The second part of the project will be a 5-7 page analysis on how their project engages a larger course theme. Students will be expected to clearly and critically explain their work in relation to another work (or idea or theme) that we have spoken about. Specific Final Project guidelines and evaluation criteria will be distributed three weeks prior to the assignment deadline.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Brother, David Chariandy

Essex County trilogy, Jeff Lemire

Son of a Trickster, Eden Robinson

Do Not Say We Have Nothing, Madeleine Thien

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