Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - ENGL 112W D100

Literature Now (3)

Class Number: 4409

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 10, 2019
    Tue, 3:30–6:30 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:

English 112W: Literature Now
Examining The Everyday 

Why read literature now? What kind of work can literature and film do for and with us? In this course, we will critically engage with literary and filmic texts in order to ask how stories can help us understand our everyday worlds and how we are located within them. By engaging with texts about Indigenous representation, transnational adoption, second-generation Canadians, racial anxiety and the suburbs, and gender and sexual identity, we will ask what it means to see, know, and feel differently. More specifically, these texts will enable us to investigate how our lives, identities, and worlds are shaped by structures of race, gender, and class as well as the histories of migration, settler colonialism, imperialism, and slavery. Our course materials will consist of two novels, a memoir, a set of published lectures, and a film.  

Grading

  • Participation and Tutorial Assignment 15%
  • First Essay - draft (500-750 words) 10%
  • First Essay - revision (1000 words) 15%
  • Final Essay (1500 words) 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

Please note that required readings and assignments are tentative at this point. A finalized list of readings and assignments will be provided with the official course syllabus in September. 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

King, Thomas. The Truth About Stories.

Truong, Monique. Bitter in the Mouth.

Chariandy, David. Brother.

Get Out. Dir. Jordan Peele.

Coyote, Ivan. Tomboy Survival Guide.

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://www.sfu.ca/students/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