Summer 2020 - ENGL 112W D100

Literature Now (3)

Class Number: 3690

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 14, 2020
    Fri, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Location: TBA

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:

Narrative Games
What is literature now? Print texts and ebooks, yes, but also graphic texts in print and online, interactive web-based texts, game narratives, and who knows what next. This course will explore narrative interactions between real life and fictional/game life in a variety of textual media and genres. We will read the texts roughly chronologically, and include not only the formulaic straight White male (anti-)hero stories, but also more diverse and inclusive narratives. Although many of the texts involve game play as a subject matter, and we will play and analyse a couple of narrative games, students do not need to be gamers to succeed in the course. All students will consider what it means to read and to play, and what the purposes of literature and games are.
As a Writing-Intensive course, this course uses formal and informal writing assignments to promote 1/ understanding of the material and 2/ skills in persuasive, logical, and well-supported argument. Students will revise one assignment for marks and give each other feedback on their writing.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course will help you learn to
1/ interpret stories, gathering and evaluating evidence from texts of various kinds,
2/ write persuasive arguments supported by evidence,
3/ write clearly and concisely,
4/ revise and proofread your writing, and
5/ give feedback to your peers in concise, specific, and helpful ways.

Grading

  • analysis essay, c.1200-1500 words 25%
  • revision of essay, c.1200-1800 words 15%
  • gaming reflection, under 1000 words 15%
  • participation, including 5% for peer reviews of essays 15%
  • final exam, 3-hour closed-book 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

In addition to the novels and graphic novels listed below, students will read short excerpts from other gaming narratives including Ender's Game, City of Golden Shadow, Ready Player One, and Chainmail Bikini: An Anthology of Women Gamers, available in Canvas, and play A Dark Room and Bury Me, My Love, available online. Each student will also choose one game from an approved list to play online and write a reflection about.

REQUIRED READING:

Only You can Save Mankind, by Terry Pratchett

ISBN: 9780060541866

Level Up, by Gene Luen Yang
ISBN: 9781596432352

In Real Life, by Cory Doctorow & Jen Wang
ISBN: 9781250144287

Bash Bash Revolution, by Douglas Lain
ISBN: 9781597809160

Slay, by Brittney Morris
ISBN: 9781534445420

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

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.