Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - ENGL 216 D100

History and Principles of Literary Criticism (3)

Class Number: 4339

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 13, 2021
    Mon, 5:00–5:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    12 units or one 100 division English course.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The study of selected works in the history of literary criticism, up to and including modern and contemporary movements in criticism.

COURSE DETAILS:

Is it any good? And what is it good for? 

This course will be an historical introduction to basic concepts and questions in literary criticism and theory. Our readings, for the most part, will range from old to ancient: including selections from Plato (Ion, Republic X), Aristotle (the Poetics), Sidney (the Defence of Poesy), and Kant (the Critique of Judgment). And yet--I think we will find--they introduce and examine ideas and terms that we still need, if we are to think about this strange phenomenon of literature. Throughout, we will be asking, not just how we study it; but why.

All readings will be made available on Canvas, via link or .pdf. (No book to buy.)

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Attaining familiarity with some basic and crucial questions of expression, representation, and interpretation.
  • Reflexive and productive thinking about our own commentary (writing).

Grading

  • Mid-term writing (4-5 doublespaced pages) 15%
  • Presentation/project 15%
  • Term paper (6-8 dbs pp) 35%
  • Final exam 35%

NOTES:

Prompts will be provided for the written assignments. The presentation or project is low-pressure, and wide-open. (Please don't worry about that.) Detailed expectations for the final exam will be made clear well in advance.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All readings will be made available by the instructor, as weblink or .pdf, via the course's Canvas page.

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 FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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 may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.