Fall 2021 - INDG 360 D100
Popular Writing by Indigenous Authors (4)
Class Number: 3907
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Alix Shield
ashield@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
45 units.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Examines works of popular fiction by Indigenous authors and their use of specific genres (e.g. the mystery novel, vampire thriller, sci fi, comic book). Students with credit for ENGL 360, INDG (or FNST) 322 under this topic, or FNST 360 may not take this course for further credit.
COURSE DETAILS:
What do we mean by “popular” Indigenous writing? Does popularity correlate with book sales? With media attention? With film/tv adaptations? In this course, we will look at examples of popular Indigenous writing (fiction and comics/graphic novels) that draw from a range of genres, including Indigenous Futurisms, Humour, Fantasy, and urban Indigenous storytelling. We will focus on the ways that contemporary Indigenous authors are working across genre boundaries within the realm of fiction, using their platforms to convey important sociopolitical critiques on settler colonialism (and its ongoing realities) while simultaneously resisting genre categorization.
Grading
- Attendance & Participation 10%
- Short Paper (4 pages) 25%
- Group Presentation 15%
- Research Paper Proposal (3 pages) 20%
- Research Paper (8-10 pages, ~2000-2500 words) 30%
NOTES:
To receive credit for this course, students must complete all requirements.
Warning: This course deals with a number of challenging and emotionally-charged issues, and some students may find the content unexpectedly stressful (especially around the discussion of residential schools, sexual/physical assault, and substance abuse).
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Thomas King, Indians on Vacation: A Novel
ISBN: 9781443465465
Cherie Dimaline, The Marrow Thieves
ISBN: 9781770864863
Katherena Vermette, The Break
ISBN: 9781487001117
Eden Robinson, Son of a Trickster
ISBN: 9780345810793
Moonshot: The Indigenous Comics Collection (Volume 3)
ISBN: 9780228706229
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.