Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - ENGL 383 D100

Studies in Popular Literature and Culture (4)

Class Number: 2352

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A study of popular literature and its cultural contexts. May be defined by genre, author, period, or critical approach. This course may be repeated for credit if a different topic is taught, though students who obtained credit for ENGL 363 prior to Summer 2015 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Hitchcock: Adapting Thrillers

Hitchcock. The name evokes psychological thrillers, mistaken identities, phobias and obsessions, and characters making decisions in circumstances that are at best uncertain and at worst terrifying. Hitchcock constructed these worlds by inventing his own style. It is even an adjective: “Hitchcockian”. His style combines suspense and horror — especially the horror of either knowing too much or knowing too little — and a smidgeon of comedy, though dark comedy to be sure. But Hitchcock famously drew on novels and stories to build his films. We can learn a great deal about Hitchcock by reading the novels he adapted to make his films, noting how he "translated" the words on the page into images and stories. 

We will begin by reading some of the prominent works Hitchcock drew on for several of his films. Specifically, we will read and then view The 39 Steps, Rebecca, Strangers on a Train, and Rear Window (a short story). We will conclude with the novel and film Psycho. We will attend to details of scene construction and also to themes and ideas.

The course will be offered remotely. Lectures and Assignments (as well as regular Announcements) will be posted on Canvas. The Lectures can also be posted on YouTube, for ease of viewing. There will be some synchronous ("live") meetings, held every two weeks, for discussion. Any additional theoretical material will be provided by me, posted on Canvas or perhaps via Google Drive. In addition to studying the novels listed, students must be prepared to view a number of Hitchcock's films, at least one every two weeks. Students are not expected to have a background in film theory or criticism, or even be familiar with Hitchcock's films. 

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Develop an understanding of the relationship between novels and films; develop critical thinking and writing skills; become familiar with -- and able to formulate insights about -- suspenseful works, both novels and films; to discuss coherently and dispassionately aesthetic works that proceed via the manipulation of the passions; become knowledgeable about a very unique genre: the "Hitchcockian" thriller.

Grading

NOTES:


First paper (6-8 pages), due mid-term: 40%

Term paper (6-8 pages), due end-of-term: 40%

Four short assignments, assigned by me. 5% each: 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier 

Strangers on a Train, Patricia Highsmith 

The 39 Steps, John Buchan

Psycho, Robert Bloch

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 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment 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. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

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).