Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - ENGL 433W E100

Seminar in British Literatures (4)

Class Number: 2774

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Mon, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Wed, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units or two 300-division English courses.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Advanced seminar in British literature. May be organized by author, genre, period, or critical approach. This course may be repeated for credit if a different topic is taught. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

Love and Death in Shakespeare's Sonnets

Shakespeare's sonnets speak of love, lust, aging, time, death, and immortality, among other themes, and are some of the most famous poems in the world. In this class we will read the entirety of Shakespeare's sonnet sequence (154 sonnets). We will engage in close reading that takes each sonnet on its own terms, while also endeavoring to understand the narrative of the entire sequence (if, indeed, there can be said to be one); as well, we will consider the significance of their historical context. Alongside the sonnets, we will read a number of critical articles to help us in our studies.

This is an excellent class for anyone interested in poetry and poetic form, as well as for those interested in the literature of Renaissance England.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • To gain an understanding of poetic form, particularly that of the sonnet.
  • To learn to read poetry carefully, critically, and skillfully.
  • To gain an understanding of the literary and socio-historical significance of the sonnets of William Shakespeare.
  • To improve skills in critical writing about poetry
  • To improve academic essay-writing skills. 

Grading

  • attendance and participation 10%
  • presentation and essay on a critical article (3-4 pages) 20%
  • close reading short essay (3-4 pages) 20%
  • final essay proposal and brief outline 10%
  • final essay (8-12 pages) 40%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Booth, Stephen, Ed. Shakespeare’s Sonnets. Yale University Press, 2000.   ISBN: 9780300085068

Vendler, Helen. The Art of Shakespeare’s Sonnets. Harvard University Press, 1999. ISBN: 9780674637122

All critical articles will be supplied as PDFs or links on Canvas.

The editions of the Sonnets specified here are necessary for the course.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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 website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.