Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - INDG 360 B100

Popular Writing by Indigenous Authors (4)

Class Number: 7514

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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:

This course will be devoted to looking at Indigenous contemporary and popular modes of storytelling, including the graphic novel, speculative fiction, science fiction, and erotica. We will also explore how literary productions inform film production, animation, and VR. So far, conventional theories of cultural studies or popular culture do not account for the historical and political specificities of these kinds of productions.

Drawing upon conceptual tools that stem from the critical theory around Indigenous literary and artistic projects, we will consider the following questions: How do such interventions break away, while expanding the field? How do they speak beyond linguistic and generational gaps? How might existing literary and cultural critical theories be applied and expanded to these new media?

Grading

  • Participation in seminar discussion 10%
  • Presentation 15%
  • Film response 15%
  • Mid-term paper 25%
  • Final paper 35%

NOTES:

There is NO FINAL examination for INDG 360 B100 for Spring 2024.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Robinson, Eden. Monkey Beach. Vintage Canada (2000)

Robertson, David Alexander. 7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga. HighWater (2012) King, Thomas. Red Power Murders. HarperCollins (2006)

Pésémapéo Bordeleau, Virginia. The Lover, the Lake. Freehand Books (2021) Skawennati. TimeTravellerTM (2008-2013)

Barnaby, Jeff. Rhymes for Young Ghouls. Prospector Films (2013)


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.

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