Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - ENGL 398 D100

Major Authors for Non-Majors (4)

Class Number: 2234

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    30 units or two 200-division English courses. English majors, minors, extended minors, joint majors, and honours may take this course with permission of the instructor. This course may be counted towards general degree requirements, but not for credit towards an English major, minor, extended minor, joint major or honours.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

In-depth study of the literature of a major anglophone author of wide influence. Course is not intended for English majors, minors, extended minors, joint majors, or honours. May be repeated for credit once if different topic is taught. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Learning Literature (and History, Philosophy, and Cultural Studies) through Role-Playing Games

In this class we will study literature by using an innovative experiential learning method called "Reacting to the Past". Students will learn and practice skills--speaking, writing, rigorous analysis of difficult texts, critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, and teamwork--in order to prevail in difficult and complicated situations. We will play three games: "Rousseau, Burke, and the Revolution in France" "Watergate, 1973-1974" and "Pardon Me: Should Ford Pardon Nixon?". Students will be assigned different roles, including some prominent historical figures. Students will then engage in delivering persuasive speeches, writing position papers and newspaper articles, and working in teams to accomplish common objectives and achieve their victory objectives. These three games allow for intensive study of governments under siege.

This is an intense class, and a memorable one. No prior role-playing game experience necessary.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students will practice and master public speaking and argumentative writing skills

Grading

  • Speeches, French Revolution game 15%
  • Speeches, Watergate game 15%
  • Speeches, Pardon Me game 5%
  • Written work (graded speeches, other persuasive writings, 5-6 pages total), French Revolution game 25%
  • Written work (graded speeches, other persuasive writings, 5-6 pages total), Watergate game 25%
  • Attendance and participation 10%
  • quizzes 5%

NOTES:

Please make sure to purchase the second edition of the Rousseau, Burke, and the Revolution in France gamebook, published by UNC Press. Please do not buy any editions of this book published by Norton.

All books are available in both print and electronic versions. It is highly recommended that you purchase print versions.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:


All books are available at the SFU bookstore. 

REQUIRED READING:

Rousseau, Burke, and the Revolution in France, 2nd edition, by Jennifer Popiel and Mark Carnes. UNC Press
ISBN: 978-1-4696-7074-4

Watergate, 1973-1974, by John Parrish. UNC Press
ISBN: 978-1-4696-7517-6

The Social Contract, by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Penguin.
ISBN: 978-0-14-044201-4

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.