Studies in Canadian Literature

Curriculum guideline

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Course
ENGL 1101
Discontinued
Yes
Course code
ENGL 1101
Descriptive
Studies in Canadian Literature
Department
English
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
201430
PLAR
No
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
35
Contact hours
4 hours per week
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Learning activities

Some or all of the following methods will be used:

  1. Lecture/discussion
  2. Group work
  3. Peer editing
  4. Instructor feedback on students’ work
  5. Individual consultation
Course description
This course introduces students to works by Canadian authors, primarily contemporary, within the contexts of Canadian culture and identity. Students will read works from at least two major literary genres.
Course content

All first-year English literature courses share the following features:  

  1. Students are instructed in the writing of critical essays on literary subjects.
  2. Students are taught to recognize and understand a variety of literary devices and textual elements, such as metaphor, symbolism, distinctions between author and narrator/narrating persona, and issues of language and of structure, as appropriate to the genres and texts studied.
  3. Readings and topics vary among sections of the same course, according to each instructor’s selection; however, all course materials are consistent with the objectives/outcomes for this course.

In English 1101, students will examine works in at least two of the following genres: 

  1. Fiction (novels and/or short stories)
  2. Non-fiction (personal essays, memoir, journals/diaries, travel literature)
  3. Drama
  4. Poetry
Learning outcomes

Upon completion of any first-year English literature course, the successful student should be able to

  1. read receptively and reflectively, with sensitivity to the subtleties of language;
  2. recognize and understand literary devices;
  3. practice writing as a process involving pre-writing, drafting, revising and editing;
  4. write an essay of literary analysis that develops an interpretive thesis supported by appropriate and correctly cited evidence; and
  5. give and receive constructive criticism about written work.

Upon completion of English 1101, the successful student should also be able to understand 

  1. some of the wide variety of themes and focuses in Canadian writing, such as immigrant experiences, ethnic heterogeneity, post colonialism, regional diversity, and relationships with the natural environment;
  2. the shifting nature of Canadian identity and of the Canadian literary canon; and
  3. the positioning of Canadian literary culture(s) in global contexts. 
Means of assessment
  1. A minimum of two formal academic essays, with a combined value of at least 40% of the course grade.
  2. A minimum of 80% of the course grade will be based on writing assignments (essays, essay-based exams, journals, paragraphs).  A maximum of 20% of the course grade may be based on informal writing (quizzes, short answer tests); oral reports/presentations; participation/preparation grades; and/or other non writing-intensive assignments.
  3. A minimum of 15% of the course grade will be based on in-class writing (essay or exam).
Textbook materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students

Sample reading list:

  • Atwood, Oryx and Crake
  • Choy, The Jade Peony
  • Highway, Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing
  • Selvadurai, Funny Boy
  • Coursepack, including personal essays and travel literature, short stories, and poetry
Prerequisites

A minimum score on the Douglas College writing assessment, or equivalent, as per the College calendar.

Which prerequisite

In combination with another 1100-level English or CRWR course or with ENGL 1200 (as per College calendar requirements), this course may serve as a prerequisite for any 2000-level English course.