Reading Literature and Culture

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
ENGL 1102
Descriptive
Reading Literature and Culture
Department
English
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
35
Contact Hours

Lecture: 2 hours/week; Seminar 2 hours/week

or

Hybrid: 2 hours/week in class; 2 hours/week online

or

Fully online

Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Seminar
Online
Hybrid
Learning Activities

Some or all of the following methods will be used:

  1. Lecture/discussion
  2. Group work
  3. Peer review
  4. Instructor feedback on students’ work
  5. Individual consultation
Course Description
In this course students will read, discuss and write about at least one major theme in literature and culture, such as crime and punishment, gender roles, immigrant experiences, or paradise lost. Texts studied will be drawn from at least two literary genres.
Course Content

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

  1. Students are instructed in the writing of analytical 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 1102, students will examine thematically linked texts in at least two literary genres.

The majority of class-time will be spent in discussing and analyzing course materials.  Where film or works in other media are to be examined, students may be required to view some of these works outside of class time.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. read analytically and reflectively, with attention 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 argumentative thesis supported by appropriate, correctly integrated and cited evidence; and
  5. give and receive constructive criticism about written work.

Upon completion of English 1102, the successful student should also be able to

  1. recognize and understand the element of theme in literature;
  2. understand and analyze the relationship of theme to other literary elements, such as plot, character, setting, figurative language and irony; and
  3. recognize and appreciate connections between the theme(s) studied in the course and social issues.
Means of Assessment

The course evaluation is consistent with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy.

  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 such as essays, essay-based exams, journals or paragraphs. A maximum of 20% of the course grade may be based on informal writing such as quizzes or short answer tests, and/or non writing-intensive assignments such as oral reports, presentations, participation or preparation.
Textbook Materials

A list of required textbooks and materials will be provided for students at the beginning of the semester.

Sample Reading Lists

A. Theme: Versions of Marriage                 

  • Chaucer, “Prologue to ‘The Wife of Bath’s Tale’”          
  • Ibsen, A Doll's House                                               
  • Ross, As for Me and My House                                          
  • Rule, Desert of the Heart                                                                                    
  • Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing                         
  • Shields/Howard, A Celibate Season                              

B. Theme: Globalising: Identity as Diversity                                                                        

  • Damrosch et al., The Longman Anthology or World Literature (Compact Edition)
  • Lindberg, Birdie
  • Murata, Convenience Store Woman
  • Shamsie, Home Fire
  • Tan, The Arrival

C. Theme: The Limits of Humanity

Course reader including science fiction, fantasy, and horror short stories such as:

  • Butler, "Blood Child"
  • Chiang, "Story of Your Life"
  • Heinlein, "'– All You Zombies –'"
  • Liu, "The Paper Menagerie"
  • Roanhorse, "Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience"
  • Tuttle, "Wives"

Novel:

  • VanderMeer, Annihilation

Film and Television:

  • Brooker, "San Junipero" (Black Mirror episode)
  • Garland, Ex Machina
  • Peele, Get Out

 

 

Prerequisites

Any College entrance Language Proficiency Requirement with the exceptions of the Douglas College Course Options in ELLA or ENGU and the assessments listed below. These require the specified higher standard for entry into CMNS, CRWR and ENGL courses.
• a minimum grade of C- in ELLA 0460, or a minimum grade of C- in both ELLA 0465 and 0475, OR
• a minimum grade of C- in ENGU 0450 or ENGU 0455 or ENGU 0490, OR
• Mastery in ELLA 0330 and any two of ELLA 0310, 0320, or 0340, OR
• TOEFL overall score of 83 with a minimum of 21 in Writing, OR
• IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0; for individual bands below 6.0:
       • if in Speaking, ELLA 0210 required
       • if in Reading or Listening, ELLA 0220 required
       • if in Writing, ELLA 0230 and ELLA 0240 required
OR
• CLB score of 8, OR
• CEFR level B2+, OR
• CAEL minimum overall and essay score of 70 (computer or paper based), OR
• recognized equivalent or exemption.

Which Prerequisite

In combination with another 1100-level English or CRWR course (as per College calendar requirements), this course may serve as a prerequisite for any 2nd year English course.