Global English Literatures
ENGL 108B
TU-TH 13:00–14:20, QNC 1507
Dhruba Neupane: dneupane@uwaterloo.ca
Office PAS 1285 Tuesdays 10:30–12:30; or by appointment
Course Description
English is a language not just of global business but also of world literatures. The spread of English in its many forms and dialects has had a profound influence on English literary studies, especially in the 20th and 21st centuries. But what does it mean to call “English” a “global language,” and how have writers from around the world used English to shape and articulate their own worldviews? Questions that will inform this course include the following: How do people who are not of British background use English to express their own views, experiences, and identities? How can writing in English both reproduce and resist colonial domination? How do writers grapple with the reality of displacement, dislocation and fragmentation? We will explore texts from a range of geographical locations, such as the Caribbean, India, Pakistan, Iran, Ghana, and the First Nations. We will also explore how these texts respond to (post)colonialism, globalization, racism, nationalism, gender, religion, language-based discrimination, while also appreciate the aesthetic qualities of the texts.
Accommodations
We will all need some accommodations in this class, because we all learn differently. If you need specific accommodations, let me know. We will make an effort to ensure that all students have multiple means of accessing class information, multiple ways to take part in class activities, and multiple avenues for being assessed on class work. The University of Waterloo has a long-standing commitment to support the participation and access to university programs, services, and facilities by persons with all types of disabilities. All students who have a permanent disability as well as those with temporary disabilities have the right to what UW calls “AccessAbility Services.” To register for these services, you must provide documentation from a qualified professional to verify your disability. Please contact them at 519-888-4567 ext. 35082 or drop into Needles Hall 1132 to book an appointment to meet with an advisor to discuss their services and supports.
Learning Objectives
In this course, you will
- Discuss the major literary trends and tropes (“trees” and “waves”) in global English literatures, with a particular attention to literature born out of colonial contact and cultural encounter.
- Situate and critically analyze the literary texts vis-à-vis their historical, political, and socio-cultural contexts.
- Explore cultures and values other than your own with a view to re-assess pre-conceived notions and ideas while also exploring connections and continuities.
- Engage with and debate important issues related to identity, cultural diversity, race, and gender from a cross-cultural and global perspective.
- Improve your academic writing skills through the development of a critical perspective in literary/cultural analysis.
Required Texts
- Marjane Satrape Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
- Arundhoti Roy The God of Small Things
- Samlan Rushdie The Satanic Verses
- Gloria Anzaldua The Borderland/La Frontera
- Ama Ata Aidoo Our Sister Killjoy
- George Lamming In the Castle of My Skin
- Sara Suleri Meatless Days
- Thomas King Green Grass, Running Water
- Other readings material posted to Course Content
Recommended additional text
Ashcroft, Bill, Gareth Griffiths, and Helen Tiffin. The Empire Writes Back: Theory and Practice in Post-Colonial Literatures. 2002.
Grading
Participation 15%
Your preparedness for class discussion is key here. You will come to class not to know what’s in the text (content), but to help other members with the insights they may be missing, to fill in the details, to discuss and debate a particular aspect of the text. Participation also includes attendance. It may include in-class and online writing.
Opinion Papers (OP) 5+7+8=20%
Three 500 and 700 and 800 words opinion papers on any text or topic related to the course. They are not expected to be rigorously analytical research papers. They are rather your responses to a text after it has been discussed in class. They should not be book reviews or summaries of texts. These papers should demonstrate your engagement with specific text(s) and/or topics, as well as your ability to argue and write with coherence and clarity.
Leading discussions 20%
Everyone in this class will present on a day’s reading. Minimum 20 minutes and maximum 30 minutes within which you should tell your audience what the text is about, what it does and how, historical, socio-political contexts surrounding the text. You should engage the class, elicit critical questions and offer insightful perspectives.
You must meet me at least two days before the presentation to discuss how you will go about it, to get useful secondary materials, and to share with me the handout or PowerPoint slides or any other effective tools and techniques you will use in the presentation.
Mid-term essay 20%
You will critically analyze a text employing a theoretical lens (gender, race, class, language). 6 full page long (double spaced, Times New Roman font 12). Further detail TBP.
Final essay 25%
You will write an essay comparing two texts and explore points of intersection and divergence. This comparative analysis must have a perspective different from the one you chose for the mid-term essay. 7 full page long (double spaced, Times New Roman font 12). Further detail TBP.
Schedule (Tentative)
- January 8; Course introduction; Haruo Shirane “What Global English Means for World Literature”
- January 10; Franco Moretti “Conjectures on World Literature”; Interpretive lenses
- January 15/17; Persepolis 1; Presentation 1, 2
- January 22/24; The God of Small Things; Presentation 3, 4, 5
- January 29/31; The Satanic Verses; Presentation 6, 7, 8
- January February 5/7; The Borderland/La Frontera; “Re-placing” from The Empire; Presentation 9, 10
- February 12/14; In the Castle of My Skin; Presentation 11, 12
- Reading Week
- February 26/28; Our Sister Killjoy; Presentation 13, 14
- March 5/7; Meatless Days; Presentation 15, 16, 17
- March 12; Other reading materials, Revision and/or make-ups
- March 14; (no class) I am out for a paper presentation (there will be an online substitution)
- March 19; Indigenous Literature/Indigenous Knowledge
- March 21/26/28; Green Grass, Running Water; Presentation 18, 19, 20
- April 2/4; Other reading materials, Revision and/or make-ups; Presentation 21, 22
Due dates
|
OP 1 |
OP 2 |
OP 3 |
Mid-term |
Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Jan 29 |
Feb 28 |
March 28 |
Feb 14 |
April 4 |
Evaluation Criteria
- Topics are challenging, often original; papers are well organized, filled with detail, and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the topic. Examples are chosen from several portions of the work. Opinion papers are carefully argued, with detailed attention being paid to opposing arguments and evidence. Papers receiving an “A” are usually somewhat longer than the minimum assigned, typically a page or so longer, though this all depends on the compactness of your writing style–;a paper which is long and diffuse does not result in a higher grade and a very compact, exceptionally well-written paper will occasionally receive an “A.” The writing should be very clear and generally free of mechanical errors. An “A” is given for an outstanding work.
- Topics are acceptable, papers well organized, containing some supporting detail, and demonstrate an above-average knowledge of the topic. Examples are chosen from several portions of the work. Papers are at least the minimum length assigned. Opinion papers are carefully argued, with some attention being paid to opposing argument and evidence. Writing is above average, containing only occasional mechanical errors. A “B” is given for above-average work.
- Topics are acceptable, but simple. Papers poorly organized, containing inadequate detail, demonstrating only partial knowledge of the topic (focusing only on one short passage from a work or some minor aspect of it). Papers are at least the minimum length assigned. Opinion papers contain unsupported assertions and ignore opposing arguments and evidence. Writing is average or below, and mechanical errors are numerous. Paper does not appear to have been proofread carefully. A “C” is given for average work.
- Inappropriately chosen topic does not demonstrate more than a minimal comprehension of the topic. Papers are at least the minimum length assigned. Opinion papers contain unsupported assertions and ignore opposing arguments and evidence. Writing is poor, filled with mechanical errors. Paper does not appear to have been proofread. A “D” is given for barely acceptable work.
- Paper is shorter than the minimum length required. Topic is unacceptable because it does not cover more than an incidental (or unassigned) portion of the work or does not reveal a satisfactory level of knowledge. Generalizations are unsupported with evidence and opinion papers contain unsupported assertions and ignore opposing arguments and evidence. Writing is not of acceptable college-level quality. Paper does not appear to have been proofread. An “F” is given for unsatisfactory work.
Course Concerns
If you are experiencing problems with the course or with the marking, you should first discuss your difficulties with your instructor, Dhruba Neupane. Students who believe that they have been wrongfully or unjustly treated or penalized have the right to grieve; refer to Policy #70, Student Grievance
A decision made or penalty imposed under Policy 70 (Student Petitions and Grievances) (other than a petition) or Policy 71 (Student Discipline) may be appealed if there is aground. A student who believes he/she has a ground for an appeal should refer to Policy 72 (Student Appeals)
Academic Honesty
All students registered in courses in the Faculty of Arts are expected to know what constitutes an academic offence, to avoid committing academic offences, and to take responsibility for their academic actions. When the commission of an offence is established, disciplinary penalties will be imposed in accord with Policy #71 (Student Academic Discipline). For information on categories of offences and types of penalties, students are directed to consult the summary of Policy #71 which is supplied in the Undergraduate Calendar
If you need help in learning how to avoid offences such as plagiarism, cheating, and double submission, or if you need clarification of aspects of the discipline policy, ask your course instructor for guidance. Other resources regarding the discipline policy are your academic advisor and the Undergraduate Associate Dean.
Students seeking guidance on academic honesty are urged consult the following page of the Arts Faculty Web site, “How to Avoid Plagiarism and Other Written Offences: A Guide for Students and Instructors." Plagiarism or copying other people’s style or ideas and claiming them as your own is a serious academic offense. Any incident of plagiarism will automatically cause a paper to fail, could cause you to fail the course, and will be reported to the Dean’s office. For each major assignment you submit, you will also sign and submit an “Academic Honesty Contract” (see page 12-13).
Late papers
All written assignments are due online by 11:59pm. Late essays will be accepted only with prior permission. Otherwise, the penalty of 2% each late day, including weekends, will apply. If you think you have a valid excuse (medical, etc.) for not getting a paper in on time, let me know in advance (e-mail). Choosing to work on other classes rather than this one is never an acceptable excuse for handing in a paper late or skipping class.
Revision
You may revise and resubmit your essays once (although I may consider a further submission). All new submission must attach a reflection in which you inform what changes you made from your earlier draft, how did you accommodated instructor and peer feedbacks and what you learned during the process. ~ 300-500 words
Use of devices in class
We want the classroom environment to be a positive one for everyone. Together we will create a space that promotes mutual respect, positive discussions, the free exchange of ideas and productive use of time. Do not use cell phones in class – if you have it with you, turn it off and put it away. Laptops are allowed but only for instructional and research purposes.
Conferences
I encourage you to come and see me about any aspect of the course during my office hours or by making an appointment. Whenever you do not understand any mark or comment on a paper, please ask about it.
The Writing and Communication Centre
The Writing Centre works across all faculties to help students clarify their ideas, develop their voices, and write in the style appropriate to their disciplines. Writing Centre staff offer one-on-one support in planning assignments and presentations, using and documenting research, organizing and structuring papers, and revising for clarity and coherence.
You can make multiple appointments throughout the term, or drop in at the Library for quick questions or feedback. To book a 50-minute appointment and to see drop-in hours. Please note that writing specialists guide you to see your work as readers would. They can teach you revising skills and strategies, but will not proof-read or edit for you. Please bring hard copies of your assignment instructions and any notes or drafts to your appointment.