ENGL3009

Canadian Literature: Reading the Environment

10 Units 3000 Level Course

Not available in 2014

Previously offered in 2005

Canadian literature represents different, competing understandings of the environment and its relationship to society. Novels by Michael Ondaatje, Jane Urquhart, and Elizabeth Hay as well as travel narratives and letter diaries will be read in order to examine how perceptions of the environment inform cultural discourses, such as nationalism, multiculturalism and environmentalism.

Objectives Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate:
1. a detailed critical knowledge of significant examples of Canadian literature (novels, diaries, travel narratives and journalism)
2. the ability to understand and critique literary concepts, such as allegory and realism; and
3. a comprehension of and critical perspective on the methodologies used to analyse the representation of the environment in literature.
Content By focusing on Canadian literature, the proposed course explores the representation of the environment in non-fiction writing (ie., letters, diaries, journalism) and fiction (ie., novels, poems). The course examines topics such as: the development of literary genres, methods of literary analysis, such as ecocriticism, and the relation of literature, culture and nationalism.
Replacing Course(s) Not applicable
Transition Not applicable
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge Assumed knowledge for ENGL3009 is 20 credit points of English courses at 2000 level.
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Seminar
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments Research essay, 1800 words (30%)
Research portfolio, equivalent of 1800 words (30%)
Two discussion papers (each 15%)

Together these will allow students to demonstrate a critical understanding of course topics and texts.
Group/tutorial participation and contribution Class participation (10%)

Assessed on the regularity of contribution, level of preparation demonstrated, and quality of response to texts and to the broader discussion.
Other: (please specify) Students must submit all assessment items in order to complete the course.
Contact Hours Seminar: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term