Presentation of course programme

27 Janeiro 2020, 14:00 • Cecília Maria Beecher Martins

Syllabus

An introduction to Canadian literary theories: Garrison (Frey) Post-Colonial (Moss 2003), Survival (Atwood 2004) and Bio-text (Saul, 2006);

Canada’s political organization and principle cultural traits;

Looking at Canada’s literary production in light of its geography, physical structure and development;

History: from the beginnings to the present day situation – however emphasis will be placed on the period from 16^th – 21^st centuries;

Analysis of artistic production: literature, cinema, photography and music. Literary texts (short stories and poetry) will be read and analyzed in light theories;

Presentation and discussion of recent political and cultural approaches towards First Nations and New-Canadians.

Evaluation: As this CU is taught in English class oral presentations must be made in English – content, communication and fluency will be more important than grammatical accuracy. Written evaluations may be presented in English or Portuguese.

Written test: 40%

Research Paper: 40%. This will be a 2,000 - 2,500 word original research essay on one, or a combination of, the books and films examined this semester (30%). The essay should use one or more of the theoretical frameworks mentioned this semester and/or the analytical methods used. A 250-word abstract must be submitted on the assigned date where students will present with their thesis idea and theoretical framework (10%). Students who do not submit an abstract will not be able to submit the final essay.

Class Participation: 20% This will involve a short 10-minute oral presentation on the subject matter of the essay written as well as discussion of prescribed reading and general participation. Presence without participation will not count.

Bibliography

Course manual in red copy shop

Atwood, Margaret. Survival: a Thematic Guide to Canadian Literature. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 2004 [1972].

Conrad, Margaret. A Concise History of Canada. Cambridge: CUP, 2012.

Howells, Coral Ann and Eva-Marie Kröller, ed. The Cambridge History of Canadian Literature. Cambridge: CUP, 2009.

 Moss, Laura, ed. Is Canada Postcolonial? Unsettling Canadian Literature. Waterloo: Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2003.

 New, W. H. A History of Canadian Literature. Montreal: McGill— Queen’s University, 2003.

Saul, Joanne . Writing the Roaming Subject: The Biotext in Canadian Literature. Toronto: UTP, 2006.

Vance, Jonathan F. A History of Canadian Culture. Oxford: OUP, 2009.

 

Learning outcomes of the curricular unit This CU is taught in English. The principle learning outcome of this CU is to permit an understanding of the nature of Canadian culture through observation of its historic and geopolitical structure, as well as critical analysis and discussion of its literature (short stories and poetry) and artistic production (cinema, photography and music). This will be achieved through a presentation of Canadian history and its geopolitical structure, looking at its progression from a diverse European colonial project to its independent existence despite the presence of a culturally aggressive neighbor. In light of the current events, contemporary Canada is worth observing. Culturally, it is also very dynamic and diverse with – according to the 2011 census – over 20% of the population born under another flag. Economically it is also successful — a member of the G7 while still belonging to the British Commonwealth. Students will be asked to reflect on aspects of Canadian culture and society that facilitate this success.