30.162 Introduction to Canadian Literature
Fall 2015
Instructor: Dr. Reinhold Kramer
109 Original Building/Clark Hall
727-7344
kramer@brandonu.ca
Office hours: 2:40-3:30 p.m. Mon, Wed, Thurs
Webpages (inc. outlines): google “Reinhold Kramer”
or http://people.brandonu.ca/kramer/
Course Description:
An introduction to English-Canadian prose (short stories
and novels), poetry, and drama with emphasis on the 20th
century. The course may include selections from Native and French-Canadian (in translation)
literature. This course will require 3 essay assignments. While content is stressed, the letter grade
assigned will also reflect the writing ability of the student. Students will receive special help,
wherever needed, in planning, developing, and writing effective essays.
Assignments:
1. Reading tests (on entire novels)
2. Class Participation
3. In-class Essay (5 pages)
4. Redhill Essay (5 pages)
5. Poetry Essay (5 pages)
6. Final Exam
30 Sept., 9 Nov.
25 September
due 23 October
due 23 November
15 December, 2-4 p.m.
10%
5%
15%
15%
15%
40%
Note: There may be penalties for lateness, depending upon circumstances. Reading tests cannot
be postponed, and missed tests cannot be rewritten without a doctor’s note or other
documentation. Cite all your sources – assignments containing plagiarism will be graded “0” and
will result in disciplinary action. See BU General Calendar 4.2.2 “Academic Dishonesty.” No cell
phones in class.
For the very shy: in place of “class participation” you may hand in, 5 times during the course, short
(1 page, double-spaced, typed) commentaries, not plot summaries, on the text under discussion
that day. These commentaries must be handed in before we discuss the text in class, and are
worth 1% each. No commentaries will be accepted after class discussions for any reason.
Students with disabilities who require accommodation should register with the Disability Services
Coordinator. It’s possible that a student may find certain films and/or discussions troubling. If so,
please contact the instructor immediately for alternative films or an alternative course.
Grading:
Outstanding
A+ 90 & up
A 84-89
A- 80-83
Good
B+ 77-79
B 74-76
B- 70-73
Satisfactory
C+ 67-69
C 64-66
C- 60-63
Weak
D 50-59
Inadequate
F 0-49
Texts:
Atwood, Margaret. Oryx & Crake.
Bennett, Donna & Russell Brown eds. An Anthology of Canadian Literature in English. 3rd ed.
Redhill, Michael. Martin Sloane.
Norman, Colin. Writing Essays: A Short Guide. 2nd ed.
Rebar, Kelly. Bordertown Café.
Tentative Schedule:
Sept. 11
14
16
18
21
23
25
28
Pickthall, “The Third Generation” (1922)
Leacock, “The Marine Excursion of the Knights of Pythias” (1912)
Laurence, “To Set Our House in Order” (1963, 1970)
Munro, “The Progress of Love” (1986)
Vanderhaeghe, “Man on Horseback” (1992)
Armin Wiebe visit (Manitoba writer)
In-class essay
Robinson, “Queen of the North” (1996)
Sept. 30 - Oct. 14
Oct. 12
Redhill, Martin Sloane (2001)
Thanksgiving (no class)
Oct.
Roberts, “The Mowing” (1890), “As Down the Woodland Ways” (1937)
Lampman, “A Summer Dream” (1899), “The Railway Station” (1888)
Klein, “Autobiographical” (1951)
Redhill essay due
Wilkinson, “The Great Winds” (1951)
Nowlan, “Country Full of Christmas” (1969), “On the Barrens” (1977)
Cohen, “In the Eyes of Men” (1984), “Everybody Knows” (1988)
Atwood, “Spelling” (1981)
Mouré, “Miss Chatelaine” (1988)
16
19
21
23
26
28
30
Nov.
2
4
6
Newlove, “The Green Plain” (1981)
McKay, “Pond” (2006)
Lane, “The Sooke Potholes” (2007)
Crozier, “Poem About Nothing” (1985)
Nov. 9 - 30
11
20
Nov. 23
Atwood, Oryx & Crake. (2003)
Remembrance Day (no class)
Fall Break (no class)
Poetry essay due
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Rebar, Bordertown Café (1987)
Review
Tuesday, 2-4 p.m.
Final Exam
2-7
9
15