FACULTY OF CREATIVE AND CRITICAL STUDIES
Department of Critical Studies
2012-13 Winter Term 2
Readings in Narrative
English 153 105
Instructor: Dr. George Grinnell
Office: Fine Arts 350
Hours: Wednesday 12-2pm, or by appointment
Email: george.grinnell@ubc.ca
Lectures: Monday and Wednesday 10:30-11:30 a.m. in EME 0050
Tutorials
Tutorial
T2I
T2J
T2K
T2L
T2M
T2N
T2O
T2P
Day
Monday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
Wednesday
Monday
Friday
Friday
Time
12:30-1:30
12:30-1:30
9:30-10:30
10:30-11:30
12:30-1:30
12:30-1:30
8:30-9:30
10:30-11:30
Place
ART 203
ART 374
LIB 303
FIP 138
FIP 140
LIB 303
FIP 239
FIP 250
Tutorial Leader
Mina Rajabi
Lindsay Diehl
Max Dickeson
Max Dickeson
Mina Rajabi
Lindsay Diehl
Taylor Scanlon
Taylor Scanlon
Course Description
This course introduces forms and practices of literary analysis by examining a variety of
narratives, including short stories, poetry, a memoir, a novel, and some music. Significant time
and attention will be given to developing successful and sophisticated university-level writing
and argumentation, skills that will be an asset to you for your entire university career. Emphasis
will also be placed upon developing an understanding of a range of methodologies and ways of
thinking specific to the humanities.
Prerequisite
Students are expected to have compelling written communication skills and to have a strong
interest in the study of narratives and a willingness to read beyond the circle of works we read in
leisure time for pleasure and entertainment.
Calendar Prerequisite Statement: Students must have either a) 70% in Grade 12 English; b) a 5
on the LPI; c) a passing grade in the Okanagan campus' Writing 009; d) or an acceptable
equivalent. For a list of equivalency options consult the Current Students website at
http://www.ubc.ca/okanagan/students/registration/First-Year_English.html.
Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes
The course takes as one of its abiding principles that cultural narratives are fundamentally social:
they have a real and powerful impact on our everyday lives and are not simply diversions from
reality.
We will explore how cultural narratives shape identity and work to create, reinforce, and
challenge social norms that help to support different identities. The concept of “identity” refers
to a sense of self that is not simply or individually chosen. A “norm” designates a conventional
social expectation: what one “normally” does, or is socially expected to do, in a given
circumstance. By bringing together norms and identity, this course will ask the following
question: How do narratives reflect the social norms of identity that surround us? This means
considering, for example, how do the stories we tell (whether these are novels, music videos, or
movies) shape our sense of what it means to be a woman, or a man? We will consider what it
means to live in Kelowna, to take another example, by examining the stories we tell about this
place and how they normalize and naturalize a certain identity for this place and for us within it.
By the end of this course, you will have had the opportunity to develop the following skills:
 To read narratives using different critical practices to see how the questions we ask of a
narrative shape how we create meaning
 To understand how narratives shape our world
 To think and write critically
 To develop crucially important university-level writing and communication skills by
learning how to enter into a critical conversation with others
 To detect and avoid logical fallacies
 To present clear, persuasive prose while using appropriate critical terminology
 To grasp and appreciate complexity in terms of form and content in a variety of
narratives
 To develop arguments in the classroom and in essay form with a thesis or controlling
idea, and accurate, relevant, and sufficient supporting evidence, research, and analysis for
your audience and purpose
 To research ethically and document sources according to a discipline
Required Texts
1. Grinnell, George. Ed. ENGL 153 005 Custom Course Materials. Kelowna: UBC
Bookstore, 2012. Print.
2. Graff, Gerald and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say/I Say. 2nd Ed. New York: W. W. Norton,
2010. Print. ISBN 978-0-393-93361-1.
3. Lane, Patrick. Red Dog, Red Dog. Toronto: McClelland and Stewart, 2008. Print. ISBN
978-0771046322.
4. Pearson, Justin. From the Graveyard of the Arousal Industry. Berkeley: Soft Skull Press,
2010. Print. ISBN 978-1-59376-262-9.
5. Grinnell, George. Critical Practice. Blackboard Connect. UBC, Okanagan campus,
2012. Web.
Blackboard Connect
Accessed via the internet, this course utilizes the Blackboard Connect online environment that
offers access to lecture materials and reading schedules, including powerpoints, assignments,
supplements to lectures, discussion, and e-mail tools.
To access Blackboard Connect, follow and bookmark this link: http://resources.connect.ubc.ca/
We will preview various features of the software in the first lecture. (For troubleshooting
assistance, please contact IT Services; if our class is not available to you when you log in please
contact me).

The textbook, Critical Practice, will be posted on Blackboard Connect.

Assignments may be distributed on Blackboard Connect.

We will use Blackboard Connect Email to send and receive email during the entire
duration of the course. Please ensure that you check Blackboard Connect regularly.
Final Examinations
The examination period for Term 2 of Winter 2012 is April 9 to 24. Except in the case of
examination clashes and hardships (three or more formal examinations scheduled within a 24hour period) or unforeseen events, students will be permitted to apply for out-of-time final
examinations only if they are representing the University, the province, or the country in a
competition or performance; serving in the Canadian military; observing a religious rite; working
to support themselves or their family; or caring for a family member. Unforeseen events include
(but may not be limited to) the following: ill health or other personal challenges that arise during
a term and changes in the requirements of an ongoing job.
Further information on Academic Concession can be found under Policies and Regulation in the
Okanagan Academic Calendar http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/okanagan/index.cfm?tree=3,48,0,0 .
Email Policy: I will make every effort to respond to emails within 24hrs. While I do not like to
think it happens often, I know I have missed some messages due to the sheer volume of
messages that cross my desk. If I do not respond to your message within 24hrs, please do send a
follow up message, forwarding your first one. I sincerely appreciate it.
Evaluation Criteria and Grading:
Students will be offered numerical grades for all assignments in this course. You will
be given substantive commentary on most assignments and that commentary will
explain the grade and highlight areas and means for improvement.
Assignments:
(Due dates are highlighted on our schedule; due dates for assignments will vary
based on tutorial section)
Short Essay: this 750 word paper will be vetted via plagiarism checking
software
Entering the Critical Conversation: this written assignment will be vetted
via plagiarism checking software
Tutorial Participation: thoughtful participation in individual and group
activities and exercises
Term Essay: this paper will be vetted via plagiarism checking software
Final Exam
Tutorials
15
20
Percentage (%)
90–100
A+
85–89
A
80–84
A-
76–79
B+
72–75
B
68–71
B-
64–67
C+
60–63
C
55–59
C-
50–54
D
0–49
F (fail)
10
30
25
You must attend all tutorials to pass this course. If you are unable to attend a tutorial, provide
your teaching assistant with a valid reason and evidence (e.g. a doctor’s note). The tutorial
portion of this course is akin to a lab in a science course where you will have the opportunity to
practice and hone a variety of skills crucial to your success in this course, including written
communication and analytical skills. Tutorial Participation marks are earned by meaningful
participation, not attendance. Every student begins with a participation grade of 0 in the tutorial
and if you do not participate meaningfully and consistently over the term it will remain 0.
You must attend the tutorial in which you are registered. You cannot attend another section since
your teaching assistant is responsible for assigning grades for the section you are enrolled in. If
you are not enrolled in a tutorial section, I cannot submit a grade for you at the end of term.
Discussion Etiquette: Much of the fiction we will read is of a “mature content.” While
discussion should be active and engaged, it should nevertheless remain respectful. Racist, sexist,
homophobic, or other comments designed to intimidate thought are not welcome. We aim to
conduct the lecture and seminars in a respectful manner where everyone feels motivated and able
to speak.
Fine Print: Rights and Responsibilities
1)
Always be engaged as an active listener in lecture and an active participant in tutorial. Avoid
dominating discussion.
2)
Large lecture etiquette: active listening in the lecture means you refrain from activities such as
surfing the internet, or checking e-mail and Facebook. Such actions can distract all students in the
vicinity and as such will not be tolerated. If you are distracted by a fellow student’s electronic
daydreaming, let us know. Similarly, lecture hall acoustics can be curious and your whispered
comments to a friend and neighbour can travel far better than your might expect or wish and thus
we ask that you avoid conducting conversations during class. Lectures are only 50 minutes: do
not sabotage yourself by refusing to focus for that long and do not infringe on the rights of others
to focus for that long.
3)
We will periodically assess whether or not the behaviour of your colleagues is distracting. We
are all here to learn and if the activities of some are preventing others from learning and
concentrating that is unacceptable. As a class we will discuss ways of addressing distracting or
disruptive behaviour, and this may include the banning of all electronic devices during lecture or
involve assigned seating if chatter becomes an issue.
4)
Some of the stories we read may challenge your values or not appeal to you. Learning occurs
when we step out of our “comfort zone.” You may not find all of the narratives we read
enjoyable. This is no reason to discard the text or assume it is irrelevant. Taste is an individual
matter. We also need to be careful not to assume there is only one type of pleasure to take from
reading and thinking. Thus, we need to learn to adapt ourselves to the task of reading a narrative
critically and with purpose even if it falls outside of what we typically read for pleasure.
5)
We expect you to have read all the assigned work before coming to class and to be able to
articulate your ideas about the texts or issues we discuss.
6)
Bring the texts we are discussing to lecture and tutorial. We will examine passages in lecture.
Do not expect these passages to appear on Powerpoint. If you do not read the texts in this class,
you will find it impossible to pass this course. You will be tested on whether or not you have kept
up on course readings during the final exam.
7)
For your protection, always keep a photocopy of your submitted work.
8)
If a complaint arises over fairness and/or accuracy in the grading of a paper or quiz, the student
must provide written documentation of this complaint, which is supported with evidence
indicating what may have been misjudged. Send this written documentation to your TA and then
arrange to meet him or her during a mutually convenient time. If a resolution is not forthcoming,
the paper may be submitted for remarking by the professor. A remarked paper may have its grade
adjusted up or down and that remarked grade is final. Students may seek a grade appeal via the
process explained by the university calendar.
9)
Do not hesitate to contact your teaching assistant if you are having a problem or fall behind in the
course. Book an appointment via e-mail or phone, and come to the meeting with a list of
questions and objectives.
10)
Everything that is covered in lectures is required course material and can be tested in exams.
Therefore, make sure you are clear about what is discussed in the lecture by asking questions.
11)
Assignments are due on the date specified and in the formats indicated. You will be given
adequate notice of all due dates and topics for assignments. Late assignments will not be accepted
without a ten percent per day penalty unless you make prior arrangements for a serious reason or
you have a valid medical certificate. Computer problems are not accepted as excuses for avoiding
a penalty; therefore, always save working drafts of your work. You should back up vital work.
12)
Yes, you will be marked for grammar and spelling.
13)
Keep this course outline. It outlines our mutual obligations and responsibilities.
Academic Integrity
The academic enterprise is founded on honesty, civility, and integrity. As members of this
enterprise, all students are expected to know, understand, and follow the codes of conduct
regarding academic integrity. At the most basic level, this means submitting only original work
done by you and acknowledging all sources of information or ideas and attributing them to
others as required. This also means you should not cheat, copy, or mislead others about what is
your work. Violations of academic integrity (i.e., misconduct) lead to the breakdown of the
academic enterprise, and therefore serious consequences arise and harsh sanctions are imposed.
For example, incidences of plagiarism or cheating may result in a mark of zero on the
assignment or exam and more serious consequences may apply if the matter is referred to the
President’s Advisory Committee on Student Discipline. Careful records are kept in order to
monitor and prevent recurrences.
A more detailed description of academic integrity, including the University’s policies and
procedures, may be found in the Academic Calendar at
http://okanagan.students.ubc.ca/calendar/index.cfm?tree=3,54,111,0.
Equity, Human Rights, Discrimination and Harassment
UBC Okanagan is a place where every student, staff and faculty member should be able to study
and work in an environment that is free from human rights-based discrimination and harassment.
UBC prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of the following grounds: age,
ancestry, colour, family status, marital status, physical or mental disability, place of origin,
political belief, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or unrelated criminal conviction.
If you require assistance related to an issue of equity, discrimination or harassment, please
contact the Equity Office, your administrative head of unit, and/or your unit’s equity
representative.
Critical Studies Equity Representative: Karis Shearer: karis.shearer@ubc.ca, 807-9776
UBC Okanagan Equity Advisor: ph. 250-807-9291; email equity.ubco@ubc.ca
Web: www.ubc.ca/okanagan/equity
Unit Equity Representatives:
http://www.ubc.ca/okanagan/equity/programs/equityreps/unitcontacts.html
SAFEWALK
Don't want to walk alone at night? Not too sure how to get somewhere on campus? Call
Safewalk at 250-807-8076. For more information, see:
http://www.ubc.ca/okanagan/students/campuslife/safewalk.html
Schedule of Readings
This schedule lets you know how we will move through course material. I will post updates on
Blackboard’s calendar on a weekly basis to remind you what is coming up next.
As you prepare for the lecture, read and think about the material scheduled for that week before
class. Most weeks are structured to introduce a narrative and a critical approach that will be
introduced in lecture and that you will have the opportunity to engage more deeply with in
tutorials by testing its ideas and comparing it to material already encountered in the course.
Please note this is a schedule for the entire class: your individual tutorials or particular tutorial
assignments are not marked on this schedule.
January 2
Introduction to Course Structure
No Tutorials this week
January 7
Introduction to Literary Studies
“How to Become a Writer” (Custom Coursepack)
Critical Practice: Formalism
“The House on Mango Street” (Custom Coursepack)
Short Essay Assignment Released in tutorial
January 9
January 14
January 16
Essay Composition Guidelines (Blackboard)
General Writing Guidelines (Blackboard)
Critical Practice: Reader Response Criticism
“Theme for English B” (Custom Coursepack)
January 21
“Killing the Man” (http://www.theadirondackreview.com/Bechard.html)
January 23
Critical Practice: Feminist Criticism and Feminism
“Blank Spaces” (Blackboard; by permission of the author)
Short Essay Assignment Due in Tutorial
Entering the Critical Conversation Assignment Released in Tutorial
January 28
“To the Afghan Man” (Blackboard; by permission of the author)
They Say/I Say
They Say/I Say
January 30
February 4
February 6
February 11
February 13
Critical Practice: Gender and Sexuality Studies
“Paul’s Case” (Blackboard)
They Say/I Say
No Classes; University Closed
Critical Practice: Ecocriticism
Entering the Critical Conversation Due in Tutorial
Term Essay Assignment Released in Tutorial
February 18-22 Reading Week; no lectures or tutorials
February 25
February 27
Red Dog Red Dog
Red Dog Red Dog
March 4
March 6
Red Dog Red Dog
Red Dog Red Dog
March 11
Critical Practice: Historical Criticism
“Once Upon a Time” (Custom Coursepack)
“To Autumn” (Blackboard)
March 13
March 18
March 20
Critical Practice: Marxism and Cultural Studies
From the Graveyard of the Arousal Industry
Term Essay Due in Tutorial
March 25
March 27
From the Graveyard of the Arousal Industry
From the Graveyard of the Arousal Industry
No tutorials Friday March 29
April 1
April 3
No lecture Monday April 2
Course Review and Final Exam Preview
Last Day of Classes: Friday April 5
Exam Period: April 9-24
Evenings and Saturdays are included in the exam schedule. Until official exam schedules are
posted do not book flights, etc. I am not permitted to accommodate individual requests
regarding exam times. Much to my own disappointment, I do not have any say as to when
the final exam is scheduled.