ENGL3114 Writing in the Twenty-First Century

This topic interrogates the notion of “literature” as it is used (or not used) to describe twenty-first century cultural texts. We will explore four genres: Children’s Picture Books, Young Adult Literatures, Graphic literatures, and Comedy. In examining texts from these genres, we will ask questions about how genres work now, their place in literary-cultural economies, their impact on readers, and critical reception from stakeholders. We will consider genre trends, significant shifts, and explore limit cases. We explore how these texts respond to the social, cultural and politics contexts from which they emerge. In Twenty-First Century Literatures, students will engage in textual analysis and with literary criticism. There will be the option to engage in creative work for the major assignment.

This topic aims to:

• Develop students’ knowledge of various 21st century literature genres
• Provide skills in the analysis and construction of contemporary literature and cultural texts
• Advance students’ application of critical and literary concepts

1. Examine four different genres of twenty-first century literatures and locate these genres within literary traditions (verbally and in writing)
2. Build advanced knowledge and application of literary and cultural theories
3. Formulate a sophisticated understanding of the politics of representation
4. Assess the critical arguments of peers and scholars, as well as your own
5. Plan critical and/or creative work that develops nuances responses to literary texts