ENG 365: Fiction
Instructor: John David Zuern
zuern@hawaii.edu
Objectives
In this class we will read works of science fiction and speculative fiction that invite us to imagine other ways of looking at—and beyond—our world, other forms of relation among human beings and more-than-human entities, and possible futures for planet Earth. The texts will include novels, graphic narratives, short stories, and films. Some of the issues we will address through our engagement with these narratives are climate change, artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, colonialism, and authoritarianism. The class will introduce you to foundational concepts in narrative studies and techniques for the critical analysis of prose fiction. The short writing assignments are designed to develop your skills in textual analysis, interpretation, argumentation, and the responsible use of generative AI, and the short in-class lightning-round presentations will build your confidence in speaking in front of an audience.
Catalog Description
Basic concepts and representative texts for the study of the form, function, and development of fiction genres such as short story and the novel in English.
Texts (subject to change; check this page or contact me before purchasing)
Atwood, Margaret. Oryx and Crake
Butler, Octavia. Parable of the Sower
Han, Joseph. Nuclear Family
Saunders, George. Fox 8
selections from An Ocean of Wonder: The Fantastic in the Pacific, edited by kuʻualoha, hoʻomanawanui, Joyce Pualani Warren, and Cristina Bacchilega
selections from Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology, edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst, Jr.
short stories by Ted Chiang, N. K. Jemisin, Ursula K. Le Guin, Cixin Liu, and others
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course you should be able to
- read literary fiction critically, attending to details such as narrative structure, style, figurative language, allusions, and dominant themes
- situate literary texts in their historical and cultural contexts
- identify foundational concepts in literary studies and employ them in written analyses of texts
- document sources accurately and responsibly in your writing using a standard academic style
- articulate a position on the use of generative AI in the production and study of literary texts
- demonstrate confidence in speaking in front of an audience of peers
- carry on respectful discussions with peers in formal academic contexts
Assignments (subject to change)
Five short writing assignments (2 pages each, 10 points each; two will engage generative AI)
Two in-class lightning-round presentations (3 minutes each, 10 points each)
A final portfolio of your short writing assignments with a reflective introduction (20 points)
A midterm exam (30 points)
A final exam (30 points)