Fall 2014 - WL 100 D900
Introduction to World Literature (3)
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 2 – Dec 1, 2014: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 13, 2014
Sat, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Surrey
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Instructor:
Kenneth Seigneurie
kseigneu@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Explores how texts resonate in other cultural contexts, influence foreign traditions, and become works of world literature. Breadth-Humanities.
COURSE DETAILS:
World Literature explores how literary texts play out in cultural contexts beyond their origin. This course will study the themes, symbols and characters that radiate throughout the ancient world into modern Europe, Africa and the India. These texts feature journeys, both literal and figurative, from one “world” into others. We will follow characters as they grope from one world’s value system into others. We will experience with them the perplexity of dilemma as well as their creative responses and personal discoveries.
Course materials will include epic, drama, novel, lyric poetry and feature film. We will watch a video stage production of Antigone and a film adaptation, Apocalypse Now, comparing literary representations with those of the visual arts. Students will also attend a lecture by Anosh Irani, author of Bombay Black, who will speak on the relevance of his work. Throughout, we shall pay attention to how translation, intertextuality and various protocols of reading contribute to the still emerging sense of a richly diverse yet unique world culture.
Students in this course can expect to hone their responses to literature orally, in writing and through creative projects. Through classwork and their readings students will learn to integrate creativity into the process of academic writing. Mastering the basics of critical reading, thinking and writing, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the role of literature in defining and exploring the dilemmas that make human life an ongoing process of discovery.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
In this course you can expect to:
- Hone your responses to literature orally, in writing and through creative projects.
- Learn to integrate creativity and analytical thinking in academic writing.
- Master the basics of critical reading, thinking and writing.
Grading
- First paper (5 pages) 20%
- Midterm creative project and two-page rationale 15%
- Final paper (8-10 pages) 25%
- Final exam 25%
- Participation 15%
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
REQUIRED READING:
Students may purchase their books (only these editions!) prior to the beginning of the semester as the SFU Bookstore may not carry texts in sufficient quantities. A poetry packet for week 5) is on reserve in the SFU Surrey Library and on-line.
The Odyssey Homer (Author), Bernard Knox (Editor, Introduction), Robert Fagles Publisher: Penguin Classics ISBN-13: 978-0140268867
The Complete Sophocles: Volume I: The Theban Plays Peter Burian (Editor), Alan Shapiro (Editor) Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2010 ISBN-13: 978-0195388800
The Bombay Plays: The Matka King, Bombay Black Anosh Irani Publisher: Playwrights Canada Press ISBN-13: 978-0887545603
Heart of Darkness Joseph Conrad Publisher: Penguin Classics, 2007 ISBN-13: 978-0141441672
Season of Migration to the North Tayeb Salih, Trans. Denys Johnson-Davies Publisher: Heinemann Educational Books, 1991 ISBN-13: 978-0435909741
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS