Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2014 - WL 102 D200

Literature Across Cultures (3)

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 2 – Dec 1, 2014: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 8, 2014
    Mon, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to the study of literary texts from diverse linguistic and cultural origins. May examine the literature of cross-cultural interaction, or compare texts through thematic topics. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The past century has witnessed the large-scale displacement and dispersal of populations across the world as a result of war conflicts, postcolonial struggles, and oppressive political regimes. The current rise of globalized economic processes and capital flows has resulted in the intensification of temporary or permanent migration, while the widespread circulation of new technologies of communication and information, as well as travel, is reshaping in unprecedented ways the configuration of the world and the very meaning of the notion of ‘cultural identity.’

In this course we will explore the concept of diaspora with respect to historical processes of modernity rooted in changing economic and political patterns. We will consider the specificities of diaspora and migration in relation to people in transit, economic and war refugees, self-exile, natural calamities, as well as the loss of political and national status, and discuss the role of literature and culture (including film, art, and graffiti) in coming to terms with the traumas of displacement and helping shape a renewed sense of individual and social identity.

Grading

  • Attendance and participation 10%
  • Midterm 30%
  • Essay (first draft and re-write) 30%
  • Final exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Dionne Brand, At the Full and Change of the Moon (Caribbean-Canada), Vintage 2000 ISBN 13:9780676972580
Mohsin Hamid, The Reluctant Fundamentalist (Pakistan-U.S.), Anchor 2008 ISBN 13:978-0385663458
Monica Ali, Brick Lane (Bangladesh-Great Britain). Scribner 2004. ISBN 13:978-0743243315
Amitav Ghosh, The Hungry Tide (India), Mariner Books 2006, ISBN 13:978-0618711666
Cristina Farah Ali, Little Mother (Somalia-Italy), Indiana UP 2011, ISBN 13: 978-0253222961
Robin Cohen, Global Diasporas: An Introduction (available electronically @ SFU library)
Stuart Hall, “Cultural Identity and Diaspora” (article available on Canvas)

Screenings:
The Wedding Banquet (Dir. Ang Lee, 1993); Dirty Pretty Things (Dir. Stephen Frears, 2002); Sankofa (Dir. Haile Gerima, 1993

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