Spring 2015 - WL 202 D100
North/South (3)
Class Number: 4735
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 20, 2015
Mon, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Burnaby
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Prerequisites:
Three units in World Literature or three units of B-Hum designated courses.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Explores how European traditions have influenced and engaged the cultures of the global 'South'. The focus may encompass the cultures and counter-cultures of empire and globalization and the 'tropicalization' of European genres and cultural forms under the influence of artists from Africa, Latin-America, and South Asia. Breadth-Humanities.
COURSE DETAILS:
The laws of science are universal and invariable, yet the issues that underlie science fiction texts vary and always reflect more specific cultural anxieties/concerns. In this course, we’ll begin by studying a pioneer work of science fiction –Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864)– in order to see how this Western genre has been adapted and transformed over time in the global ‘South’ and more specifically in a ‘Developing World’ context. We can say, then, that the treatment and production of science fiction in the ‘South’ is more than a mere adaptation or mimicry of its European counterpart due in large part to very specific socio-economic conditions. Furthermore, in these texts, we find conflicting attitudes towards modernity as well as the interweaving of technology and traditional ways of life and worship, which reinforce the idea that the embracing of new technologies could lead to the loss of a vital identity. The main theoretical focus for this course will be Katherine Hayles’ idea that “literary texts are not, of course, merely passive conduits. They actively shape what the technologies mean and what the scientific theories signify in cultural contexts.”
Grading
- Participation/attendance 15%
- Blog entries 20%
- Midterm 20%
- Final paper (10 pages) 30%
- Oral report 15%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Verne, Jules. Journey to the Center of the Earth, 10:0486440885 13:978-0486440880
Lugones, Leopoldo. Strange Forces (CUSTOM COURSEWARE)
Sriduangkaew, Benjanun. Courtship in the Country of Machine-Gods
Hartmann, Ivor, ed. Afro SF: Science Fiction by African Writers, 10:098700896X 13:978-0987008961
Bioy Casares, Adolfo. The Invention of Morel, 10:1590170571 13:978-1590170571
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