Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2015 - WL 303 D100

Global Culture and Its Others (4)

Class Number: 4720

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 17, 2015
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores cultural expressions of sameness and difference in an age of globalization and its discontents. May focus on transnational expressions of secularism and faith or of the metropolis and suburbia, or on forms of cross-pollination in world literature, cinema and music.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines literary works based on 20th c. European civil wars. It succinctly surveys three paradigms (the Spanish, Greek and Yugoslav civil wars) by initially making references to the historical background in order to study literary works emerging from different national contexts with a focus on an individual’s meta/reflection on civil war. It subsequently addresses themes that emerge from this examination, e.g. language/ translation, gender, identity, sameness/difference, memory, fact and fiction. In the process, references and comparisons are made to artistic and filmic representations of civil war in the given cultural contexts.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Develop an understanding of reasons, outcomes of specific civil war case studies Identify different kinds of literary writing Analyze texts and assess their significance (cultural, historical, political)

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • Presentation 15%
  • Midterm Exam 35%
  • Term Paper 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Hemingway, E. Scribner. For Whom The Bell Tolls. 1995. 9780684803357
ISBN: 9780684803357

Orwell, G. Penguin Books. Homage to Catalonia. 2000. 9780156421171
ISBN: 9780156421171

Kazantzakis, N. Faber Inc. The Fratricides. 1974. 9780571105069
ISBN: 9780571105069

Valtinos, T. The Descent of the Nine. 1973. (available online/ JSTOR)

Sacco, Joe. 'Safe Area Gorazde: The War in Eastern Bosnia 1992-1995'
ISBN: 9781560974703

Todorovic, D. Random House. The Book of Revenge: A Blues for Yugoslavia. 2006.
ISBN: 9780679313977

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