Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2018 - HUM 375 D100

The Woodsworth Seminar (4)

Class Number: 7594

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Wed, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A special topic in the humanities to be offered by the Woodsworth chair.

COURSE DETAILS:

HUM 375 Woodsworth Seminar: The Great War (WWI) in Literature

How did everyday people – soldiers and civilians, women, men and children– experience the Great War? It was brutal and horrifying. It involved dozens of nations states and, in the end, killed millions. While the November 1918 armistice halted most of the fighting, its lingering wounds left individuals, families, and societies traumatized.  

Students will read a variety of genres: memoir, nonfiction, poetry, prose, fiction, youth literature.  

Questions regarding institutionalized violence, patriotism, bravery, fear, boredom, despair, love, grief, trauma, forgiveness, beauty, loyalty, God, obedience, pacifism, and many other aspects related to the human condition will be pondered.  The readings can be disturbing.   

Grading

  • Two essays (5 - 6 pages each) 40 (20% each)%
  • Seminar presentation 20%
  • Remembrance Day/memorial reflection (one page including activity) 20%
  • Attendance and participation 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Burning of the World, by Bela Zombory–Moldován

Women at The Hague, by Jane Addams et al [pdf version available]

Prisoners in the Promised Land, by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch [students to order kindle edition]

Because You Died, by Vera Brittain

Wilfred Owen, by Jane Potter

Prayer After the Slaughter, by Kurt Tucholsky

Generals Die in Bed, by Charles Yale Harrison

Pale Horse, Pale Rider, by Katherine Anne Porter [pdf version available]

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