Spring 2019 - WL 204 D100

Rights and Activism in Literature (3)

Class Number: 5755

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Wed, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 17, 2019
    Wed, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Focuses on literary responses to political oppression, censorship, displacement, terrorism or warfare. Thematic interests may include human rights, gender inequality, racism or class exploitation. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

 
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This course will trace the idea of human rights as it emerges from literary texts around crucial concepts such as “human dignity,” “realism,” “humanism” and “justice.” We’ll read numerous short texts from several world traditions, each one invoking the intrinsic value of human life. The idea here is that if the modern discourse of human rights makes sense to people around the world, it’s because it speaks to the preexisting ethical foundations of perhaps all human societies. The course will also zero in on the modern development of the discourse of human rights as described by prominent supporters and detractors Lynn Hunt, Samuel Moyn and Joseph Slaughter. In sum, this course will give students the opportunity to think about the overlap between literature, moral convictions and power. 


COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students successfully completing this course can expect to:

  • Articulate connections between the cultural realm (novels, poetry and film) and ethical commitment to human rights
  • Understand the historical contexts that led to the modern rise of the discourse of human rights
  • Write cogently on the relationship between literature and human rights
  • Acquire experience speaking publicly on the intersections between cultural and ethical fields

Grading

  • First essay (5 pages) 15%
  • Midterm exam 20%
  • Final essay (8 pages) and oral report 25% + 5%
  • Final exam 20%
  • summary/critique 10% + 15%

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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