Summer 2019 - WL 303 D100
Global Culture and Its Discontents (4)
Class Number: 5873
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 6 – Aug 2, 2019: Wed, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Mark Deggan
mdeggan@sfu.ca
1 778 782-9595
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Prerequisites:
45 units.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Explores the tendencies of globalization in the cultural realm, which while sparking cross-border communication, also tends to flatten identities into a coercive global norm. Focuses on writing in contexts of political oppression, digital communities, censorship, cultural displacement, terrorism and/or warfare. Breadth-Humanities.
COURSE DETAILS:
the rhythm of the city : URBAN LITERATURE’S ECOLOGICAL DYNAMICS
This course addresses the violent displacements & conflicts of global modernity through urban culture. Focusing upon the rhythms of urban existence and the everyday spaces of contemporary world fiction, it explores the dynamics of the “world city” through the lenses of performance & ecology.
Following a brief investigation of city life in the New Wave cinemas of Japan, France, and the United States, our readings move from Teju Cole’s celebrated narrative of New York to Shroff’s stories of escape and discontent in modern Mumbai, Woolf’s modernist take on London, Toussaint’s exploration of a French couple cracking up in postmodern Shanghai, and José Eduardo Agualusa’s brilliant evocation of the war torn African capital, Luanda.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Understanding Urban & Human Geography in relation to Literature.
Continuing comprehension of terms & concepts of cultural criticism.
Awareness of the urban scene as a literary domain.
Comprehension of literary and cultural performativity.
Grading
- Short Essay 20%
- Midterm Exam 20%
- Participation 15%
- Group Presentation 15%
- Term Paper 30%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Teju Cole. Open City. Random House.
ISBN: 978-0812980097
Murzban Shroff. Breathless in Bombay (stories). St. Martin's Griffin.
ISBN: 978-0312372705
J-P Toussaint. Running Away (novella) Dalkey
ISBN: 978-1564785671
Virginia Woolf. Jacob’s Room Oxford Classics
ISBN: 978-0199536580
J Eduardo Agualusa. A General History of Oblivion. Archipelago.
ISBN: 978-0914671312
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