Fall 2022 - WL 202 D100

North/South Intersections (3)

The Other Sun: Writing the Global South

Class Number: 7380

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 15, 2022
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Investigates cross-cultural interactions between European or North American traditions and those of the "global South." May explore themes such as empire, globalization, and modernity, or examine how the artistic achievements of Africa, Oceania, Latin-America, or South Asia influence other traditions. This course may be repeated once for credit when different tonics are offered. 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.’ We will then examine, for example, how and why African science fiction has become a global success in recent times. 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.”

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  • Comprehend the Latin American, Southeast Asian, and African contributions to the genre of science fiction.
  • Appreciate the plurality of voices from the ‘Global South’ in science fiction today.
  • Gain an understanding of the long, rich history of science fiction as a genre that tackles profound philosophical questions.

Grading

  • Participation/Attendance 15%
  • Oral Report and 5-page Report 25%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Final Paper Proposal (1-2 pages) 10%
  • Final Paper (10-pages) 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Verne, Jules. Journey to the Center of the Earth

Lugones, Leopoldo. Strange Forces (Custom Courseware Package)

Sriduangkaew, Benjanun. Courtship in the Country of Machine-Gods (online)

Hartmann, Ivor, ed. Afro SF: Science Fiction by African Writers

Bioy Casares, Adolfo. The Invention of Morel

Additional material will be provided by the instructor.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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