Spring 2023 - WL 104W D100
Modern World Literatures (3)
Class Number: 7475
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Th 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
WMC 3220, Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 16, 2023
12:00 PM – 12:00 PM
TAKE HOME-EXAM, Burnaby
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Instructor:
Gianluca Oluic
goluic@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Introduces ways of comparing modern world literatures across time and space. May explore topics such as revolution, technology, or existentialism. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
COURSE DETAILS:

In this course we will explore how a journey can uncover latent instincts and impact people’s lives. In particular, we will read texts in which journeys are imposed or perceived as a duty rather than leisure or pure adventure, requiring the application of strategies and tactics to overcome obstacles and adversities. Borrowing Michel De Certeau’s words, these accidental adventures produce “the body of legends that is currently lacking in one's own vicinity”. In particular, we will analyze texts in which adventures prompt the pursuit of freedom (The Enchanted Wanderer), the discovery of a precious treasure warded by an abject creature (The Hobbit), an encounter of cultures (The Storyteller), and the collision between rationality and the occult (A Fortune-Teller Told Me).
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Read a literary text through the lens of critical analysis.
- Examine literary texts and present original thoughts.
- Develop and craft a well-organized literary essay.
Grading
- Attendance and Participation 10%
- Oral Report 10%
- Essay #1 (5 Pages) 15%
- Essay # 2 and re-write (8pages) (10%+20%) 30%
- Final Exam 35%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Leskov, Nikolaj. The Enchanted Wanderer.
ISBN: 978-1014573674
Tolkien, JRR. The Hobbit.
ISBN: 978-0261102217
Vargas Llosa, Mario. The Storyteller.
ISBN: 978-0312420284
Terzani, Tiziano. A Fortune-Teller Told Me.
ISBN: 978-0609809587
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