Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - ENGL 115W D900

Literature and Culture (3)

Class Number: 2215

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Surrey

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An Introduction to the study of literature within the wider cultural field, with a focus on contemporary issues across genres and media. Students with credit for ENGL 105W may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

"Introduction to Drama via Tragedy"

Greek tragedies are always exciting, and frequently terrifying. They are not exactly the ancient world’s horror movies, but they come close, as they are scary, profound, moving and unforgettable. Part of what makes them unforgettable are the serious clashes of values and beliefs they contain: families scheme and fight to kill each other, victims take horrific revenge on perpetrators, and most notoriously, a character kills his father and marries his mother (unknowingly? yes ... but still). This semester we will study four of the greatest and best known of the classical Greek tragedies: Oedipus the King, Antigone, Hecuba and Medea. We will use these four Greek tragedies to introduce you to drama and dramatic terms, concepts and ideas, such as: theme, character, setting, stage organization, audience, etc. We will also look at the radical culture that focused so intently on tragic destruction and the horrible consequences of choices and clashes.

Literary and historical context will figure prominently, particularly in the lectures, but don't be put off by this: you are not required to have a philosophy or a history degree, you are merely required to be attentive and curious.   

You must use the editions selected. (See course materials.) You may use electronic editions, such as Kindle. The Hecuba edition is available for free online. There will be a syllabus and as the course is a W course, you'll have to do revision work.


 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

* Learn about this much respected genre: tragic drama

* Become a better reader of rich and moving literary works

* Become a better writer: structure essays better; use the details of the texts to support arguments; and formulate strong thesis statements.

* Enjoy the experience of having your emotions activated by these works

Grading

  • Tutorial participation and attendance 10%
  • 1 single page in-class writing assignment 5%
  • Midterm Essay: 5-6 pages (25% with revision 5%) 30%
  • Final Essay: 5-6 pages 30%
  • Final Exam 25%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:



 

REQUIRED READING:

You must use the following edition but an electronic version is fine.

Antigone by Sophocles. Edited by J. Aultman-Moore, Broadview Press, 2024.
ISBN: 9781554815869

You must use this edition.

Oedipus the King, Sophocles. Translated by David Grene, University of Chicago Press, 2010. E-edition is fine.
ISBN: 978-0226768687

You must use this edition. 

Medea, Euripides. Edited and translated by Michael Collier and Georgia Machemer, Oxford UP, 2006.
ISBN: 978-0195145663

Hecuba, Euripides. Please use this (free) online edition, trans. by Jay Kardan and Laura-Gray Street.

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.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

IMPORTANT NOTE Re 300 and 400 level courses: 75% of spaces in 300 level English courses, and 100% of spaces in 400 level English courses, are reserved for declared English Major, Minor, Extended Minor, Joint Major, and Honours students only, until open enrollment begins.

For all On-Campus Courses, please note the following:
- To receive credit for the course, students must complete all requirements.
- Tutorials/Seminars WILL be held the first week of classes.
- When choosing your schedule, remember to check "Show lab/tutorial sections" to see all Lecture/Seminar/Tutorial times required.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.