Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - WL 100 D100

What is World Literature? (3)

Class Number: 2761

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2026
    Mon, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores how texts travel beyond their cultures of origin, influence other cultural contexts and ideas, and become works of world literature. Introduces the concepts of cross-cultural literary criticism and translation. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

“Journeys into Dilemma and Discovery”

World Literature explores how cultures radiate beyond their origins in time and space. This course will study how some of the most famous ancient texts, such as Homer’s Odyssey and the Bible, continue to resonate deeply in the modern world. We will focus on the depiction of journeys, both literal and figurative, from one cultural “world” into others. We will share in characters’ perplexity before dilemma, their creative responses, and their personal discoveries. Along the way, we will see how themes, tropes and ideas filter from one value system into others.

Students, too, will develop their own creative responses in writing, speaking, and in an optional creative project. They will learn to write academic prose, to speak with conviction, and to hone their critical and creative faculties by reading in epic, sacred writings, drama, lyric poetry, and film genres. By mastering the basics of critical reading, thinking and writing, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the role of the word in defining and exploring the dilemmas that make human life an ongoing process of discovery.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

• Sharpen their responses to literature in writing and an optional creative project.
• Learn to integrate creativity and analytical thinking into academic writing
• Master the basics of critical reading, thinking and writing.

Grading

  • In-class midterm essay 15%
  • Final paper (2000-2500 words) 25% and oral report 10% 35%
  • Oral presentation on a course text or on a creative project 10%
  • Class participation 10%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

STATEMENT ON "ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE" USAGE:

The use of technology to produce content for your assignments is strictly prohibited. All submissions for grading must be your own work. This specifically includes a prohibition on artificial intelligence writing software such as ChatGPT and translation software as it will interfere with the learning objectives outlined for this course.

NOTE:
Except by permission, computers and other digital devices are to be put away in class.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The Complete Sophocles: Volume I: The Theban Plays. Oxford University Press, 2010. ISBN-13: 9780195388800

The Odyssey. Homer, Robert Fagles (translator). Penguin Classics. ISBN-13: 9780140268867


The Oxford Study Bible: Revised English Bible with the Apocrypha. Oxford University Press, 1992. ON-LINE - SFU LIBRARY

The Qur’an. Translation by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem. Oxford University Press, 2005. ON-LINE - SFU LIBRARY

The Wine of Astonishment. Earl Lovelace. Heinemann. ISBN-13: 9780435988807

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

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.