Course outlines
Please find current course outlines listed below. Past course outlines can be found here.
Spring 2026
LS 801: Reflections on Reason and Passion II
Eleanor Stebner | Wed 6:30PM – 9:20PM | Online
The first of two core courses that constitute an extended examination of the tension between reason and passion in human experience. This course will emphasize close reading and discussion of works, drawn from different cultures and epochs, that reflect on human passion.
LS 811: Tradition and Modernity (Dictatorship to Democracy in Post-Fascist Italy: Living the Dolce Vita)
Paul Garfinkel | Tue 6:30 PM – 9:20 PM | Online
This course will examine ways in which ideas of tradition and traditional societies conflict with forces of modernization and ideas of modernity.
LS 814: Liberty and Authority (Magic Realism Across the 20th Century)
Cristina Serverius | Mon 6:30 PM – 9:20 PM | Online
This course will examine the tension between liberty and authority as expressed in some of the following: political and judicial ideas and systems; conflicting economic ideologies; personal relationships.
LS 819: Selected Topics (Innovation in Film Adaptation)
Patricia Gruben | Sat 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | In-Person
This course provides an opportunity for the occasional offering of a seminar course appropriate to the program but on a topic outside the regular courses.
LS 829: Directed Study
Please note: LS 829 - Directed Study provides an opportunity for individual study on a topic of the student's choice, under the guidance of one or more faculty members. If you are interested in taking a directed study course please contact our Graduate Program Chair, Emily O'Brien. No more than two such offerings may count toward the GLS master of arts degree.
LS 998: MA Extended Essays
Students will present two of their essays for formal examination in order to satisfy the Simon Fraser University requirements for a master's degree. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
LS 999: MA Project
This course is for students choosing to satisfy part of the requirements for an MA in liberal studies by presenting a project for formal examination. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.