Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - WL 402 D200

Stories of Modernity (4)

Class Number: 8373

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Fri, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units including two 300-level courses in World Literature, English, and/or Humanities.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Modernity, defined as “rapid, traumatic change across social, political, technological and artistic realms,” has arguably occurred the world over at various times. This course examines how literature has reflected and inflected the emergence of modernity in two or more cultures since the 14th century.

COURSE DETAILS:

Money and Power
What do money and power promise? What are we willing to do to have it? Writers like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Thomas Love Peacock, Leo Tolstoy, Guy de Maupassant, and Michele Foucault have mused about the concept of money not only as a symbol of value, but also an exercise of power. In this course will explore how this power manifests and the ways in which it is tied to desire, imagination, social status, gender roles, false appearances, and trickery.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

-      Critical thinking and analytical writing
-      Writing a thesis and a research paper
-      Engaging with secondary sources
-      Developing the implications of their analysis
-      Developing their voice and viewpoint
-      Presenting and public speaking

Grading

  • Midterm Paper 30%
  • Presentation 10%
  • Art Project 5%
  • Final Paper (1st draft) 10%
  • Final Paper (final draft) 30%
  • Participation 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be made available on Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site 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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS