Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - WL 201 D100

East/West Encounters (3)

Class Number: 7498

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Thu, 4:30–5:50 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 10, 2020
    Thu, 5:00–5:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores the relationship between Eastern and Western narratives. The focus may include the mutual influence of Eastern and Western cultural traditions and modernities, the construction of the 'East' in the West and of the 'West' in the East, theories of Orientalism and Occidentalism, and forms of East/West syncretism. This course may be repeated once for credit when different topics are offered. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will focus on the movement that is necessary for the encounter between the “East” and the “West”. While the geographical, cultural, and political definitions of the categories of the “East” and the “West” remain contentious, there is nevertheless a movement that takes place between those two categories. Whether it is a voluntary or forced migratory movement to the “Global North”, a holiday, or a journey back “home” it is as a result of this momentum that the encounter between the “East” and the “West” becomes possible. What are the causes that prompt this movement? What happens before, during, and after the journey? How does the concept of “home” evolve as part of this migration? How do the categories of host and guest operate in relation to the categories of the “East” and the “West”? Is it possible to find new homes as a result of this encounter? How do the encounter and the journey change the “self” and the “other”? As we address these questions throughout the course we will also move between different geographies, including North America, the Middle East, and Africa. We will also move between different genres including novels, short stories, films, and memoirs to discuss how the format influences the themes of movement, migration, and belonging.

PLEASE NOTE: Students are required to be available for Zoom conferencing or other synchronous activities between 4:30 and 5:50 p.m. every Thursday. Other required activities, as specified in our Canvas course shell, will occur asynchronously.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

In this class, you will:

  • become familiar with critical terminology relating to literary genres, migration, and cultural criticism.
  • practice critical, creative, and analytical thinking through close reading of examples from world literature and cinema.
  • develop an understanding of the relevance and necessity of literature in addressing some of the most crucial contemporary issues.
  • refine skills for scholarly writing, they develop and enhance skills creating, developing, and defending an argument.

Grading

  • Presentations 15%
  • Take-home Exam 20%
  • Response Paper 1 25%
  • Response Paper 2 25%
  • Media Projects 15%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Short Stories:

Seyfettin, Omer. “The Temple”

Lahiri, Jhumpa. “Interpreter of Maladies”

Camus, Albert. “The Guest”

 

Films:

Entre Les Murs by Laurent Cantet, 2008.

Monsieur Lazhar by Philippe Falardeau

The Visitor by Thomas McCarthy

Le Grand Voyage by Ismael Ferroukhi
                                                         

Additional readings may be provided throughout the course.

REQUIRED READING:

Pamuk, Orhan. The White Castle. Faber and Faber, 2001.

Hamid, Mohsin. Exit West. Riverhead Books, 2018.

Cole, Teju. Everyday is for the Thief. Random House, 2015.


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).