Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - WL 300 D100

How Ideas Travel (4)

Class Number: 8109

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Wed, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units, including WL 200.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores the counterpoint of Western and non-Western approaches to world literature. May draw from disciplines including comparative literature, history, anthropology, and semiotics to focus on how concepts of world literature are imported and transformed in new cultural contexts. Builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in WL 200.

COURSE DETAILS:




               “the floating life is but as a dream; how much longer can we enjoy our happiness?” --Li Bai / Tang Dynasty


Stories, films, and poems tend to change their meanings as they cross from one culture to another, but what of the way that a work’s “meaning” is understood? This course asks what happens when the way that a novel or film makes sense is challenged in a new national setting? Such questions imply that literature and its interpretations are always transient, that they never cease to change as they travel around the globe – our class conversations will focus on this issue.    

Moving from formative statements of world literature as a discipline, and reading literary works and watching world films though a series of theoretical perspectives, this course explores how notions of the transient come together in language, criticism, and a rich selection of global narratives.  

Grading

  • Class Participation 10%
  • In-Class Paper 15%
  • Midterm Test 20%
  • Short Presentation 20%
  • Term Paper 35%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

FILMS [Provided]

Federico FELLINI 8½ [2:18]         WONG Kar Wai 2046 [2:09]           Julian SCHNABEL Diving Bell & Butterfly [1:52]

REQUIRED READING:

W G SEBALD   The Emigrants (New Directions)
ISBN: 978-0811226141

Kobo Abe  The Woman in the Dunes (Penguin)
ISBN: 978-0141188522

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