Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - WL 202 D100

North/South Intersections (3)

Class Number: 7126

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Investigates cross-cultural interactions between European or North American traditions and those of the "global South." May explore themes such as empire, globalization, and modernity, or examine how the artistic achievements of Africa, Oceania, Latin-America, or South Asia influence other traditions. This course may be repeated once for credit when different tonics are offered. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

The laws of science are universal and invariable, yet the issues that underlie science fiction texts vary and always reflect more specific cultural anxieties/concerns. In this course, we’ll begin by studying a pioneer work of science fiction –Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864)– in order to see how this Western genre has been adapted and transformed over time in the ‘Global South.’ We will then examine, for example, how and why African science fiction has become a global success in recent times. The main theoretical focus for this course will be Katherine Hayles’ idea that “literary texts are not, of course, merely passive conduits. They actively shape what the technologies mean and what the scientific theories signify in cultural contexts."

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  • Comprehend the Latin American, Southeast Asian, and African contributions to the genre of science fiction.
  • Appreciate the plurality of voices from the ‘Global South’ in science fiction today.
  • Gain an understanding of the long, rich history of science fiction as a genre that tackles profound philosophical questions.

Grading

  • Participation/attendance 15%
  • Blog Entries 20%
  • Oral Report and 5-page paper 15%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Final Paper (10 pages) 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Verne, Jules. Journey to the Center of the Earth

Lugones, Leopoldo. Strange Forces

Sriduangkaew, Benjanun. Courtship in the Country of Machine-Gods

Hartmann, Ivor, ed. Afro SF: Science Fiction by African Writers

Bioy Casares, Adolfo. The Invention of Morel

Additional material will be provided by the instructor.


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 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.