Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - WL 101W D100

Writing in World Literature (3)

Class Number: 6364

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, 11:00 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 20, 2021
    Tue, 3:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores literary texts from diverse linguistic and cultural origins while introducing students to the fundamentals of comparative literary analysis and critical writing. May examine cross-cultural interactions, or compare texts thematically. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

“Why do we so massively –and often so hungrily– meditate on food, its history, its preparation, its stories, its vices and virtues?” Scholar Susan Gilbert’s vital question –in relation to our own “foodie” culture– will act as a springboard to analyze literary texts from various cultural backgrounds which deal with diverse culinary traditions and our fascinatingly complex relationship with food. Food, although an obvious biological necessity, becomes a cultural/universal symbol for love or loss, individual as well as communal identity, gender roles and stereotypes, and much more. We will focus on these concepts relating to food as articulated in these texts through in-depth discussion, while focusing on honing your critical reading and writing skills by devoting time to brainstorming topics and editing your drafts in order to produce polished literary essays.

PLEASE NOTE: The asynchronous components for this course will be made available by the instructor via Canvas. Students are expected to be present and on time during the live (synchronous) portion of class, which will take place via Zoom on TUESDAYS from 11:00 am-12:20 pm, as well as for tutorials, which will take place via Zoom on TUESDAYS (please choose one: 1:30 pm-2:20 pm OR 2:30 pm-3:20 pm).

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

  • Read a literary text through the lens of critical analysis.
  • Formulate an argument based on a literary text.
  • Produce an organized literary essay.
  • Articulate ideas about food as cultural signifier in relation to literary texts from around the world.

Grading

  • Attendance and Participation 10%
  • Descriptive Essay (2-3 pages) 10%
  • Essay #1 (5 pages) 20%
  • Essay #2 and re-write (8 pages) 15% + 15% 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Amado, Jorge. Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands (selected chapters)

Esquivel, Laura. Like Water for Chocolate.

Wah, Fred. Diamond Grill.

Tabucchi, Antonio. Requiem: A Hallucination.

(Additional material will be made available 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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 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).