Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - WL 101W D100

Writing in World Literature (3)

Class Number: 5785

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 15, 2024
    Mon, 7:00–10:00 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:

Short prose fiction in the form of anecdotes, myths, parables, yarns and tales have been a part of human cultural heritage for probably as long as language itself. The short story as we know it today has a much briefer history, barely more than 200 years. This course will explore a range of brilliant short stories from around the world. We shall see how short narratives are not only enjoyable and a source of insight into psychological and social life, but also a "tool for living." Students will therefore learn the ropes of literary analysis and acquire appreciation for the short story as an art form. Our approach will be to “close read” a range of short stories on themes such as: crime, love, mortality, the preternatural, and then build on these insights to write a university-level persuasive essay. Critical texts will be few and commensurate with the norms of a 100-level course. 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Appreciating the art of the short story  
  • Analyzing literary texts by attending to formal and semantic cues (close reading) 
  • Formulating critical essays based on close reading 
  • Expressing ideas and arguments orally 

Grading

  • In-Class Essay 5%
  • Rewrite of In-Class Essay 15%
  • Essay 2 15%
  • Rewrite of Essay 2 20%
  • Oral Report 10%
  • Final Exam 25%
  • Participation 10%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required readings will be provided by the professor

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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