Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - WL 104W D100

Modern World Literatures (3)

Class Number: 5789

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces ways of comparing modern world literatures across time and space. May explore topics such as revolution, technology, or existentialism. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course, we will explore how journeys can uncover hidden instincts and have a profound impact on individuals' lives, ultimately contributing to their process of self-realization. Specifically, we will delve intoliterary texts where journeys are not only leisurely adventures but imposed obligations, necessitating the use of strategies and tactics to overcome challenges and hardships.To borrow the words of Michel De Certeau, these unplanned adventures give rise to “legends that are currently absent from one's own surroundings.”We will closely examine texts where such adventures lead to the pursuit of freedom (The Enchanted Wanderer), the quest for a valuable treasure guarded by a fearsome creature (The Hobbit), encounters between different cultures (The Storyteller), and clashes between rationality and the mystical (A Fortune-Teller Told Me), focusingonthe real or imagined geographical landscapes that define the books

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.
•Examine literary texts and present originalthoughts.
•Develop and craftawell-organizedliterary essay.

Grading

  • Attendance & Participation 15%
  • Oral Report 15%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Final Essay 20%
  • Rewrite of Final Essay 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Leskov, Nikolaj. The Enchanted Wanderer.
ISBN: 978-1014573674

Tolkien, JRR. The Hobbit.
ISBN: 978-0261102217

Vargas Llosa, Mario. The Storyteller.
ISBN: 978-0312420284

Terzani, Tiziano. A Fortune-Teller Told Me.
ISBN: 978-0609809587

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