Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - HUM 318 B100

Heroines in Greece and Beyond: Political Representations of Women in Film and Literature (4)

Class Number: 4758

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the impact of national and political contexts upon individual women, their personal histories, political engagement, memories and identities. Traces archetypes of women from the Greek world into different contexts. Students with credit for HS 318 or GSWS 318 or HS 303 under the title "Political Representations of Women in Film and Literature" may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

 

This course explores the multifaceted impact of a wide range of socio-political events and conflicts on the lives of individual women, as depicted in various texts and films. It begins by examining archetypes of women in the ancient Greek world (e.g. myths and plays, references to the Amazons, Antigone, Medusa, Circe, Iphigenia, Medea) and their significance, before moving onto providing reflections on different archetypes and representations of -non-/fictional- female subjects in a wider range of writings (e.g. play, short stories, life-writing, excerpts from novels) and films (e.g. blockbuster movies, dramas, documentaries) directed and produced in North, Central, and South America, the Balkans and Europe.  

In the process, the course examines how different concepts – e.g. identity, race, class, ethnicity, gender - are discussed and portrayed in these narratives, while reflecting on women’s actions, experiences, accomplishments, and various obstacles, injustices, and challenges that they come to face in different national, cultural and social settings; it allows for further discussions on what are the legacies of these individuals, the selected texts and films, in the 21st century, as well as their connections to contemporary debates.  

Students will be encouraged to reflect on how these narratives can facilitate and enrich one’s understanding of different time periods, historical and political settings; how they can provide readers and audience members with rare insights in connection to experiences and identities of different community members; how texts and films can serve as significant outlets for critique - particularly during politically turbulent time periods- but also identify -and celebrate- a range of invaluable stories and creative initiatives of individuals and collectives.  

Ultimately, the course offers a critical analysis of women’s representations in different contexts while reflecting on their identities, in connection to theory, culture and politics, along with references made to critical legacies and contemporary issues.  

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Demonstrating familiarity with a range of theories, texts, artworks and films from across the globe. 
  • Evaluating and contextualizing sources within specific cultural contexts. 
  • Developing critical and analytical thinking while engaging with different sources and peers. 
  • Constructing and presenting arguments effectively, in presentations, debates, written assignments. 
  • Developing a deeper understanding of a range of cultural, social, and political issues across the globe. 

Grading

  • Participation (in class/Canvas posts) 14%
  • Presentation 14%
  • In-class exercises (2) 20%
  • Podcast episode 16%
  • In-class short essays (2) 28%
  • Creative term project 8%

NOTES:

This course fulfills the Global Humanities requirements for the

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All course materials – links to different types of texts, films - will be available on Canvas. 

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.