Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - WL 103W D100

Early World Literatures (3)

Class Number: 6176

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces ways of comparing early world literatures across time and space. May explore fundamental themes such as love, heroism, or the underworld. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This writing-intensive course introduces students to early world literatures through the lens of food, feasting, hospitality, agriculture, and the elite culture. Drawing on pre-modern texts from multiple cultural traditions (West Asia/Middle East, the Mediterranean, East Asia, South Asia, and the Americas), we will examine how literary works use food as a vehicle for exploring power, identity, the sacred, social hierarchy, and human–divine relations. Emphasis is placed on close reading, the analysis of symbols and thematic patterns, and the development of critical reading, analytical writing, and argumentation skills. Students will practice university-level writing through short response papers, a midterm essay, and a revised research based final paper.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Perform close literary readings of pre-modern global texts, identifying symbols, motifs, and thematic patterns related to food and the body.
  • Situate literary works within their cultural, historical, and social contexts.
  • Construct clear, well-supported analytical arguments in academic writing.
  • Revise their writing in response to feedback, demonstrating improved clarity, structure, and evidence use.
  • Engage comparatively with texts from different world traditions.

Grading

  • Quizzes (3 x 10%) 30%
  • Midterm Exam 15%
  • Term Paper 20%
  • Final Exam 20%
  • Assignments & class participation 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Course custom materials (weekly readings will be uploaded 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.