Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - WL 401 D100

Early Modernities Beyond the Medieval (4)

Class Number: 6523

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Fri, 12:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units including two 300-level courses in world literature, English, and/or humanities.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

In regions the world over, classical civilizations covering large territories separated over time into more locally defined cultures. This course examines the transitions from cosmopolitan literatures characterized by lingua francas (e.g. Latin, Sanskrit) to popular, vernacular literatures and cultures from the 8th century CE to 1500.

COURSE DETAILS:

WL 401 – Early Modernities: Beyond the Medieval

Course Description:

To a certain extent, civilizations develop like organisms. Two arguably universal trends can be observed over time: 1) Classical civilizations covering large territories and employing lingua francas (e.g. Latin, Sanskrit, Ancient Chinese) separate over time into more locally defined cultures and popular, vernacular literatures (e.g. English, German, Italian); and, 2) Belief systems become transformed in the direction of secularization.

In this course, we’ll concentrate on the vernacularization and secularization of European civilization by reading some of its most moving and exuberant literature. One of the many discoveries we’ll make is that “European” civilization has been hybridized with other civilizations throughout history. Hence, we’ll read Dante’s Inferno as a text deeply imbued with classical civilization and in dialogue with the Islamic civilization. Then we’ll read one of the most influential texts in Arabic literature, The Arabian Nights, noting well its contribution to a secular vision of the world. Finally, we’ll study this secular impulse as it plays out in Boccaccio’s Decameron and in the magnificent Don Quixote by Cervantes.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:


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

  • Discuss orally and in writing the significance of vernacularism, emergent modernity and secularization
  • Acquire a grasp of seminal medieval and early modern European literature
  • Exercise skills in library research and term-paper techniques
  • Demonstrate proficiency in writing an advanced undergraduate essay

Grading

  • Research Paper Proposal 15%
  • Oral Report 20%
  • Final Essay (2500-2750 words) 25%
  • Participation/Group Work 15%
  • Final Exam 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  • Five short essays provided by the instructor
  • Alighieri, Dante. The Inferno. Allen Mandelbaum (Translator). New York: Bantam Classics, 1982. ISBN-13: 978-0553213393
  • The Arabian Nights: Tales from a Thousand and One Nights. Richard Burton (Translator). New York: Modern Library, 2004. ISBN-13: 978-0812972146
  • Boccaccio, Giovanni. The Decameron. G. H. McWilliam (Editor, Introduction, Translator). New York: Penguin Classics, 2003. ISBN-13: 978-0142437230
  • Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de. Don Quixote. John Rutherford (Editor, Translator). New York: Penguin Classics, 2003. ISBN-13: 978-0142437230

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.