Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - WL 101W D100

Writing in World Literature (3)

Class Number: 2765

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 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:


A SEASON IN PARADISE: LOST WORLDS and the BIRTH of the MODERN

In this course we approach world texts through a comparative lens, focusing on the ways in which narrative fiction and film create worlds through language and moving pictures.  But which stories and which worlds do more than simply capture an ever-changing present?  As much as the past hundred years might have launched us into a new world order, are older understandings and beliefs not still with us?  By navigating the arts of the past century through major works of world literature and global film, our class readings and viewings suggest not only the ghosts of previous worlds, but the coming into being of the values that will inform our future.  Beginning with the formative works of the modernist temper and continuing through recent films about how humans evolve through time, students are led not only towards the skills of written analysis and literary critique, but an understanding of the arts of our own era.

This is an SFU writing intensive course – students rewrite all assignments for higher standing.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Introductory understanding of World Literature as an academic discipline
  • Basic comprehension of terms and concepts of literary criticism
  • Ability to compare literary texts as social discourses across different cultural eras & media
  • Improved university writing ability with a focus on literary criticism

Grading

  • Short Essay #1 + Revision (20% + 15%) 35%
  • Short Essay #2 + Revision (20% + 20%) 40%
  • Presentation 10%
  • Participation 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway, USA 1926, Simon & Schuster 978-1982199524


Love in a Fallen City, Eileen Chang, China 1943, NYRB 978-1590171783


Sputnik Sweetheart, Haruki Murakami, Japan 1999, Vintage 978-0375726057


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

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.