Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - WL 300 D100

How Ideas Travel (4)

Class Number: 2777

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units, including WL 200.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores the counterpoint of Western and non-Western approaches to world literature. May draw from disciplines including comparative literature, history, anthropology, and semiotics to focus on how concepts of world literature are imported and transformed in new cultural contexts. Builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in WL 200.

COURSE DETAILS:

Creating Dangerously: Narratives and Theories to Consider in the Study of World Literature
In this course we look at literature, essays, and film to examine how: i) notions of the value and purpose of literature and art and ii) literature and art grappling with ideas about art and life travel across language, culture, and time. How do these ideas and works transform in different contexts and, in turn, how are these contexts transformed by them?
We explore this question by drawing on theoretical works from Plato, to Nietzsche, to Marx and Engels, and Said in conversation with formative theories in world literature. 

 

 

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • In-Class Paper 20%
  • Oral Presentation 20%
  • Final Paper: Proposal & Outline 15%
  • Final Paper 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The Metamorphosis. Franz Kafka.


Create Dangerously: The Immigrant Artist at Work. Edwidge Danticat.

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.