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World Literature

WHAT IS WORLD LITERATURE?

World Literature focuses on writing that has traveled: writing that has moved beyond its author’s culture.

Why do some texts – and not others – appeal to readers in other cultures? How do texts become part of the global history of literature?

Texts that travel – fiction, poetry and drama, as well as travel writing and even screenplays – may be found in translation, but they may lose, too. For example, when a novel is translated, it becomes a new novel. It cannot be read as it was in its author’s own culture. Yet, people who read the translation will be forming impressions of the author’s home culture. Meanwhile, in the author’s home culture, people will be asking themselves: what does this author’s cross-cultural appeal tell us about those other cultures and about what people there think of us?

  • World Literature raises vital questions about how cultures understand – and misunderstand – one another.
  • World Literature is a hall of mirrors.
  • World Literature asks questions that just might change your world.

WORLD LITERATURE AT SFU

The World Literature Program at SFU is designed for students interested in literature from around the globe, languages and international travel.

Courses cover a broad spectrum of literary genres, historical periods, and translated texts from regions such as Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

An exciting first-year program, WorldLit One, is offered only at SFU Surrey. Students interested in World Literature can start their SFU studies in the Explorations Elective Stream or WorldLit One.

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