Please note:
To view the current Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar.html.
Global Humanities Courses
HUM 101W - Introduction to the Humanities (3)
An introduction to issues and concepts central to the study of the Humanities. Through exposure to primary materials drawn from different periods and disciplines, students will become acquainted with a range of topics and ideas relating to the study of human values and human experience. Students with credit for HUM 101 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 102W - Classical Mythology (3)
An introduction to the central myths of the Greeks and Romans. The course will investigate the nature, function, and meaning of myths in the classical world and their considerable influence on western civilization. Students with credit for HUM 102 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 103 - The Invention of the Book: Alphabets, Papyrus, Parchment, and Print (3)
The book as we know it did not always exist; it was invented. This course will explore the creation and spread of writing, the emergence of scribal cultures, and the birth of the book, which came to be the greatest of all material, cultural and intellectual objects, one that shaped and transformed civilization. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 105 - Many Europes: Ancient, Medieval, Early Modern (3)
A study of the many diverse peoples, languages, and regions of the European continent from the origins of civilization until the mid-16th century. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 106 - Art and the Humanities (3)
An introduction to the study of art across cultures and periods. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 110 - The Greek World (3)
An interdisciplinary introduction to the Greek culture in different periods. Using various sources and materials the course explores continuities and ruptures, evolutions and revolutions, and the impact such issues have on the imagination of people today. Students with credit for HS 100 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 121 - Walk of Life: Migrations in Eurasia from Antiquity to the Present (3)
Examines population movements in Eurasia, from antiquity to the present. Considers a variety of questions related to the how and why people migrate. Answering these questions pertaining to mass migration in Eurasia fosters greater understanding of the overall human experience. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 130 - Introduction to Religious Studies (3)
An introduction to concepts central to the academic study of religion exploring various relevant methodologies. Provides a framework for understanding the many ways in which humans experience the phenomenon of the sacred through symbol, ritual, doctrine and experience in a variety of religious traditions and cultures. Students who have taken HUM 230 prior to 2007 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 150 - Warfare in the Hellenic World: From Plato to NATO (3)
From the days of Achilles to the Second World War, warfare has changed the Greek experience. Examines the evolution of warfare, from Ancient Greece to modem Europe, considering the interplay of violence, technology, ideology, and society. Students with credit for HS 150 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.
HUM 151 - Ancient Greek I (3)
An introduction to the classical Greek language.
HUM 161 - Latin I (3)
An introduction to the Latin language.
HUM 162 - Latin II (3)
The continuation of Latin I. Prerequisite: HUM 161 or permission of the instructor.
HUM 202 - Great Texts in the Humanities (3)
An intensive study of some of the major works which have had a formative influence on the structure and development of western thought. Reading and discussion of primary texts and the major themes which emerge from them will introduce students to essential philosophical, literary, social and religious themes of western civilization. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 203 - Great Texts: Asian Thought and Literature (3)
An introduction to classic texts which have endured as monuments of Asian thought and literature. Readings and discussions of primary texts and their central ideas will introduce students to philosophical, literary and religious themes in a selected, major Asian tradition. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 204 - Great Religious Texts (3)
A study of some of the key works which have had a formative influence on major religious traditions. Primary texts will be selected to illustrate core elements in the religious understanding of human life and its relationship to the sacred. Prerequisite: HUM 130 (HUM 230 prior to 2007) is recommended. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 209 - Heroic Greek Tales: From the Trojans to Frankenstein (3)
Examines the origins and traits of heroic identity from ancient Greek plays and Homeric poetry to contemporary culture. Explores the continuities/discontinuities of these archetypes and their impact on cultural/national identities in different contexts and periods. Students with credit for HS 209 or HUM 360 or HS 307 under the title "Heroic Individuals and their Tales" may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 211 - Art and Literature of the Italian Renaissance (3)
An interdisciplinary introduction to the art and literature of the Italian Renaissance (c. 1300-c. 1500). Studies the major developments in Renaissance Italian painting, sculpture and architecture alongside some of the most influential texts of the period. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 219 - The Early Middle Ages (3)
An examination of Eastern and Western Christendom from Late Antiquity to the 12th-Century Renaissance emphasizing religious, political, cultural, and social change. Students who have taken HIST 219 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities. Equivalent Courses: HIST219. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 220 - Rome: From Republic to Empire (3)
Examines the history of Rome from its foundation on River Tiber to its conquest of the Mediterranean World. From Kingly rule to the aristocratic Republic with its "mixed" constitution, it reaches a period of civil war amongst aristocratic warlords and Rome's transformation into a monarchy under Augustus. Prerequisite: 30 units. Students with credit for HS 201 may not take this course for further credit.
HUM 222 - Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Art (3)
Art as viewed through the history of art forms, ideas, material culture, and/or literature. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 226 - War and Society (3)
Examines scholarly approaches to defining war. Here, we investigate the role of organized violence in society, partake in debates on violence and human nature, study the evolution of warfare through technological innovations and cultural change, and consider the complex relationships between war, culture, and society. Prerequisite: One 100-level course at college or university level. Students with credit for HS 216 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 231 - Daily Life in Ancient Greece and Rome (3)
Examines the social history of ancient Greece and Rome, particularly through the study of relevant artifacts, art, architecture, and ancient texts (in translation). Considers topics such as the lives of men, women, children and slaves; the home; dining; government; the economy; the army; death and burial; and entertainment. Students with credit for HS 231 or HUM 216 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 232 - The Religions of Ancient Greece and Rome (3)
Introduces the religions of ancient Greece and Rome. Archaeological materials, ancient texts (in translation) and art are used to examine Graeco-Roman religions within their historical framework and understand how ancient peoples experienced religion. Examines the extent to which specific social, political and cultural developments impacted the religious landscape. Students with credit for HS 232 or HUM 216 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 240 - Studies in Modern Culture (3)
A thematic approach to two or more cultures through the examination of a selection from historical, literary, philosophical and/or aesthetic materials. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 275 - From Alexander to the Caesars: The Hellenic and Roman Worlds to the End of Antiquity (3)
This overview of Near Eastern and Mediterranean history, from Alexander the Great and the Roman Empire to the rise of Christianity and the emergence of Islam, covers the Hellenistic, Roman, and early Byzantine Worlds and gives emphasis on the place of Hellenism in social, political, religious, and cultural life. Students with credit for HIST 275 or HS 275 may not take this course for further credit. Students who have taken HIST 308 or HS 308 first may not then take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 276 - Social, Economic, and Political History of the Mediterranean (3)
Examines the history of the Mediterranean region that for millennia has been a focal point of human exchange as well as conflict. Considers the entire period from antiquity to the modern world. Students with credit for HIST 276 or HS 276 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 277 - History of Greek Civilization (3)
Surveys the history of Greek civilization from Mycenaean Greece to the twentieth century. Students who have taken HIST 307 under this topic or HIST 277 or HS 277 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 279 - Greece in the 20th Century (3)
Examines the political and socio-economic evolution of 20th century Greece in tandem with the cultural transformation of the country from an agrarian based society to the urban dominated structure that characterizes Greece today. Students with credit for HIST 279 or HS 279 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 302W - Athenian Democracy (4)
Topics include rhetoric, law, and a democratic ideology that championed freedom, equality, and slavery, examined through a range of texts that include tragedy, comedy, philosophy, historiography, and oratory. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for HUM 302 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 304 - Alexander the Great and the Quest for World Empire (4)
This course examines Alexander in the context of ancient history as well as his legacy, which provides unique insight into why there have been and continue to be illusive and deadly quests for world domination. Prerequisite: 45 units, including 9 units of lower division history credit or permission of instructor. Students with credit for HIST 304 or HS 304 may not repeat this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 305 - Medieval Studies (4)
A detailed interdisciplinary analysis of a selected topic, issue, or personality in the Middle Ages. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 309 - Literatures and the Arts Across Cultures (4)
An interdisciplinary study of literary texts in translation and/or art forms across cultures and periods. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for HS 309 or WL 309 under this topic, or HS 303 under the title "Reflection on the Greek Civil War" may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 311 - Italian Renaissance Humanism (4)
A study of the major writings, cultural milieu, and influence of the humanist movement of the Italian Renaissance. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 312W - Renaissance Studies (4)
A detailed interdisciplinary analysis of a selected topic, issue, or personality from the Italian and/or Northern Renaissance. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for HUM 312 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 313 - Roman Art and Archaeology (4)
Introduces the art and archaeology of ancient Rome from 8th c. BCE to 4th c. CE through an overview of the material remains in their original historical, political and cultural contexts. Addresses several issues: stylistic changes and innovations, art as a vehicle of propaganda and art as projection of Roman imperial power. Prerequisite: One of the following courses: ARCH 100, ARCH 201, HS 100, HS 231, HS 232, HS 277, HIST 277 or by permission of the instructor. Students with credit for HS 313 or ARCH 313 cannot take this course for further credit. Students with credit for ARCH 322 under the title "Special Topics in Archaeology I: Roman Art and Archaeology" may not take this course for further credit.
HUM 314 - Greek Art and Archaeology (4)
Introduces the major Greek archaeological sites from the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic period through a chronological and historical survey of Greek art and architecture. Examines the ways in which ancient Greeks used and interacted with their material remains and how they relate to their social, cultural, religious, and political practices and institutions. Prerequisite: One of the following courses: ARCH 100, ARCH 201, HS 100, HS 231, HS 232, HS 277, HIST 277 or by permission of the instructor. Students with credit for HS 312 or ARCH 312 cannot take this course for further credit. Students with credit for ARCH 321 under the title "Select Regions in World Archaeology I: Greece" may not take this course for further credit.
HUM 318 - Heroines in Greece and Beyond: Political Representations of Women in Film and Literature (4)
Examines the impact of national and political contexts upon individual women, their personal histories, political engagement, memories and identities. Traces archetypes of women from the Greek world into different contexts. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for HS 318 or GSWS 318 or HS 303 under the title "Political Representations of Women in Film and Literature" may not take this course for further credit.
HUM 320 - Cross-Cultural Philosophy in the Humanities (4)
An exploration of the characteristic ways in which the humanities, with its emphasis on expression, belief and tradition, presents important philosophical concepts. Based upon an interdisciplinary selection of texts drawn from history, philosophy, literature and the arts. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 321W - The Humanities and Critical Thinking (4)
A study of the counter-traditions within western civilization. Compares and contrasts diverse traditions within western culture that critique its central value systems. It will focus on the attempts of great artists and thinkers to break with tradition, and the subsequent creation of new ideas and forms of experience and expression. Prerequisite: 45 units. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 325 - The Humanities and the Natural World (4)
A study of the humanistic, scientific, political, and ideological discourses deriving from concern with the natural environment. Using classic and contemporary sources, this course examines the interaction of humans with the non-human world, and includes such topics as human communities and nature, the immersion of the individual in nature, nature and the human habitat. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 330 - Religions in Context (4)
An in-depth investigation of a specific case of religious history and tradition. Religions will be studied through the cultural and historical contexts that pervade and structure religious meaning and expression. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 331 - Special Topics in Asian Religious Traditions (4)
Studies a specific Asian religious tradition through the cultural and historical contexts that structure religious meaning. Students may repeat this course once for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 332 - Mythology in Context (4)
A detailed interdisciplinary study of the role of mythology within a particular culture or tradition. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: HUM 102. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 340 - Great Cities in Their Time (4)
An exploration of the cultural and intellectual accomplishments of a specific city that achieved prominence in a particular time period, and had substantial impact and influence on human civilization. Examines the political, social, religious, and cultural factors that help to explain a city's significance and investigates the achievements of its citizens. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 349 - Rome after Rome: The Byzantine Middle Ages from the end of Antiquity to the Crusades (4)
The history of the Medieval Romans and their polity surveys the 鈥渙ther鈥� Middle Ages. The course familiarizes students with the social, political, economic, and cultural history of Byzantium from the rise of the Caliphate in the seventh century to the Carolingians, the Crusades, the emergence of the Italian maritime republics and the ascent of the Seljuk Turks. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Students with credit for HIST 308, HS 308, HIST 317, HS 317, HS 349 or HIST 349 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 350 - Special Topics: Great Figures in the Humanistic Tradition (4)
An interdisciplinary study of the life and works of an individual who has made a lasting contribution to the humanistic tradition in more than one field of endeavour (e.g. philosophy, politics, literature, economics, religion). This course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for this topic under another Humanities course number may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 359 - Constructing the Nation State in Greece, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean (4)
Investigates the construction of nation states in Greece, the Balkans and the Mediterranean with a focus on the ideas of the Nation and the Nation State. Examines specific cases such as Greece, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, and the development of Israel. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for HIST 359 or HS 359 may not take this course for further credit.
HUM 360 - Special Topics: Great Themes in the Humanistic Tradition (4)
An interdisciplinary study of a selected theme that has made a lasting contribution to the humanistic tradition in more than one field of endeavour(e.g. philosophy, politics, literature,economics, religion). This course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have credit for a course with this content under another Humanities course may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 375 - The Woodsworth Seminar (4)
A special topic in the humanities to be offered by the Woodsworth chair. Prerequisite: 45 units.
HUM 381 - Selected Topics in the Humanities (4)
Prerequisite: 45 units.
HUM 382 - Selected Topics in Asian Art and Cultures (4)
An in-depth study on a specific aspect of Asian cultures in the modern period, including art, film, media and/or literature. Prerequisite: 45 units.
HUM 387 - Selected Topics in European Art and Cultures (4)
An interdisciplinary approach to European art, material culture, and/or literature in the modern period. Repeat for credit. Prerequisite: 45 units.
HUM 390 - Directed Studies in Humanities (4)
Prerequisite: Two of any 300-division humanities courses or permission of the chair plus permission of instructor. This course may be used only once for credit towards a degree and is reserved for humanities major, joint major, extended minor, minor and PBD students.
HUM 418 - Greeks Go Global: From Antigone to Atwood (4)
Studies Greek male and female archetypes, texts and ideas in an international context. Offers a critical analysis on the continuities and discontinuities of the representations of Greek cultural references, and contextualizes the aforementioned in gender, politics, philosophy, and literary theory. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for HS 418 or HUM 480 or HS 403 under the title "After Modernities: Greeks Go Global" may not take this course for further credit.
HUM 441 - Women, Property, and the Law in the Mediterranean (4)
Examines the relationship between women and law through a focus on the question of property from the ancient world to the modem period and through a comprehensive examination of the Roman, Judaic, Christian, Islamic as well as modern legal traditions. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for HS 441 or HIST 441 may not take this course for further credit.
HUM 460 - Themes in Byzantine History (4)
Familiarizes the student with the core questions in the study of Medieval Roman (Byzantine) social, political, economic and intellectual life. Students will be exposed to the main primary sources available to the Byzantinist and will read articles and books by the most influential scholars in the field. Students may repeat this course once for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for HS 460 or HIST 460 may take this course for credit only when a different topic is taught. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 476 - History of Modern Greece (4)
Introduces students to the social and political history of modern Greece, with a focus on current developments through the examination of political, social, and economic transformations over the past two centuries, and help students situate modern Greek history within European context. The course will examine the various crises the modern Greek state has endured from its founding in 1830 to the present, political, social and economic using primary and secondary sources to understand the historical development of Greece. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history or by permission of instructor. Students with credit for HS 307 or HIST 307 under the topic "Glory to Debt", HS 476, or HIST 476 may not take this course for further credit.
HUM 480 - Advanced Topics in the Humanities (4)
Prerequisite: 45 units, including HUM 101.
HUM 800 - Theories and Methods in the Humanities (5)
Textual interpretation in the Humanities within the context of interdisciplinary approaches and the five thematic modules: classical and medieval thought and culture, modernity and its discontents, religion and culture, cross-cultural translation, humanities and citizenship.
HUM 801 - Research Development Seminar in the Humanities (5)
Articulation and refinement of research agendas and prospectus and thesis through faculty guidance and group work.
HUM 802 - Themes in the Humanities (5)
Focuses on one of five following thematic modules: classical and medieval thought and culture, modernity and its discontents, religion and culture, cross-cultural translation, humanities and citizenship.
HUM 803 - MA Thesis (18)
Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
HUM 804 - Directed Readings (5)
HUM 805 - Special Topics (5)
An in-depth study of a theme or aspect in the Humanities; topics will vary from offering to offering in order to meet the needs of the graduate cohort.