Course outlines
Please find current course outlines listed below. Past course outlines can be found here.
Spring 2025
LS 801: Reason and Passion II
Am Johal | Wed 6:30PM – 9:20PM | Online
The second of two core courses that constitute an extended examination of the tension between reason and passion in human experience. This course will examine writings by some who have insisted on the indispensability of reasoning as a guide to action and the source of truth, as well as writings by some of those who on various grounds have cast doubt on this faith in human reason.
LS 813: Religious and Secular World Views (Cruelty and other Human Vices)
Eleanor Stebner | Tues 6:30 PM – 9:20 PM | Online
This course will deal with the conflicts and continuities of secular and religious approaches to such fundamental issues as the origins of the universe and of the human species, human virtue, and human destiny.
LS 816: Art of Writing (Modernism/Creative Writing)
James Gifford | Mon 6:30 PM – 9:20 PM | Online
Students will engage in a close study of form and technique in order to better understand the fundamental elements of writing. This study will be enhanced by a writing workshop, where students will improve their ability to write and critique extended work. Genres may include academic, non-fiction, and fiction, with an emphasis on the relationship between established literary/academic traditions and the production of original work.
LS 819: Selected Topics (Eastern/Western Philosophies)
Heesoon Bai | Thur 6:30 PM - 9:20 PM | In-Person
This course provides an opportunity for the occasional offering of a seminar course appropriate to the program but on a topic outside the regular courses.
LS 829: Directed Study
Please note: LS 829 - Directed Study provides an opportunity for individual study on a topic of the student's choice, under the guidance of one or more faculty members. If you are interested in taking a directed study course please contact our Graduate Program Chair, Emily O'Brien. No more than two such offerings may count toward the GLS master of arts degree.
LS 998: MA Extended Essays
Students will present two of their essays for formal examination in order to satisfy the Simon Fraser University requirements for a master's degree. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
LS 999: MA Project
This course is for students choosing to satisfy part of the requirements for an MA in liberal studies by presenting a project for formal examination. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.