Fiction, poetry, drama, and prose by contemporary American writers, considered in the light of relevant historical, artistic, and cultural issues. Critical debates and concerns, including modernism/postmodernism, feminism/queer theory, post-colonialism and cultural studies. Students participate in class discussion, do informal journal writing, and develop areas of inquiry and expertise.
Texts:
The Heath Anthology of American Literature Vol II, Third Edition. Lauter, Ed.
Selections on reserve; handouts
Projects:
Each student will prepare extra work for the class on one of the writers or critical issues studied, due the day of class discussion. Any supplemental handouts are to be passed out before that day so other students can read them before class discussion.
Each student will write concerning issues, readings, questions, interpretations of texts, responses to readings and class discussion; will write a minimum of twice a week; will read aloud from the journal from time to time in class and/or post a comment on the class Caucus on-line discussion group.
A term paper, the area of concern to be determined in consultation with the teacher. A Project Proposal with suggested bibliography will be due half way through the term. Toward the end of the course a Paper Contract will be due, including a promised deadline for turning in the paper, Caucus/journal, and/or any incompletes negotiated with and agreed upon by the teacher.
