ABOUT THE COURSE

This course will examine numerous stories, poems and novels written by Americans since the First World War. We will explore American literature since the First World War and how writers present the world. In the process of reading character, style, and narrative, we will examine issues of gender, race, politics, class, and identity as they influence how writers imagine the world over several decades. We will try to develop an understanding of the varied and complex nature of American writings; divergent perspectives of what it means to be American.

In addition to our struggle to unearth the complex and diverse conceptions of "American," how America is imagined; we will consider the role of myth and reality as conjured in the American literary imagination. Of equal importance, is an exploration of how the literature affects US as readers and how WE respond to the literature. As a result, we (as readers) will assume an active role in the making of meaning. The goal will be to understand American literature as a conversation rather than a singular tradition.

Students will be responsible for two 3-5 page essays, a mid-term, and a take-home final

REQUIRED TEXTS

Perkins Anthology
The Great Gatsby
Their Eyes Were Watching God
Go Down
Moses
The Woman Warrior
Sula
The Sun Also Rises

PARTICIPATION

Students must attend all classes; prepare for discussion by viewing and reading all assignments, and by completing all written work. I expect participation in class discussions and collaborative projects.

READINGS

Assigned Readings are due on the day scheduled. Come to class having read assigned material, having thought about it, and having questions and ideas.

EVALUATION

Final grades will be based on class participation and on your papers and tests.