College Seminar (105-7-23)
Topic
Literatures of Addiction
Instructors
Kathleen Carmichael
847/467-5592
555 Clark, Room 239
Office Hours: By appointment
Meeting Info
Harris Hall L05: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
Ever since Pentheus\' fatal decision to spy on the revels of Dionysus, audiences have had a guilty fascination with the spectacle of addiction—a fascination which crosses not only centuries but disciplines, captivating scientists, policymakers, philosophers, artists, and laypeople alike. This class will trace the evolution of literary representations of addiction across several centuries, from classical depictions of god-induced madness, through the Gothic narratives such as Stevenson\'s Jekyll and Hyde, temperance classics such as Ten Nights in a Barroom (whose impact has often been compared to that of Uncle Tom\'s Cabin), to the twentieth- and twenty-first century comedies and confessionals that make the bestseller lists today. Through these readings and related critical texts, we will examine the ways that such literature provides a staging ground for public controversy and emerging theories about the artistic, cultural, ethical, and scientific significance and ramifications of addiction. Course readings/viewing will include works of fiction, journalism, and writings from the natural and social sciences as well as popular films. We will also consider practical topics such as how University library resources and experts can help students locate and evaluate key sources and develop authoritative arguments.
Evaluation Method
Class participation: approx. 30% of final grade
Writing assignments: approx. 70% of final grade
Class Materials (Required)
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson- ISBN 978-0486266886; Dover Thrift Editions
Ten Nights in a Bar Room, T.S. Arthur- ISBN 978-1594625466
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous - ISBN 978-1483907253; online version also acceptable
Junky, William S. Burroughs - ISBN 978-0802120427
Drinking: A Love Story, Caroline Knapp- ISBN 978-0385315548
Class Attributes
WCAS College Seminar