American Novel (371-0-20)
Topic
Defining America
Instructors
William J Savage
847/491-8916
1908 Sheridan Road, OUSA
Office Hours: By appointment
Meeting Info
University Hall 121: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
In this class, we will examine the related ideas of the Great American Novel and "the American Dream" to explore the ongoing construction of American identity, values, and literature. We will operate from two basic points: America can be understood as a text, constantly being rewritten, revised, and contested; and American identity is relational, situated in culture, history, and the body. The questions we will examine include: In a racially and ethnically diverse (even divided) nation, what constitutes American identity, the quality of "Americanness"? Who, if anyone, speaks for all Americans? What sort of literary voice best expresses American realities and ideals? How does the dynamic of culture and counter-culture, dominant and marginal, get worked out aesthetically and ideologically?
Teaching Method
Lecture, discussion.
Evaluation Method
Brief written responses to each novel and several options for papers.
Class Materials (Required)
Twain, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn; Chopin, The Awakening; Algren, The Man With the Golden Arm; Kerouac, On the Road; Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas; Morrison, Song of Solomon.
Class Attributes
Advanced Expression
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area