Studies in Fiction (313-0-20)
Topic
On the Edges of American Empire
Instructors
Jules D Law
Meeting Info
Parkes Hall 215: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
Poised in different ways on the peripheries of American cultural influence, Taiwan, Jamaica and Mexico provide uncanny and critical mirrors of the United States. In this course we will look at three brilliant novels which begin outside the United States but follow the tracks of characters compelled for various reasons to pursue dangerous journeys to it. As borders unravel and underworlds emerge, these novels raise profound questions about the relationship between experience, language and place, and examine in depth the permeable nature of both national and personal identity.
Teaching Method
Seminar discussion.
Evaluation Method
Two brief seminar reports (10% each); weekly posts (27% total); contribution to seminar discussion (20%); final paper (33%).
Class Materials (Required)
Shawna Yang Ryan, Green Island (Vintage), ISBN 978-1101872369.
Yuri Herrera, Signs Preceding the End of the World, trans. Lisa Dillman (And Other Stories Press), ISBN 9781908276421.
Marlon James, A Brief History of Seven Killings (Riverhead/Penguin), ISBN 978-1594633942.
Texts will be available at: Norris Bookstore.
Class Attributes
Advanced Expression
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area