Studies in Literature and Culture (385-0-22)
Topic
Swindlers, Charlatans and Cheats
Instructors
Adam Cody Syvertsen
Meeting Info
555 Clark 230: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
Scams. Frauds. Cheats. Conspirators. Con-artists. Stories of fake heiresses, fraudulent corporations, pyramid schemes, and tech industry hucksters have captured audiences and sparked widespread fascination with deception in the modern world. However, the history of scamming and literature about scammers stretches far beyond the present day, with roots in classic works like Herman Melville's The Confidence-Man, the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz (as well as the characters of Wicked!), and even F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
What explains this centuries long fascination with "the con"? This course will examine a range of literature, film, and TV shows that explore scams and scammers, tracing the cultural obsession with these stories. We will analyze both historic and contemporary views on scamming, interrogating what these tales reveal about human nature, power, and society. From the traditional cons of the past to the more complex digital and financial frauds of today we'll examine how these scams challenge our notions of trust and authenticity. Ultimately, we'll question what our ongoing obsession with these figures says about the modern world, and why we seem so drawn to stories of manipulation, illusion, and moral ambiguity.
Teaching Method
Discussion-based seminar.
Evaluation Method
Mid-term presentation and final essay.
Class Materials (Required)
Herman Melville, The Confidence Man. Frank L. Baum, The Wizard of Oz. F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby.
Texts will be available at: Norris Bookstore.
Class Attributes
Advanced Expression
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area