Seminar in Reading and Interpretation (300-0-20)

Topic

Millennial and Zoomer Fictions

Instructors

Lauren Jackson

Meeting Info

University Hall 112: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

What makes a work of fiction categorically, recognizably "millennial"? What does, could, or ought the Gen-Z literary tradition look like? With these questions in mind, this course introduces theories and approaches to the study of cultural texts (novels, short stories, film, music, visual art). How do we get from reading to interpretation? What are the historical, social, and cultural contexts that shape a text and its meanings? How should our interpretations be informed by formations such as race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, class, and nationhood? We will practice and develop our ways of reading in a concentrated survey of post-2010s literature and media.

Teaching Method

Lecture-discussion.

Evaluation Method

Class participation, weekly quiz, essays (2).

Class Materials (Required)

Sally Rooney, Ottessa Moshfegh, Ling Ma, Bryan Washington, Chantal V. Johnson, Honor Levy, Girls and Insecure, The Sweet East, Bodies Bodies Bodies.

Texts will be available at: Norris

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area
Attendance at 1st class mandatory