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The Twentieth Century

ENGL 104.001
instructor(s):
TR 10:30-12

This general introduction to 20th-century literature will cover a broad range of topics and trends of concern to writers in our century, with particular emphasis on the formal experimentation associated with Modern and postmodern writers. Some questions we will consider over the semester: what is the relationship between authorship and authority? the author and the reader? literary texts and political change? In order to begin thinking about these questions, we will read from a variety of genres, including novels, short stories, poetry, and at least one graphic novel. Writers whom we will study are likely to include James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, Ernest Hemingway, T.S. Eliot, Toni Morrison, Thomas Pynchon, Maxine Hong Kingston, and Art Spiegelman. Course requirements include quizzes, essays, a midterm, and a final exam. Students will be expected to be familiar with e-mail, and are encouraged to make use of the course listserver.

Note: This course fulfills the Arts & Letters "General Requirement" within the College General Requirement. This is an introductory course--not one for senior majors.

fulfills requirements