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English 120 Twentieth-Century
American Fiction This course will focus on American novels and short stories of the 20th-century that render visions of American identity through the variegated lens of literary invention. Authors will likely include Gertrude Stein, William Faulkner, Ralph Ellison, N. Scott Momaday, Grace Paley, Donald Barthelme, Toni Morrison Robert Coover, Philip Roth, Don DeLillo, Tim O'Brien, and Lydia Davis. In addition to examining aspects of stylistic innovation, we will consider the contributions of regional voices and minority perspectives, and examine ways in which fiction serves as political and social criticism, as well as documentary reportage. While reading and discussing some of the most influential authors of the past century, we will work to assemble a definition of American identity. This course should introduce passionate readers and writers to the literary "edges" of realism, and help students learn to hone and articulate a personal literary aesthetic. "Twentieth-Century American Fiction" is designed as a writing-intensive course with active in-class discussion of each text. Assignments will include several critical essays and regular one-page responses to readings. There will also be student presentations and one or two quizzes. No midterm or final exams. |
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