English 177-2 - Fall, 2013

Study of an Individual Author

Topic: John Steinbeck's California Fiction

Class Information

Instructor: Hicks, W. Jack
CRN: 53546
Time: TR 3:10-4:30
Location: 103 Wellman

Description

A study of John Steinbeck’s seven major California books (and comparisons with
film versions of the period), ranging from The Pastures of Heaven (1931),a collection of interconnecting stories, to East of Eden (1952), the novel he regarded as his master work. Focus on Steinbeck’s evolution as writer of fiction and California, national and international contexts and responses. Three short papers required.

Grading

Three short papers

Texts

The Long Valley (1938)
Of Mice and Men (1937)*
The Grapes of Wrath (1939)*
*also contemporary film versions
The Pastures of Heaven (1932)
Tortilla Flat (1935)
Cannery Row (1945)
East of Eden (1952)