English 44 - Winter, 2014

Introductory Topics in Fiction

Topic: Journeys in Narrative

Class Information

Instructor: Cattivera, Alexis
CRN: 84106
Time: MWF 1:10-2:00
Location: 1227 Haring

Description

Topic: Journeys in Narrative

This course will examine mostly twentieth century works of American and British fiction that depict journeys, whether undertaken by car, by foot, or by motorcycle. As we read these texts, we will consider what lies behind a person's impulse to leave one place for another: self-discovery, sexual freedom, spiritual enlightenment, and so forth. Whatever an individual's reason for taking to the road may be, we will see how very often external journeys foster internal ones. We will also explore how a text's narrative pattern complements the trajectory of its protagonist'��s travels.

Grading

Class participation, two analytical papers (totaling 10 pages), short response papers, quizzes, a midterm, and a final exam.

Texts

Flaming Iguanas, Erika Lopez
As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner
Beloved, Toni Morrison
The Dharma Bums, Jack Kerouac
Remains of the Day, Kazuo Ichiguro
and various short stories TBA