English 177-1 - Fall, 2018

Study of an Individual Author

Topic: Stephen King

Class Information

Instructor: Milburn, Colin
CRN: 21913
Time: MWF 1:10-2:00
Location: 1120 Hart

Description

Stephen King is one of the most influential figures in contemporary American literature. He is adored by legions of fans around the world, and his novels have sold more than 350 million copies. Situated in the traditions of gothic horror and supernatural fantasy, his work offers imaginative and often terrifying portraits of American culture, as well as incisive social critique. The monsters that lurk in King’s novels are both literal and allegorical, addressing the pathologies of American history and social injustice even while King’s protagonists often present strategies for survival, hope, and change in the midst of crisis. In recent years, the impact of his work has been recognized by some of the most prestigious honors in literature—including the O’Henry Award, the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, the PEN America Literary Service Award, and the National Medal of Arts, among many others. Ever since the publication of his first novel, Carrie, in 1974, King has been a major force in shaping cultural discourse. This seminar will survey King’s entire career, focusing on some of his most important novels, short stories, and non-fiction writings from the 1970s through the present day.

Texts

Carrie, Stephen King
The Shining, Stephen King
Pet Sematary, Stephen King
Danse Macabre, Stephen King
It, Stephen King
Cujo, Stephen King
Different Seasons, Stephen King
Misery, Stephen King
Bag of Bones, Stephen King
11/22/63, Stephen King