Skip to main content
Department of English
Search
Log in
Navigation
About
Current Office Hours
Diversity Resources
English Library
Faculty Statement Archives
Internal Dept Resources
Medieval and Early Modern Studies
University Writing Program
Video Guides & Worksheets
Visit us on Facebook
Major/Minor in English
Advising
Creative Writing Application
Honors Program
Internships
Literary Magazines
Major Requirements Guide & FAQ
Minor Requirements
Study Abroad
Why Major in English?
MFA in Creative Writing
Admissions
Events, Prizes, and Resources
MFA Program Faculty
Newly Admitted Grad Students
Resources
Ph.D. in Literature
About
Admissions
Newly Admitted Grad Students
PhD Alumni Directory
Resources
Courses & Schedules
People
News & Events
Off the Syllabus Podcast
Recent News
Contests
Contest Winners
Previous Contest Winners
Newsletters
You are here
Home
»
Courses & Schedules
English 157 - Winter, 2023
Detective Fiction
Class Information
Instructor:
Ziser, Michael
CRN:
44726
Time:
MWF 11:00-11:50
Location:
118 Olson
GE Areas:
Writing Experience
Description
"Crime is terribly revealing." Agatha Christie
This course explores the history and meaning of classic literature about crime, detection, policing, and punishment in the Anglophone world from the early modern era to the present day. Subjects include the deep anthropological and religious roots of crime narrative, the celebrity felon, the criminal underworld, the classic detective figure, the state-sanctioned police force, the hard-boiled private investigator, modern police procedurals, criminal psychopaths, and true crime, among other matters. Given the subject, many of the readings feature graphic representations of physical, sexual, and psychological violence. If that prospect causes you intolerable distress, please choose a different course.
Note on books:
Hard copies of all books have been ordered through the UCD Bookstore. They have also been placed on electronic Course Reserves through the Library. Digital versions (.epub format) are available on the course Canvas site under Files > Assigned Course Readings. Choose whichever format is best for you. If you can find a way to afford them (buying used, checking out from the library, etc.) paper copies are always best for your eyes and mind. Any additional readings on the schedule can be found as pdfs on Canvas under Files > Assigned Course Readings.
Grading
12% Daily Quizzes / Attendance (skip/drop any 3)
18% Discussion Posts (9x2%; skip/drop any one)
20% Wildcard Short Assignments (any 2 x 10%)
10% Film / TV Assignment
10% Personal Syllabus
30% Final Paper / Project (10pp or equivalent)
Texts
Oedipus the King (978-0226768687)
, Sophocles
Jack Sheppard (978-1551115917)
, William Henry Ainsworth
The Detective Stories of Edgar Allan Poe (978-0692553145)
, Edgar Allan Poe
A Study in Scarlet (978-1949460568)
, Arthur Conan Doyle
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (978-0062073563)
, Agatha Christie
The Big Sleep (978-0394758282)
, Raymond Chandler
Queenpin (978-1416534280)
, Megan Abbott
Cotton Comes to Harlem (978-0394759999)
, Chester Himes
The Godfather (978-0451205766)
, Mario Puzo
Cop Hater (978-1612183701)
, Ed McBain
The Killer Inside Me (978-0316404068)
, Jim Thompson
The Silence of the Lambs (978-0312195267)
, Thomas Harris
In Cold Blood (978-0679745587)
, Truman Capote