General Course Description: The American novel came of age during the period 1875-1920. We will study works published between these in order to glean a sense of the emerging standards of the genre. In the process, we will consider ways in which the forms of narration that originated with these novels mirror and/or distort the national scene. To what extent, we will ask ourselves, can we examine the forms that appear in these novels as comments on the historical context out of which they emerge? Can we treat these texts as history or as historical? What's the difference?
Course Requirements: Attendance is mandatory, more than three absences during the semester is not permitted without penalty. Students will be required to write six "prep" papers, a midterm essay and a final paper (or project). Students will also be asked to take part in weekly discussion sections and contribute to one group "position" paper.
What is a prep paper? A prep paper is a brief (1-2pp) comment that will be used as a way to focus class discussion. You need not account for the whole text in a prep paper. Rather, you will focus your attention on a specific moment, aspect, technique, or concept (for instance) and provide an analytic basis for that focus. Basically, you will be answering the question: Why is this worth your attention?
What is a midterm essay? A midterm essay is slightly longer than a prep paper because it is a more extended argument. In a 3-5 page essay you will ruminate on a topic of your choice and discuss its significance in some larger sense.
What is a final paper or project? A final paper or project is the culmination of your creative and analytic efforts all semester long. Possible formats range from written work (if your final project is a paper, it should be 8-10 pp in length). Other possibilities include plays, dramatic or musical performances, representational art, or some other form of expression. The point of the final project is to grant you the time and occasion to give full expression to the way the course has signified for you. You may use secondary sources, but this is not a requirement.
What is a position paper? A position paper is developed by a group and the presented during the weekly discussion group. Each student will participate at least once.
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