This advanced course will focus on representative novels of twenty-first-century literature in English and in English translation. In what ways have these literary works of the twenty-first century reshaped the novel form in order to respond to the crises that define our present moment? How is the distribution and circulation of these works influenced by developments in technology and social media? What are the dominant criteria of success for literary works? We will look to answer these crucial questions and many more by focusing on the form and content of several novels published between 2013 and 2023. Students need to be prepared to read between 75 and 100 pages a week.
Students will…
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Arrive at a keener understanding of developments in contemporary fiction.
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Gain a more thorough grasp of contemporary literary theories of the novel.
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Be able to discern how various crises and technological developments affect literary form.
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Improve their literary analysis skills, critical reading, thinking, and writing skills, as well as research and oral presentation skills.
3 hours a week. Class meetings will comprise student-led class discussions, mini-lectures, writing workshops, and impromptu reading quizzes. Students will be reading novels, theoretical pieces, and book reviews. Because we meet only once a week, attendance is mandatory. Students should organize their reading schedules carefully as high-quality class discussions depend upon completing the readings assigned each week.
100% by coursework
Participation 20% (attendance 10%, in-class activities 10%)
Book Review Exercise: 25%
Presentation of Final Project: 20%
Final Project: 35%
These are some of the writers whose work we will study, although please note that this is not a final list: ColsenWhitehead, Rachel Cusk, Chimamnda Ngozi Adichi, Jesmyn Ward, Marlon James, Han Kang, Mohsin Hamid, and Ali Smith.