Intro to Lit: Genre (Magical Realism)

Magical realism in literature can be
loosely defined as the incorporation of magical elements into a textual world
that is otherwise meant to be realistic, which then requires that the
characters inhabiting this world deal with these magical elements in a realistic
way. In this course, we will examine the tenants and attributes of magical
realism, as well as consider how magical realism interacts with (and is often
equated or conflated with) other genres. More specifically, we will ask how
magical realism interacts with genres like science fiction, fantasy, and
postmodern literature; how postcolonialism, postmodernism, and posthumanism
have bolstered and affected the genre; and what aspects of magical realism can
be identified in a range of classic and otherwise non-genre-identified texts.
Students will be required to write several critical essays, as well as to
demonstrate their understanding of the genre via two formal exams, several
informal exams, and a small number of creative works that display practical
application of magical realism techniques.

Course Requirements:

Attendance
and Participation

Two formal
exams

Four formal
academic papers

Informal
quizzes

Informal
writing assignments


Required Texts

(Available at UH Bookstore):

Gabriel
Garcia Marques, 100 Years of Solitude

Laura
Esquivel, Like Water for Chocolate

Toni
Morrison, Beloved

Italo
Calvino, Cosmicomics

Jeanette
Winterson, The Passion

Michael
Chabon, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay

Salvador
Plascencia, The People of Paper