This course is an introduction to fiction in both the long and short forms. As a novelist as well as a critic, I am interested at multiple levels in how writers produce the effects that they do. While being attentive to the practical aspects of writing fiction, the class will also be an introduction to the genre, that is, the history and politics of novels and short stories as cultural forms (though restricted mostly to the twentieth century). The readings are selected with cultural diversity in mind.
Student Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the semester, successful students will be able to discuss and analyze fiction in historical and aesthetic terms; and will have an introductory knowledge of the tools of literary analysis. Students will improve their ability to ask questions of and to read, analyze, and interpret complex literary texts, using relevant literary terminology critically and creatively. Students will augment their knowledge of how literature is organized by historical periods, genres, cultures, and cultural formations; and will improve their ability to express ideas by organizing, developing and supporting a description, analysis, or argument in written formats, within the conventions of academic writing.
Students will produce a significant amount of writing such that the course fulfills the requirements of its mandatory W Focus designation. They will spend time on their writing and will reflect on and develop their writing skills.
Required Texts (tentative list):
- Kate Chopin, The Awakening (read only the novella; you do not need to read the short stories)—this text is available as a PDF on the course home page
- Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart
- Anthony Burgess, A Clockwork Orange
- Alice Walker, The Color Purple
- Michael Ondaatje, The English Patient
- Salman Rushdie, Haroun and the Sea of Stories
- Daniel Halpern, The Art of the Tale
Assignments and Class Work:
Students will write two in-class exams (a combination of short questions and short essays), two take-home essays (1700 words each), and at least twice in the semester brief online responses to readings (250 words each). The online responses will be posted through Laulima (you will sign up for this later). Each student is encouraged to be an active participant in online discussions throughout the semester. The online forum is a way to comment and continue discussions not possible during class time. There may be occasional quizzes during the semester, and participation in class discussion will also be taken into account in assigning the final grade. The exams and essays—each of equal weightage—will constitute 80% of the grade. The remaining 20% will be based on the brief in-class and web-based assignments, class participation and attendance.