ENG 381 – Popular Literature – DL, WI, O
May 23 to June 9, 2022 – Asynchronous online; intensive
Dr. Ruth Y. Hsu (rhsu@hawaii.edu)
DESCRIPTION:
This three-week intensive course (DL, WI, O) examines prose fiction and film that have achieved widespread popularity and scholarly praise. These texts contain unconventional and provocative insights into contemporary issues and have entertained readers and viewers around the globe. What do these prose fiction and film tell us about human ambitions, fears, and passions, about our past as well as our potential future?
GOALS, PROCEDURES, ORGANIZATION:
An intensive, asynchronous class requires a substantial commitment of your time and focus: reading the books and watching the film; writing and oral presentation requirements (in the form of book and film reviews); mandatory weekly, 30-minute individual consultations with me to go over your work in this class; and watching short lectures on the texts and tutorials on oral presentations. Assignments must be submitted by scheduled due dates.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Four written reviews of the books (listed below) and Crazy Rich Asians (the film) as if you are writing for a major literary magazine; 5-7-minute audio files based on each written review; one term paper.
Reading list: Crazy Rich Asians (book and film); Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; The Cat Who Saved Books (author: Sosuke Natsukawa, translated by Louise Heal Kawai); and short stories, “Brokeback Mountain” and “The Story of Your Life”.