- Steinbeck's Americans

Institution:

The Evergreen State College

Subject:

Description:

Faculty: Tom Grissom (physics, literature, philosophy) Major areas of study include literature. Class Standing: This all-level program accepts up to 25 percent freshmen. The writer John Steinbeck created a uniquely American literature in his depiction of individuals caught up in and struggling with the conflicting tensions and situations that characterize American society. There was always a strong social consciousness and voice in his novels, short stories, and nonfiction writings that was specifically cited in awarding him the Nobel Prize for literature in 1962. In this program, we will examine major works of fiction and nonfiction by this important writer, from such works as Cannery Row, Of Mice and Men, To a God Unknown, The Pearl, The Red Pony, In Dubious Battle, The Grapes of Wrath, East of Eden, Sweet Thursday, The Wayward Bus, The Winter of Our Discontent, The Long Valley and Travels with Charley. In addition, we will read literary criticisms of and commentary on Steinbeck's work and biographical material about the life and times of the writer. Students will write responses each week to the readings and will produce a longer expository paper on some chosen aspect of Steinbeck's writing. In our work, we will pay attention to the structure and aestheticqualities of the writings and to their meaning and relevance, responding always to the question: What is the writer doing, and how does he do it We will read and discuss with the aim of understanding and assessing Steinbeck's contribution to and place in American literature. Classes will be seminars and recitations in which students will be responsible for presenting their own writing and work. Total: 16 credits. Enrollment: 24 Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in literature and the humanities. This program is also listed under Culture, Text and Language.

Credits:

16.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.evergreen.edu

Phone Number:

(360) 867-6170

Regional Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Calendar System:

Quarter

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