ENGL 20714 - Contemporary American Literature

Institution:

University of Notre Dame

Subject:

English

Description:

What does it mean to write fiction in the "Naughts" (2000-2010)? In the age of MySpace, RSS feeds, American Idol, and YouTube, is the term "fiction" even valid anymore? Or, for that matter, books? In this class, we will read several novels published since January 2001. In addition to covering the "usual" topics (plot, character relationships, themes, etc.), we'll also think about what it means to write fictions, to write novels, in a world, in an America, that is increasingly being parsed into smaller and smaller pieces. A partial list of texts include (subject to change): Mark Danielewski, Only Revolutions: A Novel; Jennifer Egan, Look at Me; Joshua Ferris, Then We Came to the End; Dinaw Menegstu, The Beautiful Things This Heaven Bears; and Dana Spiotta, Eat the Document: A Novel. We'll also view excerpts of television shows, movies, and other media, as well as attend some campus literary events.Required work: two short essays, midterm, final, occasional quizzes.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.nd.edu

Phone Number:

(574) 631-5000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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