ENGL 90190 - Postmodern Narrative

Institution:

University of Notre Dame

Subject:

English

Description:

In this course we will begin by focusing on the emergence of postmodernism in the sixties and then trace its evolution through the nineties. Initially, our primary concern will be the conflicted conceptualization of the term, i.e. just what did postmodern mean in terms of a narrative practice and in terms of a "cultural condition". Once we have established some operating definitions, and become familiar with some of the narratives that were first called postmodern (Pynchon's Crying of Lot 49, Scott's Blade Runner, etc.) we will begin to discuss the novels and films which became synonymous with postmodern textuality in the eighties (Rushdie's Midnight's Children, Barnes' A History of the World in 101/2 Chapters, Winterson's Sexing the Cherry, Auster's Moon Palace. etc.) In the last third of the course we will turn to more recent narratives which expand our understanding of the term, particularly in regard to the increasingly complicated relationships between literary, film and television cultures (Ondaatje's The English Patient, Tarantino's Pulp Fiction, Wallace's The Girl With Curious Hair, Amis' The Information). In addition to these titles there will be a substantial course packet that will include relevant theoretical material.

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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