CLITR 3131 Nineteenth Century American Novel
This course will focus on major nineteenth century American novels and novellas, all of which have now achieved canonical status. In analyzing the novels, we will examine how the novel, as a literary art form, changed over the period, and the factors that informed these changes. We will also consider key themes in the novels that were central to the literature of the period: the importance of nature; the tensions between wilderness and civilization; conflicts between individual versus social and group identity; trust in the goodness of human nature (and suspicion of established tradition and belief); the emergence of a distinct African American and women's literary voice. In addition to the novels themselves, we will read and discuss selected works of literary criticism that provide valuable interpretive perspectives and pose important questions.
Prerequisite
CLITR 1100
Offered
every even Fall semester