Spring 2004

WGS 345 • ON ROAD: HOMER TO COEN BROS

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to examine this impulse to "go on a journey" in literary texts from several different cultures, periods, and authors (both male and female). We will study both the motivational and formal aspects of this literary and cinematic genre, and consider accounts of both real and fictional voyages. A prime focus of the course will be on the evolving relationships between travelers and their guides and companions. Why do the protagonists of older travel narratives have guides and the travelers of later ones companions? What purpose do the guides and companions serve, and how do the developing relationships with the protagonist traveler affect the course of the journey? Is the journey made more meaningful by the presence of a guide or companion? How gender affects travel writing and travel relationships will be a key focus as well: to the greatest extent possible, travel narratives by men will be paired with comparable accounts by women.

Grading Policy

Six 3-page essays: 84% Participation: 16%

Texts

Homer, The Odyssey of Homer Jane Rawlings, The Penelopeia Dante, The Inferno Voltaire, Candide Kerouac, On the Road Jhumpa Lahiri, Namesake

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