Fall 2008

E 372M • American Realism

Course Description

This course will trace the origins and development of Realism as a literary movement and aesthetic strategy in the United States from the 1880s through the turn-of-the-century. Given the radical social changes during this period in gender, racial, and class terms, how did Realism emerge as both symptom and critique of these conditions? What were the features of this new literary aesthetic, and what accounts for the variety of "realisms"? Situating these texts within their social context will be a major feature of this course.

Grading Policy

This is a Substantial Writing Component (SWC) course with major emphasis upon the development of good essay writing skills. Emphasis will be placed upon developing effective writing skills. The course grade will consist of: participation/attendance, including a brief freewriting exercise in every class (10%); a 20-minute oral presentation conducted as part of a three-person team (20%); two thesis summaries of 1 page each AND two peer review reports of 1 page each (5% for each set; 10% total); two mandatory meetings with two essays of 6-8 pages each (50%); two MANDATORY meetings with the SWC mentor before the submission of the two essays (10%).

Texts

Ed, Cadace Ward, Great Short Stories by American Women
Kate Chopin, The Awakening
Stephen Crane, The Open Boat and Other Stories
Paul Laurence Dunbar, The Sport of the Gods
Henry James, Daisy Miller
Sarah Orne Jewett, The Country of the Pointed Firs
Jacob Riis, How the Other Half Lives
Jack London, The Call of the Wild

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