Fall 2004

E 356 • The European Novel

Course Description

“European novel”: is the formula a redundancy, or the description of but one historical, continental subset of a modern genre of world literature? This course will examine both the “roots” of the novel in European literary history and the changing parameters of “Europe” over the last several centuries. Colonialism, social upheaval and political revolution, the formation of modern states in the 19th century, world wars, and the controversial consolidation of the European Union in the last decades of the 20th century will provide the background and premises for our readings of a selection of European novels, both classical and contemporary.

Grading Policy

The class will be conducted as much as possible as a seminar and participation and attendance are required (that is, attendance will be taken and absences penalized). In addition to readings (and occasional quizzes--as/if required), writing assignments will include two research assignments, one written panel presentation, a final paper prospectus, and the final paper itself. All writing assignments are due on the date indicated on the syllabus and late submissions will be penalized.

2 research assignments (750 wds each = 1500 wds)
1 panel presentation (750 wds)
1 paper proposal (750 wds)
Final paper (1800-2400 wds)
= 75% of final grade

The other 25% is class attendance and participation.

Texts

Victor Hugo, Notre Dame of Paris
Jules Verne, Around the World in Eighty Days
Joseph Conrad, The Secret Agent
Thomas Mann, Death in Venice
Marcel Proust, Swann’s Way
Alfred Döblin, Berlin Alexanderplatz: The Story of Franz Biberkopf
Additional readings: electronic and Xerox (available at Jenn’s)

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