9:30-10:45A   TR   BH 244

We will examine a variety of works, ranging from 16th-century poetry to
modern fiction, film, and contemporary advertising.  Our close engagement
with texts will lead us to raise questions concerning the ways in which
texts ask to be read and the ways in which we as a group and as
individuals arrive at an understanding or interpretation of what we read.

Some of the questions we will address include:  What constitutes a valid
response?  How are some responses better than others?  How do an author's
real or perceived intentions influence our readings?  How might the
reader's reenactments of a text distance her or him from the author's
intentions?  What are the referential powers of literature?  How might
literature deepen our sense of self and our place in the world?  What
claims to "truth" (if any) does literature make?  How do we distinguish
between "dumb" and "smart" texts, good and bad literature?  To what extent
do texts rely on other, preexisting texts to create meaning?  In what ways
do particular texts give us pleasure or pain?

Required texts will probably include: The Norton Anthology of Poetry,
Joyce's Dubliners, Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried, and Yusef
Komanyakaa's Neon Vernacular.

Since this will be a discussion class, full participation and regular
attendance is essential.  Throughout the semester, students will be asked
to write several brief papers (of about 2-4 pages), to offer oral
presentations, and to perform various writing activities in class.  The
final exam will be in the form of an out-of-class essay.  I'll be pleased
to talk with anyone about the course.