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Academic Year 2002/2003

The Psychological in 20th-Century American Literature Culture
ENGL 347 SP
Crosslistings:
AMST 347

This seminar examines 20th-century U.S. cultural and literary narratives in which the idea of a psychological self is of central importance. In what ways do writers construct specifically "psychological" stories? Can literary works be considered part of the broader history of psychological thought in the U.S.? These are among the questions the seminar will ask to consider how notions of the psychological have informed understandings of self and society in American history.

MAJOR READINGS

William James, PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOLOGY
Henry James, "The Jolly Corner"
Gertrude Stein, THREE LIVES
Eugene O'Neill, STRANGE INTERLUDE
B.F. Skinner, WALDEN TWO
Ann Petry, THE STREET
Betty Friedan, THE FEMININE MYSTIQUE
Sylvia Plath, THE BELL JAR
Toni Morrison, THE BLUEST EYE
David Riesman, THE LONELY CROWD

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

The major assignments for the seminar include two papers, one short mid-semester paper and a final research paper. In addition, each student will be responsible for one class presentation. On select weeks, students will be asked to submit reading responses to the entire group.

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA ENGL    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-18-2003

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