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Academic Year 2003/2004

Living on the American Land: Versions of Pastoral in U.S. Literature & Culture
ENGL 277 FA
Crosslistings:
AMST 210

Americans have often defined themselves in relation to the natural world. This course will begin by looking at influential theories of this relationship. It will then focus on literary representations of the wilderness and the farm, two important sites in the formation of national identity and values. Along the way we will raise questions about rural ideology, utopianism, race and gender in the country, the definition and value of wilderness, and the foundations of U.S. environmentalism.

MAJOR READINGS

Theoretical texts by relationship Leo Marx, Annette Kolodny, Lawrence Buell, among others.

Primary texts by such writers as Jefferson, Crevecoeur, Bartram, Boone, Kirkland, Chesnutt, Garland, Cather, Silko, Thoreau, Nearing, and Smiley.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Frequent short papers and a final project.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This course may be counted as an American Studies Junior Colloquium, but enrollment is not limited to AMST junior majors.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion

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-19-2004

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