現代主義與個人(文類課:小說)

Virginia Woolf famously wrote that “on or about December 1910, human character changed.” In her view, what made modernist literature so important, exciting, and experimental—her own works, alongside those of figures like James Joyce, T.S. Eliot, and others—was their uncompromising quest for new ways to express this new human character. Many have followed Woolf in considering the masterpieces of modernism as responses to the changes of the modern age: new ideas about psychology and the inner experience of the individual, particularly in response to war, technological innovation, and an increasingly complex and urban world. In this graduate seminar survey of modernist literature, we shall spend time tracing the links Woolf emphasized—links between modernist literature and such developments as literary impressionism, modernist visual art, depth psychology, and psychoanalysis. But, at the same time, we will also investigate another modernist tradition—one that seeks to undo the binds holding literature to the integral representation of character, emotion and psychology, the individual, and inner experience. Along the way, we shall also consider how modernist literature registers the effects of an ever-changing historical reality. Undergraduate students are also welcome; they may choose to turn in a final paper (8–10 pages) or take a final examination. The syllabus is subject to revision at the discretion of the instructor.

Course open to graduate students and advanced undergraduate DFLL students. Students should have advanced proficiency in reading, writing, and oral communication in English.

Seminar (dialogue, student presentations, lecture, discussion). Final presentations will be overviews of final research papers. Attendance is necessary but not sufficient for success in this class. Active participation is mandatory; otherwise, your grade will suffer. No cell phones or electronic devices are allowed during classroom discussions. Leading Discussion: Every student will lead the discussion of our texts at least once per semester. When it is your turn, please prepare 3–5 questions or observations, along with relevant quotations.

Grading 1. Attendance and Participation (including Leading Discussion): 25% 2. Midterm Examination: 25% 3. Presentation: 25% 4. Final Paper (based on presentation): 25% Two points will be subtracted from final grade for every unexcused absence. Makeup work for excused absences may be required.

Required: Becket, Samuel. Murphy Joyce, James. Dubliners Woolf, Virginia. Mrs. Dalloway [Where possible, online copies of reading materials will be made available.]

時間

Wednesdays by appointment

聯絡方式

cfs.creasy@gmail.com