Time Schedule:
Edward Chamberlain
T LIT 311
Tacoma Campus
Studies major themes addressed by writers in America. Includes topics such as: individualism, identity and community; sex, love and marriage; justice and injustice; industrialization, technology and the city; authenticity and egalitarianism; and race relations. May be repeated for credit with instructor's approval.
Class description
In this course, students will examine how American literature portrays masculinity and identity in the 20th century. Students will consider these topics by reading several genres and critical perspectives. For instance, we will talk about the various ways that critics have viewed masculinity. We also will discuss how masculine ideals, such as heroism have shaped American culture. Additionally, we will reflect on the ways that masculinity intersects with ideas of class, ethnicity, race and sexuality. Likewise, the class will look at unconventional forms of masculinity and masculinity in popular culture. We will contemplate several questions during the course, including: What do books tell us about masculinity? How might texts reinforce or challenge gender norms? Why does masculinity play a major role in popular culture? The class will read the following books: Johnson's The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, Hemingway's In Our Time, Three Plays by Mae West, Okada's No-No Boy and others.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
