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Intimacy Matters: The Reform Aesthetic in Victorian America AMST 326 Spring 2014 not offered This seminar examines the ways in which popular literature mapped the terrain of social reform in 19th-century America and explores the relationship between narratives grounded in a sentimental aesthetic (one frequently gendered feminine and often produced by women) and the transformation of the radical politics of the antebellum era into the genteel reforms of late Victorianism. Efforts by novelists to reshape popular attitudes and influence public policy toward disadvantaged groups will be juxtaposed to an analysis of the cultural empowerment that the production of such narratives conferred upon both writers and readers. Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS AMST Course Format: Seminar Grading Mode: Graded Level: UGRD Prerequisites: None Fulfills a Requirement for: None Major Readings: Richard Wightman Fox, Trials of Intimacy Lydia Maria Child, Hobomok & Other Writings on Indians Frances E. W. Harper, Iola Leroy Glenn Hendler, Public Sentiments Helen Hunt Jackson, Ramona Harriet Jacobs, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl Stephen Nissenbaum, The Battle for Christmas Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom's Cabin Examinations and Assignments: Attendance at seminar sessions is mandatory. Participation in discussion will be reflected in the final grade. A brief class presentation will be required of each student. Written work: (1) Submit brief responses to assigned readings by noon on the day of the seminar; (2) produce a substantial research paper OR write three shorter papers. Additional Requirements and/or Comments: This seminar meets the both the pre-1900 and the senior seminar requirements for American Studies.

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