Edith Wharton and the Art and Science of Fiction
ENGL 294
Spring 2024
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01
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Edith Wharton's prolific literary career coincided with two major developments in the history of fiction: the emergence (associated with Flaubert and Henry James) of the novel as a form of high art, and the rise (associated with Zola and Frank Norris) of the "naturalist" novel and its claim to represent a newly scientific depiction of human life. Although these new schools of fiction have often been thought of as antagonists, Wharton participated enthusiastically in both. In this research seminar, we will consider the ways that Wharton responded to both aestheticism and naturalism and the reasons she considered them appropriate to her depiction of contemporary life--especially in relation to the issues crucial to her fiction of gender, marriage, and sexuality. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA ENGL |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (ENGL)(ENGL-Creative W)(ENGL-Literature) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 75% - 89% |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
major novels of Wharton and select works of contemporaries including Cather, Chopin, Glasgow, James, and Norris, along with influential critical and theoretical statements on naturalist and aestheticism
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Examinations and Assignments:
several short response papers, a research essay, and associated subsidiary assignments (annotated bibliography, survey of critical literature)
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Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course contributes to the fulfillment of ENGL major requirements: American Literature, Literary History 3, Theory, Research Option, elective.
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| Instructor(s): McCann,Sean Times: .M.W... 02:50PM-04:10PM; Location: CRT285; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 19 | | SR major: 10 | JR major: 9 | | |
| Seats Available: 14 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 0 | JR non-major: 0 | SO: 0 | FR: X |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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