Languages, Literature and Writing   

Athens was the intellectual and artistic center of ancient Greece. A drama festival honoring the god Dionysus was held there every spring; ideas and values presented in those plays have profoundly influenced Western thought. We will read a selection of plays written by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes in their historical context, exploring their structure, themes and enduring significance. Prerequisites: Previous experience with the classics is helpful but not required. Required textbooks: The Complete Aeschylus, Volume I: The Oresteia, eds. Peter Burian and Alan Shapiro (2011), ISBN: 978-0199753635; Oedipus Tyrannus by Sophocles, trans. Peter Meineck and Paul Woodruff (2000), ISBN: 978-0872204928; Medea by Euripides, trans. Diane Svarlien (2008), ISBN: 978-0872209237; and Lysistrata by Aristophanes, trans. Sarah Ruden (2003), ISBN: 978-0872206038.

We will watch and discuss films featuring political crime and corruption, and compare them with their source material. Prerequisites: Participants must have a working email. Note: Films will be close-captioned. Recommended textbooks (any edition): All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren (1947); Absolute Power by David Baldacci (1996); Wag the Dog by Larry Beinhart (1993); and All the President's Men by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward (1974).

In his Booker Prize-winning novel, Canadian author Michael Ondaatje (born 1943) takes the reader from ancient Greece, Egypt and the Italian Renaissance to World War II and questions the concept of civilization, how nations divide and destroy each other, and the human need to make sense of the world’s madness. We will focus on this work of metafiction with its rich references to art, history and literature through close reading and watching clips from the Oscar-winning film. Required textbook: The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje (1992), ISBN: 978-0679745204.

Although Mark Twain (1835-1910), America’s greatest humorist, is best known as a novelist, his short stories are equally brilliant gems of humor and satire. They include tall tales of the American West, literary hoaxes, spoofs of bureaucracy and married life, and biting satires of greed and organized religion. Each week, before class we will read a few stories then discuss them in class, focusing on the targets, techniques and tone of Twain’s humor and satire. Required textbook: The Complete Short Stories of Mark Twain, ed. Charles Neider, ISBN: 978-0553211955.

Centuries after she lived, Jane Austen (1775-1817) still captures our imaginations. We will read one of her earliest works, Lady Susan, an epistolary novella, and her last novel, Persuasion; examine the arc of her writing life; view several films; and consider whether she was a conformist or subversive author. Note: The instructor will provide links to additional online materials. Required textbooks (both by Jane Austen; any edition): Lady Susan (circa 1794) and Persuasion (1817).

After centuries of silence, in the 1950s writers from sub-Saharan Africa began producing some of the most profound fiction of the century, shining light on the lives and history of this region. We will examine the work of five pioneer authors and explore why they deserve to be better known. Prerequisites: To participate in this discussion-based course, participants should read the texts and come prepared to discuss them. Required textbooks: Weep Not, Child by Ngũgĩi wa Thiong’o (1964), ISBN: 978-0143106692; The Palm-Wine Drinkard by Amos Tutuola (1952), 978-0802164018; Xala by Ousmane Sembène (1973), ISBN: 978-0882080680; A Walk in the Night and Other Stories by Alex La Guma (1962), ISBN: 978-0810101395; and July’s ‎People by Nadine Gordimer (1981), ISBN: 978-0140061406.

We will examine texts by queer authors from a diversity of backgrounds. We will grapple with questions such as: What, if anything, does an affiliation with a queer-identified label suggest about an author's writing? How do race and ethnicity impact queer writers, characters and social movements? What impact does social class have on representations of queer identity? Note: Additional readings will be emailed to participants. Required textbooks (any edition): On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong (2019); and Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin (1956).

Ekphrastic poems are vivid, imaginative descriptions or interpretations of visual art—such as paintings, sculptures or photographs—that amplify, analyze or reimagine its meaning. These poems often explore a personal experience with the artwork and allow the writer to converse with, interrogate or bring life to static scenes. We will discuss, compose and share ekphrastic poems, and have fun in the process. Prerequisites: Experience with poetry- or prose-writing is helpful but not necessary.

Ekphrastic poems are vivid, imaginative descriptions or interpretations of visual art—such as paintings, sculptures or photographs—that amplify, analyze or reimagine its meaning. These poems often explore a personal experience with the artwork and allow the writer to converse with, interrogate or bring life to static scenes. We will discuss, compose and share ekphrastic poems, and have fun in the process. Prerequisites: Experience with poetry- or prose-writing is helpful but not necessary.

Eudora Welty (1909-2001) is recognized as a true master of the short story. We will read and discuss 16 of her works, some well known and others lesser known. Required textbook: The Collected Stories of Eudora Welty (2019), ISBN: 978-1328625649.

Nobel Prize winner William Faulkner (1897-1962) was one of the most important U.S. writers of the 20th century. We will read and discuss many of his short stories, emphasizing their relationship to his overall body of work. Note: Participants should read “Monk,” “Tomorrow” and “Knight's Gambit” in the textbook before the first class. Required textbook: Faulkner: Stories (2023), ed. Theresa Towner, ISBN: 978-1598537529.

In his last two novels, Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) shocked Victorian readers with his frank depictions of sexuality and attacks on social class, religion and marriage. We will bring our sensibilities as modern readers to Tess of the D’Urbervilles: A Pure Woman and Jude the Obscure, two moving but challenging novels, to see whether they still have the capacity to affect and shock us. Prerequisites: Participants must be willing to read carefully and engage in discussion. Required textbooks (both by Thomas Hardy): Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1891), ISBN: 978-0141439594; and Jude the Obscure (1895), ISBN: 978-0140435382.

Americans are enthralled with cross-country excursions, so much so that the transcontinental journey has become a common framework for travel writing. Early explorers, literary figures, adventurers and journalists alike have composed accounts of the social, cultural and political geographies they have experienced. From Lewis and Clark to John Muir and William Least Heat Moon, we will explore the varied observations of U.S. travels in prose. Note: Suggested readings will be emailed to participants by the instructor.

Writing stories of our lives and gathering with others to share them can be a magical experience. The results are often building camaraderie, lasting friendships and, of course, wonderful stories written and heard. We will write short stories that capture meaningful experiences, memories and relationships. There will be no writing instruction; we will improve our writing by sharing words, listening to others’ stories and hearing how our writing inspires each other. Our goal is simple: to continue to enjoy both writing and sharing stories with others.