Modern American literature

Read and discuss a range of modern American prose and poetry from the 1960's onwards, set within their historical and political context, including Capote's 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', Ginsberg, Plath, Didion,Walker, Auster and Franzen. NB: This course will have a half term break.

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Key course information

Dates
22/09/11 - 15/12/11

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
12 weeks

Time
18:00 - 19:30

Fees
Full fee: £94
Senior fee: £94
Concession: £27

Venue
EC - European College

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Course code
HLT56

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

We consider some of the important works of modern American fiction and poetry from the 1950’s onwards, set within their historical and political context.

What topics will we cover?

Novels, writings and poems of authors who influenced and reflected the many changes in post-war America, including new perspectives on urban culture, the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, counter culture, the second ‘wave of feminism’ in the 1970’s, post modern noir of the 1980’s and a look at contemporary fiction. Writers include Truman Capote, Alan Ginsberg, Sylvia Plath, Joan Didion, Alice Walker, Paul Auster and Jonathan Franzen.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Extend your reading of the modern American novel.
Recognise and respond to the works of the writers
Evaluate and discuss the work in a more informed manner
Identify the works of important poets.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is a course for those who have some experience of literary study and/or who enjoy reading, analysing and discussing literature.
You will need an enthusiasm for reading and discussing a range of texts in large and small groups.
You will be willing and able to do some reading and preparation outside the class.
You will be interested in listening to, and learning from, the responses of other students to the work discussed.
You will have a commitment to developing your analytical skills.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

A mixture of lecture, discussion, group and pair work.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Auster, Paul, New York Trilogy (City of Glass) (Faber & Faber, 2005)
Capote, Truman, Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Penguin Classics, 2000)
Didion, Joan, Play it as it Lays (Farrar Straus Giroux, 2005)
A booklet will be supplied by the tutor with other course readings.
Please bring pens, pencils, paper and a folder for notes and handouts.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.