Writing Modern America

What is the course about?

In this in-college course we’ll read five key books that capture the flavour of modern America:
-Philip Roth’s magisterial The Human Stain, published in 2000, a novel that regularly features on lists of the greatest American novels: the story of a brilliant university professor accused of racism, who it turns out is harbouring a secret of his own
-A Visit from the Goon Squad, Jennifer Egan’s 2011 Pulitzer winning, formally adventurous portrait of a generation struggling with the ravages of the passing decades
- Paul Beatty’s 2016 Booker winning The Sell Out, a biting satire on the complexities of race in America today. ‘Outrageous, hilarious and profound” said the FT
- Pulitzer Prize winner, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, by Junot Diaz, the story of a Dominican- American family in New Jersey. " Celebratory and heartbreaking… technically breathtaking, undeniably funny, and filled with an enormous amount of love and heart." (Time Out) .
-Colson Whitehead's 2019 novel The Nickel Boys (a third Pulitzer winner) the powerful story of an attempt to uncover historic abuses at a boys' reform school in Florida, based on actual events. Time named it as one of the best books of the decade.

What will we cover?

Like many Western countries America has undergone a revolution in terms of values, cultures and political controversies over the last few decades. We’ll compare the subject matter of the novels we read together, and the different ways in which writers tell their stories, putting them in the context – historical, cultural, economic – that shaped them. And we’ll see what kind of literary picture emerges as America looks at itself in the mirror.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

Have a grasp of current trends and issues in American fiction
Read books you might not have considered before
Focus on key points when discussing a literary work.

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

No previous knowledge or experience of literature is necessary. However, course members will, ideally, have:
An enthusiasm for reading and discussing a range of texts in large and small groups.
A willingness and ability to do some reading and preparation outside the class.
You will be expected to read the selected novel for each session.
An interest in, and ability to listen to, the responses of other students to the work discussed.

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

In each session there will be a brief introduction by the tutor followed by an informal but focused discussion of the novel. Background reading will be provided.

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

Students should buy or borrow the following:

The Human Stain by Philip Roth (Vintage)
The Brief Happy Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz( Faber and Faber)
A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (Corsair)
The Sell Out by Paul Beatty (Oneworld)
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead (Little, Brown).

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

The tutor is also teaching HLT161 The Golden Age of the British Short Story. Look for other Literature courses on our website, at www.citylit.ac.uk under history,culture & writing/Literature.