English 190

Book List

Doctorow, E. L.: The Book of Daniel; Lethem, J.: Dissident Gardens; Wright, R.: Native Son

Other Readings and Media

Note: Most readings will come in a course packet.  Please do not buy any books unitl after the first class.

Description

This research seminar will explore the impact of economic crisis and systemic transformation on cultural production.  To what extent is culture determined by economic forces, and to what extent is it separate from these forces?  How do moments of crisis open new ways of theorizing culture--expanding or delimiting what we expect culture to accomplish in the world?  To answer these questions, the seminar will focus on the last three major worldwide economic crises--the 1930s, the 1970s, and that which began on or around 2008. We will see how the 1930s witnessed what has been called the “laboring” of American culture, but also the emergence of cultural forms that advanced fascism in Europe. We will see how the 1970s witnessed the emergence of an ostensibly depoliticized “postmodern” culture, but also the promotion of what has come to be known as “multiculturalism.”  Finally, we will explore both the possibilities and limitations brought by the most recent crisis, which for now seems to have metastasized into a “new normal.”  Students will be invited to locate examples of contemporary culture and to relate these to cultural forms and theories from the earlier two decades.

Please read the paragraph on page 2 of the instructions area of this Announcement of Classes for more details about enrolling in or wait-listing for this course.