English N125E

Book List

Please see the course description.

Other Readings and Media

Reader (assorted essays on theory of the novel), available from Copy Central, 2560 Bancroft Way, 848-8649.

Description

The Pulitzer Prize in Fiction is awarded for “distinguished fiction by an American author, preferably dealing with American life.”  In this course, we will read a selection of the most recent (2007-2014) Pulitzer Prize-winning novels.  In addition to examining narrative form and literary style, we will consider cultural and historical contexts and thematic resonances.  We will discuss the trends in types of topics and styles selected for the Pulitzer as well.

Required Course Work:  Paper #1 (3-5 pages): 30%; Paper #2 (5-7 pages): 30%; Participation, In-class Writing: 20%; final exam: 20%

Required Texts (selected Pulitzer Prize-winning novels, in chronological order; no Prize awarded in 2012):  McCarthy, Cormac:The Road (2007); Diaz, Junot: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (2008); Egan, Jennifer:  A Visit from the Goon Squad (2011); Johnson, Adam: The Orphan Master's Son (2013); Tartt, Donna: The Goldfinch (2014)

Please note:  We are reading only five novels because two of them are very long (almost 500 pages and almost 800 pages). Please start reading these before the course begins. 

This course will be taught in Session D, from July 6 to August 13.