English 24

Other Readings and Media

Thoreau, H.D.:  Walden

Description

We will read Thoreau's Walden in small chunks, probably about thirty pages per week.  This will allow us time to dwell upon the complexities of a book that is much more mysterious than those who have read the book casually, or those who have only heard about it, realize.  We will also try to work some with online versions of the books, using the wordsearch command to identify words such as "woodchuck" or "dimple" that reappear frequently, in order to speculate on patterns Thoreau is trying to establish.  Regular attendance and participation, along with a loose five-page essay at the end, are required.

This 1-unit course may not be counted as one of the twelve courses required to complete the English major.