English 150

Other Readings and Media

In addition to the books that follow, there will be photocopied readings, e.g. poetry by T. Gunn and R. Hass, essays by J. Cain and E. Wilson, &c.

Chandler, R., The Big Sleep; Dick, P., Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?; Didion, J., Slouching toward Bethlehem; Jeffers, R., Selected Poems; Stegner, W., The Angle of Repose; Steinbeck, J., The Long Valley; West, N., The Day of the Locust.

Description

Besides reading and discussing fiction and poetry with Western settings, and essays attempting to identify or explain distinctive regional characteristics, this course will include consideration of some movies shaped by and shaping conceptions of California.  Depending on enrollment, each student will be responsible for organizing and leading class discussion (probably teamed with another student) once during the semester. Writing will consist of a single term paper of around twenty pages. There will be no quizzes or exams, but seminar attendance and participation will be expected, and will affect grades.

The seminar requirement for the English major may be satisfied by any ONE of the following:  English 100, 150, 150AC, or H195A-B.

Enrollment is limited and a written application is due  BY 4:00 P.M., TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28; be sure to read the paragraph on page 2 of this Announcement of Classes regarding enrollment in English 150!