Igor Vamos, associate professor of electronic media and culture jammer-- along with Andy Bichlbaum--has premiered their new movie, THE YES MEN. FIX THE WORLD and received media attention for holding a faux news conference on behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Read MoreCourses
LITR-2110,
Introduction to Literature
A study of major literary works that introduces students to basic ideas and terminology in literary criticism. Students learn to read and interpret a selection of novels, plays, poetry, or other forms of writing to be determined each semester by the instructor. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
LITR-2150,
Contemporary Literature
A study of significant works of world literature of the 20th century. Each work provides the student with a concrete experience of some overriding problem of our time--for example, the difficulty of becoming one's self in the modern age. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours
LITR-2310,
The Human Mind in Fiction
Works of literature reflect theories about the human mind. Just as people have vigorously debated theories about the movement of planets in the material world, they have proposed radically different notions of the mental world. All seek to explain emotion, reason, dreams, and memory. Drawing on material from Homeric Greece to 20th-century cyber-culture, this course pairs one psychological explanation of mind with a corresponding literary work. Fall term alternate years. 4 credit hours
LITR-2350,
Shakespeare
A study of the major plays of William Shakespeare, including his comedies, histories, and tragedies. As well as textual discussion, students will have an opportunity to 526 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS view film versions of the dramatic works and to perform or read extracts in class. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
LITR-2360,
The Novel
Study of about seven representative novels. Each book is reviewed as a unique work of art, as an outgrowth of certain traditions, as a mirror of its time, and as an expression of one author's personal vision of human nature and the human condition. Fall term alternate years. 4 credit hours
LITR-2420,
Art of the Film
A survey of selected films whose directors have contributed to the resources of the medium, as well as a study of technical and aesthetic considerations that distinguish film from other arts. Reading assignments in film history, techniques, scripts, and special research projects. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
LITR-2450,
Utopian Literature
An exploration of the use of fiction to propagate ideas about ideal or nightmarish societies. This course examines the artistic techniques employed in this distinct tradition and the unusual interplay between fiction and reality that this popular genre represents. Students work toward the design of their own utopian scheme in short story or other form. Fall term alternate years. 4 credit hours
LITR-2460,
Black Film
A survey of black films of the 20th century and an analysis of the plot, theme, cultural construction, characterization, moral-,philosophical implications, black images, and historical context to black life and national conditions. Offered on availability of instructor. 4 credit hours
LITR-2470,
Study of African-American Literature
This course provides an introduction to black authors and their literary contributions and an analysis of their relationship to black thought and culture. Various forms of literature, such as folk tales, poetry, short story, prose, and essay, will be presented with emphasis on literary style and content as influenced by the social environment of the periods of America's historical development from 1619 to the present. Students will write about these works in class, including a 30-page (typed) critical research paper outside of class. Workshops, lectures, oral reports, and group discussions will be the methodology for each class session. Offered on availability of instructor. 4 credit hours
LITR-2500,
The Short Story
A study of outstanding short stories from 19th-and 20th- century Europe and America, usually including works by such writers as Boccaccio, Flaubert, Chekhov, Borges, Ellison, Faulkner, Hemingway, Chopin, Joyce, Kafka, O'Connor, and Welty. Offered on availability of instructor. 4 credit hours
LITR-2540,
Modern Drama
A survey of the work of modern dramatists such as Shaw, Ibsen, and O'Neill, as well as more contemporary playwrights such as Miller, Williams, Brecht, Beckett, Orton, and Stoppard. Offered on availability of instructor. 4 credit hours
LITR-2770,
Women Writers
A study of works of literature written by women, featuring such writers as Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Emily Bronte, George Eliot, and Virginia Woolf, and including the work of selected contemporary writers. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours
LITR-2940,
Literature Studies
Readings and projects adapted to the needs of individual students. 4 credit hours
LITR-2960,
Topics in Literature
Experimental courses tried out in one or two terms. 4 credit hours
LITR-4150,
Science and Fiction
An exploration of the ongoing dialogue between science/technology and literature through the reading of landmark works about science and fictional works that describe scientific ideas and methods. Topics include artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and cyborgs. Offered alternate years. 4 credit hours
LITR-4210,
Humor, Comedy, and Satire
Readings of literature from various periods in these three modes, including works by classical, renaissance, and contemporary writers. May include film, videos, and audio recordings. Prerequisite: one literature course. Spring term alternate years. 4 credit hours
LITR-4410,
Film Theory
The purpose of this course is to study significant theories of representation that analyze the visual codifications generically called "film." We will examine theories of visual rhetoric and of narrativity; look at the way economic and technological factors have affected the construction of cinematic codes, styles, and trends; examine influential psychoanalytic theories and feminist theories; and consider the ways in which popular films participate in the cultural narratives specific to their moment of production. Prerequisite: any film course or permission of instructor. Offered annually. 4 credit hours
LITR-4450,
Nonwestern Fiction and Film
This course explores the work of indigenous writers and film- makers from the Pacific Islands, Africa, India, and China and considers how local/native, national, and transnational identities are constructed through their voices. The books and films studied deal with immigrant experience, the condition of diaspora, the politically self-conscious invention of a national voice, and critique of 527 LITERATURE the postcolonial nation-state. Prerequisite: any film course or permission of instructor. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
LITR-4960,
Topics in Literature
Experimental courses tried out in one or two terms. 4 credit hours
LITR-6330,
Critical Theory
Focuses on the major philosophical, political, and psychological theories that have shaped literary studies since 1965. Students will be introduced to major theories [including Deconstruction, Psychoanalysis (Freud-Lacan), Marxism, Feminism] and to a series of topics that ask students to integrate two or more of these theories. Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission of instructor. Offered on availability of instructor. 3 credit hours
LITR-6940,
Literature Studies
Readings and projects adapted to the needs of individual students. 3 credit hours
LITR-6960,
Topics in Literature
Experimental courses tried out in one or two terms. 3 credit hours
This is not an official course listing. The official Institute course catalog can be found here.