Course Description

Instructor: Judy Pincus

The disparities in American Life are depicted in short stories, novels and memoir. Variations on the theme of the American Dream developed in literature reveal differences in opportunities relevant to race, social class, and cultural experience. The works show that hopes or dreams for a better life, romance or adventure may lead to loss, disappointment or disaster.

Syllabus: Weekly Readings: (1) "Dream of an Hour" (Chopin) (Review of Elements of Fiction) (2) "Winter Dreams" (Fitzgerald); (3) Goodbye, Columbus (Roth); (4) "A Rose for Emily," (Faulkner) and "Sweat" (Hurston); (5) Brother, I'm Dying (Danticat); (6) "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" (Oates); (7) Black Water (Oates). Books for this class can be ordered from Amazon for less than $40.