ENGL 680 Realism and Sentimentalism in American Literature

the famous rabbit-duck picture Gregory Eiselein

`William Dean Howells`

ENGL 680 Realism and Sentimentalism in American Literature

Eisenhower Hall 219 | MWF 11:30 a.m. | Fall 2007

Course Description

With their roots in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century philosophy and science, realism and sentimentalism emerged in nineteenth-century as two of the most popular and enduring styles in American literary history. Their critical reputations have waxed and waned from the advent of modernism and its successor, postmodernism, but realism and sentimentalism remain beloved and widespread throughout contemporary literature, entertainment, and the arts. At the heart of both of these genres are fascinating questions about mimesis, emotion, politics, class, race, and gender.

This course examines some of the key sentimental and realistic texts from the eighteenth century to the present, and the reading will include Stowe, Rowson, Jacobs, Howells, Steinbeck, and Wright. The course will conclude with attention to the autobiographer Piri Thomas and the novelist Amy Tan. Along the way, we will explore various theories and definitions of realism and sentimentalism, texts that challenge the distinction between the two styles, and the ever-changing critical standing of sentimentalism and realism among academic and popular audiences.

Course Goals

When you finish ENGL 680: Realism and Sentimentalism in American Literature, you should be able to do the following:

Demonstrate a broad and deep understanding of realist and sentimental literature in the United States.
Generate thoughtful critical interpretations of specific realist and sentimental texts, paying attention to formal, aesthetic, historical, and cultural features.
Discuss realist and sentimental literature in an intelligent, informed, and persuasive manner.
Explain to others the meaning, significance, and value of specific realist and sentimental texts.
Demonstrate a familiarity with literary criticism and theory on realist and sentimental literature in the United States.
Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts and problems in the definition of realism and sentimentalism.
Research and write a persuasive critical essay on realism and sentimentalism in American literature, an essay that is carefully researched and aware of its relationship to previous scholarship on these authors.

This course also aims to intensify students' proficiency in the skills at the heart of a liberal education: the ability to reason, think critically, communicate effectively, and appreciate excellent writing and thinking.

Class Communication

Contact the instructor:

Telephone: 532-0386
E-Mail: eiselei@ksu.edu
Office Visit: Drop by ECS 108C during office hours (MWF 10:30-11:20, Tue 12:00-1:00) or set up an appointment

Post to the course listerv:

E-Mail: realsent-l@ksu.edu

Important Information: Syllabus | Schedule

Major Papers: Paper 1: Comparative Analysis | Paper 2: Joining a Conversation on Realism and/or Sentimentalism in American Literature | Alternative Paper Assignment

Examination Review: Review for Midterm Examination | Review for Final Examination