U.S. Fiction of the 1970s
This course will examine an under-studied and often misunderstood era in U.S. fiction, asking what kinds of traditions the great writers of the 1970s tapped into, what literary experiments they performed, and why. I will point us to some necessary historical background (on the Vietnam War, on countercultural legacies, on racial relations, on Nixon, etc.), but our main object of curiosity will be the undercurrents of paranoia, disillusionment, and “feel” for the times that these textual artifacts effect. It should be, like all deep reading experiences, a great adventure. Students will participate in discussions and write two analytical essays, each about 1500 words in length, and a final exam. Texts will include: Joan Didion, “Slouching Towards Bethlehem” and “The White Album” (essays); Don DeLillo, End Zone; Toni Morrison, Song of Solomon; Octavia Butler, Kindred; Tim O’Brien, Going After Cacciato; and Joan Didion, Democracy.