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2016　Graduate Lecture in Culture and Arts S1B

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Academic unit or major
Graduate major in Social and Human Sciences
Instructor(s)
Uenishi Tetsuo 
Class Format
Lecture     
Media-enhanced courses
Day/Period(Room No.)
Wed3-4(W331)  
Group
-
Course number
SHS.U442
Credits
1
Academic year
2016
Offered quarter
2Q
Syllabus updated
2016/12/14
Lecture notes updated
-
Language used
Japanese
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Course description and aims

In this course we will read research articles on "cities", which have lately been the subject of attention in the literature of William Faulkner, who as an eminent American author is always a popular subject of research discussions in American literary research. We will critically read relevant chapters from past representative research texts, and articles published recently in American academic journals on this topic, working out the main points, extracting points of contention, and examining them. In particular we will look on urban symbols in Sanctuary (1931), which stands out among Faulkner's oeuvre for its urban symbols, and examine how this discussion functions.

Urban theory is actually not a new topic in literary research, but until very recently it was rare to approach Faulkner's oeuvre, with its many works that take place in Southern rural areas, from an urban perspective. This discussion is thus the newest and most advanced in Faulkner research. We will virtually enter the latest and most advanced discussion in American literary research, getting experience with the terminology, ideas, and research methods used by advanced researchers. We will finally construct an original, controversial discussion that challenges the discussions read in class.

Student learning outcomes

Students will learn the following knowledge and skills in this course.
- Neatly organize content from advanced discussions, searching out controversial points.
- Learn terminology, ideas, and analysis methods for advanced American literary research
- Create your own views on modernism in American literature and Faulkner literature, especially Sanctuary.
- Construct a unique discussion that takes on the challenge of advanced research.

Keywords

The United States, American literature, William Faulkner, City

Competencies that will be developed

✔ Specialist skills ✔ Intercultural skills ✔ Communication skills ✔ Critical thinking skills ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

(1) Q & A session held at the beginning of each class will provide a review of the previous class and preparation for the present class. (2) Students are supposed to prepare points of argument to raise and discuss in every class. (3) At the end of the course students write a paper that critiques some of the arguments they have read.

Course schedule/Required learning

  Course schedule Required learning
Class 1 Explanation of lesson plans/ Going over William Faulkner literature/ Going over cities in literature We will carefully read the chapter "Faulkner's Two Cities" from On the Prejudices, Predilections, and Firm Beliefs of William Faulkner, by Cleanth Brooks.
Class 2 Summarize and comprehend the argument of “Faulkner’s Two Cities” in On the Prejudices, Predilections, and Firm Beliefs of William Faulkner Summarize and pick up the principal points of argument made by Brooks on Sanctuary
Class 3 Discuss and criticize Brooks’s arguments on Sanctuary Lurie of Faulkner Journal Spring 2012, Vol. 26 Issue 1.
Class 4 Summarize and comprehend the argument about “Introduction” by Peter Lurie in Faulkner Journal Spring 2012, Vol. 26 Issue 1. Read closely “The City Specter” by Anne Hirsch Moffitt in Faulkner Journal Spring 2012, Vol. 26 Issue 1.
Class 5 Summarize and comprehend the argument made about “The City Specter” by Anne Hirsch Moffitt in Faulkner Journal Spring 2012, Vol. 26 Issue 1. Pick up the principal points of argument, especially in terms of Sanctuary, in “The City Specter” by Anne Hirsch Moffitt in Faulkner Journal Spring 2012, Vol. 26 Issue 1.
Class 6 Each student will provide points of argument from chapters 19-24 of Sanctuary and discuss them. Read closely “Same As A Nigger On An Excursion” by Cheryl Lester in Faulkner Journal Spring 2012, Vol. 26 Issue 1.
Class 7 Summarize the discussion by Cheryl Lester on "Same As A Nigger On An Excursion" from Faulkner Journal Spring 2012, Vol. 26 Issue 1. Pick up the principal points of argument, especially in terms of Sanctuary, in “Same As A Nigger On An Excursion” by Cheryl Lester in Faulkner Journal Spring 2012, Vol. 26 Issue 1.
Class 8 Discuss and criticize “The City Specter” by Anne Hirsch Moffitt in Faulkner Journal Spring 2012, Vol. 26 Issue 1 Create discussion on the topic of cities in Sanctuary.

Textbook(s)

Brooks, Cleanth. On the Prejudices, Predilections, and Firm Beliefs of William Faulkner (Louisiana State U. P. 1987)
Faulkner Journal Spring 2012, Vol. 26 Issue 1　

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Useful sources will be referred to as necessary.

Assessment criteria and methods

Assignment:30% Class participation: 30% Final paper: 40%

Related courses

  • Graduate Lecture in Culture and Art S1A

Prerequisites (i.e., required knowledge, skills, courses, etc.)

Familiar to fundamental knowledge of American literary history and the text of Sanctuary by William Faulkner. （If you are not sure, you can consult the instructor about the matter.)

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