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ENG 3403 One Major Writer – Samuel R. Delany: Science Fiction and the City Credit Hours: 3 credits (3 hours) Prerequisite: ENG 1121 Course Description In this course we will examine the life and work of one of America’s great science fiction writers, Samuel R. Delany, Jr. This course will provide an introduction to Delany’s writing in science fiction and other genres, and we will examine the literary, cultural, and historical influences behind his writing. Students will investigate Delany’s conception of science fiction and fantasy as “paraliterary” genres, as forms of writing which have often been constructed by academic critics as outside, beyond, or beneath, proper “literary” fiction. We will consider Delany’s role in the development of Afrofuturism, a field comprised of black artists whose work engages with themes of science fiction, fantasy, speculation and futurism (in visual art, literature, music, film and other media). Delany has also won awards for his writing on LGBTQ issues and the HIV/AIDS crisis, and often depicts transgressive sexuality in his work. His work serves as an important record of queer life before and after Stonewall, and he was one of the earliest fiction writers documenting the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The texts assigned for this course represent a cross-section of Delany’s writing in science fiction, literary fiction, memoir, cultural studies and criticism. In particular we will focus on Delany’s contributions to science fiction, and the significance of his hometown, New York City, in his writing. (Profile picture: Painting of the author by Mia Wolff. From Bread and Wine by Samuel R. Delany)

ENG 3403 One Major Writer – Samuel R. Delany: Science Fiction and the City Credit Hours: 3 credits (3 hours) Prerequisite: ENG 1121 Course Description In this course we will examine the life and work of one of America’s great science fiction writers, Samuel R. Delany, Jr. This course will provide an introduction to Delany’s writing in science fiction and other genres, and we will examine the literary, cultural, and historical influences behind his writing. Students will investigate Delany’s conception of science fiction and fantasy as “paraliterary” genres, as forms of writing which have often been constructed by academic critics as outside, beyond, or beneath, proper “literary” fiction. We will consider Delany’s role in the development of Afrofuturism, a field comprised of black artists whose work engages with themes of science fiction, fantasy, speculation and futurism (in visual art, literature, music, film and other media). Delany has also won awards for his writing on LGBTQ issues and the HIV/AIDS crisis, and often depicts transgressive sexuality in his work. His work serves as an important record of queer life before and after Stonewall, and he was one of the earliest fiction writers documenting the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The texts assigned for this course represent a cross-section of Delany’s writing in science fiction, literary fiction, memoir, cultural studies and criticism. In particular we will focus on Delany’s contributions to science fiction, and the significance of his hometown, New York City, in his writing. (Profile picture: Painting of the author by Mia Wolff. From Bread and Wine by Samuel R. Delany)

American Literature I American Literature I is a survey of American Literature from the origins of the nation to 1865. In this course we will interrogate the very concept of an “American” Literature, and explore some of the theoretical and historical questions about what defines the nation, its writing and its traditions. There are many possible texts to choose from in this designated period, so our reading will necessarily be selective. Historically, we will begin with the early days of the Republic and continue through the Civil War (and beyond). In particular we will spend quite a bit of time discussing the institution of chattel slavery, the importance of slave labor in the global economic market during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, the struggle over abolition that led up to the Civil War, and the importance of race in the formation of American citizenship and identity. By reading a short list of selected authors, writing about their work, and discussing this work together in class, it is my hope that you will come away from this class with a better understanding of American literature and the complex history of the nation in which this body of work was produced.

American Literature I American Literature I is a survey of American Literature from the origins of the nation to 1865. In this course we will interrogate the very concept of an “American” Literature, and explore some of the theoretical and historical questions about what defines the nation, its writing and its traditions. There are many possible texts to choose from in this designated period, so our reading will necessarily be selective. Historically, we will begin with the early days of the Republic and continue through the Civil War (and beyond). In particular we will spend quite a bit of time discussing the institution of chattel slavery, the importance of slave labor in the global economic market during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, the struggle over abolition that led up to the Civil War, and the importance of race in the formation of American citizenship and identity. By reading a short list of selected authors, writing about their work, and discussing this work together in class, it is my hope that you will come away from this class with a better understanding of American literature and the complex history of the nation in which this body of work was produced.

Reading and Writing About New York City This is a writing intensive course designed to strengthen your ability to read critically, and to be effective in written communication. Over the course of this term we will study numerous essays, stories and films related to the history of New York City. Studying these works will help you to develop your own ideas and improve your writing skills. You will write several short essays, and one longer research essay. These projects will help you to develop research writing skills such as building an argument, referring to other texts, using secondary material effectively, and mastering the mechanics of quoting, citing, and documenting sources. The main readings from the course will come from The Place Where We Dwell, an excellent anthology with writings about the city of New York from a diverse range of writers in many different genres and disciplines. These readings will be supplemented with film clips, websites and handouts. It is my hope that this class will help you to develop valuable skills in written communication and research methodology, while also giving you a greater appreciation for the rich history and culture of the city around you.

Reading and Writing About New York City This is a writing intensive course designed to strengthen your ability to read critically, and to be effective in written communication. Over the course of this term we will study numerous essays, stories and films related to the history of New York City. Studying these works will help you to develop your own ideas and improve your writing skills. You will write several short essays, and one longer research essay. These projects will help you to develop research writing skills such as building an argument, referring to other texts, using secondary material effectively, and mastering the mechanics of quoting, citing, and documenting sources. The main readings from the course will come from The Place Where We Dwell, an excellent anthology with writings about the city of New York from a diverse range of writers in many different genres and disciplines. These readings will be supplemented with film clips, websites and handouts. It is my hope that this class will help you to develop valuable skills in written communication and research methodology, while also giving you a greater appreciation for the rich history and culture of the city around you.

American Literature I

American Literature I

Literature, Composition and the University

Literature, Composition and the University