Why do we call some writing “literature”? What makes us label something “art”? Why are art and literature important?
These are all questions we will seek to answer this semester in ENGL 262G: The Art of Literature, as we refine our close reading skills, encounter new critical lenses, and explore what lies ‘beyond the book.’
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Why study art and literature? Neil deGrasse Tyson has a bit to say on the matter:
This is a safe space
Throughout the semester, we will explore texts that address challenging subject matter and themes. It is of the utmost importance that we approach these texts with an open mind and respect.
Inappropriate language, imagery, discussions, etc., will not be tolerated.
ENGL 262G Watchlist:
Now Reading
This Week…
Date
October 23th
Lesson
Sula and Sister Outsider: Literature Through Different Lenses
In addition to finishing Sula, you will read 3 selected essays (and the introduction) of Audre Lorde’s Sister Outsider:
- The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action
- Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power
- Eye to Eye: Black Woman, Hatred, and Anger
- (optional) Man Child: A Black Lesbian Feminist Response
As we move away from formal analysis and close reading-practice, we will be looking at out texts through the ‘lenses’ of different authors and theorists. This week we will focus on Audre Lorde as a prominent Black Feminist theorist; putting her ideas in communication with Toni Morrison’s Sula.
This week, I will assign your second paper prompt. It will be centered around the idea of ‘othering’ that we’ve slowly been introducing these past two classes, so keep in mind our conversations about the ‘other’ as you finish Morrison’s novel!
*Please bring your book to class: we’re going to be comparing some passages to passages from Lorde’s essays.
You do not have to print out the Lorde reading for class.
We will start with the third reading quiz. Also: ~First Draft of Literature Statement Due~
Don’t hesitate to email me if you have any questions/concerns!
~Prof. Arous Nieves
Upcoming Meetings
Comics!!
October 30
Reading:
Fun Home pages 1-54 (bring your book to class!)
Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud
“The Myth of Sisyphus” by Albert Camus
Watch:
Queering the Comic
November 6
** Reading Quiz 4
Reading:
Fun Home pages 54-150
Epistemology of the Closet by Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick
“Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence” by Adrianne Rich
Listen (optional):
Alison Bechdel on the Gender Reveal podcastLinks to an external site.
Fun Home cont.
November 13
** Reading Quiz 5
Reading:
Fun Home pages 150-232
(Optional) Listen:
Fun Home: A New Musical Links to an external site.
*Paper 2 Due November 15th
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the blog ‘work’?
Each week, 3 people will respond to the blog prompt of the week in 500 words or more. Everyone else will need to leave at least one thoughtful comment of 100 words or more. All posts should be uploaded to the site by 11:59 p.m. on the Thursday before class. All commenters should post their replies by the following Monday.
How do I post?
First, you must make sure that you accept the invitation to be a blog author that was sent to your UMB email. Once an author, you will see a plus sign (+) with the word “New” at the top of the screen. Click the plus sign and select “post.” Once you are ready to publish your post, you will open the sidebar and click on the “categories” drop-down menu. Select the discussion number you are responding to, and press the blue “Publish” button in the top right corner!
Why isn’t my comment showing up?
All comments must be approved by me before they’re made public! I try to review each comment within 24 hours of them being submitted.
Content Warnings?
The texts we will read this semester deal with some heavy, sensitive topics, including depictions of violence, racism, suicide, etc. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the instructor directly.
