Best-sellers

Study of seven novels published within the last decade that have enjoyed broad success with reading publics in different places. What pleasures of thought and imagination do we derive from these books, and how can we express clearly our responses? What is the appeal of these best-sellers first to their home audience, then to readers in other social environments and cultures? How may we reshape our own horizons of thought in order to appreciate them? Students will be encouraged to develop their skills of literary analysis, interpretation, and critical discussion. Two lectures and one discussion section per week. Several short papers, quizzes, and a final exam.