COURSE DESCRIPTION

Examines the tradition of Southern Literature with emphasis on what distinguishes it from mainstream American Literature. Lecture 3 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

To examine the themes and techniques of selected writers dealing with the American South as a distinctive cultural entity. Involves critical reading and writing.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

Prerequisites are ENG 112, ENG 125 or division approval.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:

A. recognize and name major Southern writers studied

B. identify and distinguish characteristics of Southern literature

C. trace the historical development of Southern literature

D. identify significant themes occurring in Southern literature

This course will cover selected topics from the following:

A. Characteristic themes in Southern literature: Civil War, slavery, race, family, land, history, class

B. Southern character types: belle, the gentleman, the hysterical "spinster," "crazy" people, black stereotypes

C. Literary techniques: narrative voice, dialect, plot structure

D. Significant Southern writers: Frederick Douglas, Sidney Lanier, George Washington Cable, William Byrd, William Faulkner, Flannery O'Connor, Jean Toomer, Eudora Welty, Tennessee Williams, Walker Percy, Peter Taylor, Reynolds Price, Alice Walker, Kaye Gibbons, and J. California Cooper