Department: English
Description: Comparative study of significant texts of modern global literature.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: grade of C or better in ENG 100; ENG 102
Dates: 08/19/2024 - 12/07/2024
Location: Adlai E. Stevenson Hall 347A (STV 347A)
Instructor: Rebecca Saunders
Class Notes: Course Description: Humans & Other Animals Studying a selection of 20th century works by Czech, Hungarian, Russian, French, Brazilian, South African and North American authors and filmmakers, this course focuses on texts and films that feature a rich variety of animals both human and non-human: from uncannily human apes to disturbingly animalistic humans, to the werewolves in whose fur are buried unspeakable fears and desires, to a host of other insects, dogs, birds, cats, bears and wolves who scuttle, prowl, flutter and lumber through human lives and narratives. We will explore the cultural, thematic and stylistic specificities of each of our texts and films, read a number of theoretical texts by ethologists, philosophers, and cultural theorists, while paying particular attention to: • how symbolic labor is divided by species; • how symbolic animals contrast and compare with literal, embodied ones; • how “animality” attaches to criminal behavior, foreignness and multiple variants of “otherness;” and • how non-human animals have functioned to define the nature of humanity. Note: All books must be purchased in the specified translation or edition. While some texts are available on Kindle, print books are recommended. All books are available through amazon.com or abebooks.com. All other required texts and film links available on Canvas.
Textbook Special Instructions: All books must be purchased in the specified translation or edition. While some texts are available on Kindle, print books are recommended. All books are available through amazon.com or abebooks.com.
Dates: 01/13/2025 - 05/03/2025
Location: Adlai E. Stevenson Hall 350A (STV 350A)
Instructor: Susan Kalter
Textbooks have not been finalized for section.