ENGL 499 (Section 902, Schedule #36121)
Virginia Commonwealth University
Spring 2018
MW 4:00-5:15pm :: Hibbs 440
Prof. David Golumbia
Office: 324D Hibbs Hall
Spring 2018 Office Hours: MW 3:00-4:00pm; Th 6:00-7:00pm

Senior Seminar: Contemporary Literature & Media

This course surveys a few of the many themes and issues in contemporary media and literature and the theory and criticism written about them. We'll read across a wide range of genres, global cultures, and media forms, focusing in particular on the novel and longer narrative forms, and on material produced within the past 10 or so years. Students will write two 10-page paper (or, optionally, one 20-page paper). Vigorous participation in class discussion is expected.

Texts

Texts for purchase (no specific editions are required)

Media

Assignments and Evaluation

Evaluation will be based on written exercises and course participation as follows:

Course-Specific Policies

Official VCU Policy Statements

Please consult the Provost's official page on topics such as classroom conduct, email, the Honor System, and other important policy issues.

Week-by-Week Syllabus

Week One. Intro

Week Two. Legion

Week Three. Certain Women

Week Four. Her Body and Other Parties

Week Five. Sing, Unburied, Sing

Week Six. Autonomous

Week Seven. Black Panther

Week Eight. Spring Break

Week Nine. Columbus

Week Ten. Exit West

Week Eleven. Homegoing

Week Twelve. No classes

Week Thirteen. Eileen

Week Fourteen. Dear Cyborgs

Week Fifteen. Presentations

Week Sixteen. Presentations

Final paper is due by the end of the final exam period, 6:50pm, Monday, May 7, 2018, per the registrar's exam schedule. The paper should be submitted on Blackboard. No late papers can be accepted for the final paper assignment. There is no other final exam for the course.

Last updated March 17, 2018.