English 382AN - Advanced Topics in English: 'American Animality'

This course will investigate the representation of nonhuman animals in North American literature and culture over the 200 years. Topics include: the relation of literary animals to racism; reimaginations of animals by writers of color; gender and sexuality; taxidermy and extinction; and experiments in representing animal perspectives. Substantial readings in Animal Studies, Black Studies, feminist and queer theory, environmental humanities, and other fields. Authors and artists may include Octavia Butler, Zora Neale Hurston, Jack London, Alice Munro, Eadweard Muybridge, Jordan Peele, Edgar Allan Poe, Kelly Reichardt, Marshall Saunders, Mark Twain, and Jesmyn Ward.

Course limited to sophomores, juniors and seniors; Prereq: 8 credits in English.