American Studies 351rc - Topics on Writing about American Society-Owning It: Race, Class, and Complicity in American

T-Race, Class, Complicity

Fall
2025
01
4.00
Eula Biss

TU 1:20 PM - 4:00 PM

Smith College
AMS-351rc-01-202601
Seelye 304
ebiss@smith.edu
ENG 384rc-01, AMS 351rc-01
Offered as ENG 384rc and AMS 351rc. This nonfiction writing seminar uses the concept of ownership as an entry point for artful explorations of the social landscape. Writing in the essayistic tradition of James Baldwin and Joan Didion, the course interprets “ownership” broadly, including the literal ownership of property and the metaphorical ownership of a national identity, a self, and a narrative. Students' work is informed by visits to special collections, the art museum, and the botanic garden, while also incorporating personal experience. Students study the techniques of innovative essayists writing on various aspects of ownership, including this country’s history of holding people as property. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. (E)

[CE] JR/SR only

Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.
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