English 313 - Seminar: Literature Under Late Capitalism

Sem: Lit Under Late Capitalism

Fall
2025
01
4.00
Torleif Persson

TH 1:20 PM - 4:00 PM

Smith College
ENG-313-01-202601
Seelye 304
tpersson@smith.edu
What is the relationship between artistic creation and the economic, social, political and technological conditions broadly associated with late capitalism? How do contemporary artists reckon with increasing economic instability and inequality and the deadening impersonality and inhumanity of the workplace? As capitalism continues to encroach on daily life, what space remains for resistance, for imagining a future that is otherwise, for finding meaning and purpose? By reading key theoretical texts about late capitalism and neoliberalism alongside fictional works such as Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games and Ling Ma’s Severance, this course queries art’s capacity to engage with late capitalist society and produce anti-capitalist critique. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required.

[CE] JR/SR only

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