Toil and Trouble: The Literature of Work

Catalog description

In this seminar, we will examine the theme of "work" as it is reflected in fiction and poetry from the 19th through the 21st centuries. "Work" is central to our lives, yet we rarely reflect on it. This seminar will encourage us to think about how "work" affects not only our own lives, but also wider cultural values and social trends. What distinguishes contemporary "work" and workplace dynamics from earlier forms of labor? How does "work" determine economic or social class? Ho do different cultures define the boundaries between "work" and "leisure"? And how do fiction writers depict "work" through the elements of plot, character, setting, and style? Our texts will include poetry, short stories, novels, and films, as well as non-fiction texts and materials from the fields of economics, philosophy, and history. Course requirements include an analytical research paper, a team oral presentation, and both a midterm and final exam, Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisite: Take one course in each group: Group 1 (FCWR 101 or FCWR 111 or WRIT 101 or WRIT 111) and Group 2 (FCWR 151 or FCWR 161 or WRIT 151 or WRIT 161) Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3