Studies in Literature: Photography in the Contemporary Novel
In this course, students analyzed contemporary novels that include embedded photographs and other visual elements. These experimental image-texts required a nuanced approach to examining the relation between pictures and printed words. Themes we addressed included: the author’s role in framing a text; documentary and constructions of “truth”; challenges to the fact/fiction dichotomy; the (re)construction of memory; and innovations in the novel form. We examined how photographs can be used to advance, underscore, and/or disrupt a narrative.
In addition to a formal research paper, a final creative project required students to demonstrate their understanding of key issues raised throughout the semester by creating a short work of fiction. More information about this assignment can be found at the link below.