Most of this course is based on the reading and annotations done at home, so it is essential to read in order to fully contribute to the discussion, the reading will usually be around 50 pages per week. A question that we will consider throughout the semester is: What makes a novel controversial/more approach and mainstream? Throughout the course we will use lectures, in class discussions and two assignments to further our understanding of culture surrounding each of the novels. Novels like, “Lolita,” “Three Strong Women,” are often considered controversial for some of the topics they address, and the crudeness of some the concepts like sexual abuse, migration, and exploitation. A novel like, “The Traveling Cat Chronicles,” touches on sensitive topics like death, but in general is not considered controversial in any way. Since the novels are selected from all over the world, they are going to have differing cultural perspectives, which is essential to consider when looking at what makes a novel controversial. Is the “controversial novel” based on a western values or is it based on a more world wide standard?

Attendance is mandatory unless contacted, there will be a final project or paper of your choice and a few journal assignments throughout the semester.

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