ENGL 585 (01) - Introduction to Women in Literature

Intro to Women in Literature

Durham   Liberal Arts :: English
Credits: 4.0
Term: Spring 2023 - Full Term (01/24/2023 - 05/08/2023)
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Class Size:   30  
CRN: 56225
The goal of this course is to examine women's roles in literary traditions, including women as authors and women as characters. We interrogate categories of sex, gender, and sexuality as they intersect with other categories of identity including race, class, and nation. Specific topics differ each semester according to the individual instructor. Recent semesters have included "Jewish Women Writers" and "Female Authors of the Mystery Novel". May be repeated for credit, barring duplication of topic.
Registration Approval Required. Contact Instructor or Academic Department for permission then register through Webcat.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.
Equivalent(s): ENGL 585H, ENGL 585R
Attributes: Writing Intensive Course
Instructors: Brigitte Bailey

Times & Locations

Start Date End Date Days Time Location
1/24/2023 5/8/2023 MW 2:10pm - 3:30pm HS 332
Additional Course Details: 

Spring 2023 Special Topic: Intro to Women in Literature; Women Writers on the Edge

In this section of ENGL 585, we’ll read fiction by 19th and 20th-century women writers who imagine characters at the margins of their social worlds. 19th-century novels may include Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Julia Ward Howe’s The Hermaphrodite, and Harriet Wilson’s Our Nig. 20th-century novels may range from Nella Larsen’s Passing to Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale to either Toni Morrison’s Beloved or Octavia Butler’s Kindred--or perhaps her Parable of the Sower. We’ll also read some short stories and short nonfiction theorizing by women contemporaries of these authors. ENGL 585 is writing intensive.

In Spring 2023 this course may count towards a Women and Gender Studies major or minor. 

In Spring 2023 this course satisfies a Post-1800 Literature requirement for English Department majors.