ENGL 2520: Literature & Culture of the Roaring Twenties

Abstract

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course focuses on one of the most lively and fascinating periods in American history: the 1920s. Often referred to as "the Jazz Age" or "the Roaring Twenties," this decade saw the United States through such important events as prohibition, the ascendancy of organized crime, the country's first major revolutionary youth movement, the invention of popular radio and with it pop music, the so-called "lost generation," and the creation of America's first internationally respected native art form—jazz. We will explore these phenomenon and others in the context of many mediums, including novels, short stories, poetry, film, cartoons, musical recordings, and a unique history book that has remained in print for over 80 years. Students will also be asked to relate contemporary events and media from the present to events and ideas from the 1920s. This course is an introductory-level “traditions” course in English. It fulfills a II C requirement for the English major. It fulfills the “Interpreting Literature and the Arts” general education requirement. It counts toward the American Studies minor.¶ Pre-requisite: English 1100 or 1200H or FYWR 1020.¶ GOALS FOR THE COURSE: • Students will read work by several of the most celebrated authors of the last century. • Students will examine and interpret media, including literature, film, and song, for its cultural and historical value. • Students will sharpen their critical thinking skills. • Students will enhance their writing through practice and critique. • Students will create a sensitive, thoughtful online environment where they can nurture and interact with others.