This course traces the development of the novel from its beginnings in the eighteenth century to the present day.
Special attention is paid to the development of the British and American branches of the genre.
In addition to reading several novels, students will examine literary critics who have had much to say concerning the novel's development. This course is for English majors or minors or interested non-majors who have already completed at least six hours of survey courses. By the end of the course the student will 1. Be able to trace the history of the novel and will understand how each of the selections in this course fits into the growth of the genre over the last two hundred and fifty years. Recognize recurring themes and theses treated in the novel throughout succeeding eras of literary discourse.