The theme of this section of English 200 is "Power and Its Perversions." We will be investigating works that deal with the central thematic of power, that cross time, space, and different sociocultural settings, and that span genres and forms as diverse as theatrical dialogues, cultural theory, political satire, relationship guides, autobiography, and film. Throughout the course we will investigate the many meanings and uses of this seemingly simple term "power," trying to understand: how is it understood variously by our different authors? What is it, who gets to use it, how, why, under what circumstances, for what, on whom?

This course satisfies the University's W-requirement; it will include 10-20 pages of graded, out-of-class writing that will be collaboratively workshopped and individually revised, requiring also out-of-class consultations with the instructor. The class will also include in-class quizzes, daily writing, and group work. Students unprepared to read, write, and speak daily would be advised to contact the instructor before signing up for the course.

Texts for the course include Albert Camus' The Stranger, Choderlos de Laclos' Dangerous Liaisons, and Kurt Vonnegut's Player Piano.