We'll read and discuss an assortment of novels, short stories and sketches produced by American authors in the decades following the Civil War. Students will be expected to attend class regularly, keep up with reading assignments, and take part in open discussion. Written work will consist entirely of from five to ten brief in-class essays done in response to study questions handed out in advance.

Texts:

• Judith Fetterly, ed. AMERICAN WOMEN REGIONALISTS 1850-1910.
• Henry James. THE AMERICAN.
• William Dean Howells. THE RISE OF SILAS LAPHAM.
• Mark Twain. THE GREAT SHORT WORKS OF MARK TWAIN.
• Charles Chesnutt. THE CONJURE WOMAN.
• Frank Norris. McTEAGUE.
• Stephen Crane. THE GREAT SHORT WORKS OF STEPHEN CRANE.
• Kate Chopin. THE AWAKENING AND SELECTED SHORT STORIES.