We'll read and discuss an assortment of novels, short stories and sketches written 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 a series of brief in-class essays done in response to study questions handed out in advance.

Texts: Judith Fetterly, ed. AMERICAN WOMEN REGIONALISTS 1850-1910; William Dean Howells, THE RISE OF SILAS LAPHAM; Kate Chopin, THE AWAKENING AND SELECTED SHORT STORIES; Stephen Crane, THE GREAT SHORT WORKS OF STEPHEN CRANE; Henry James, THE TURN OF THE SCREW AND OTHER SHORT FICTION; Charles Chesnutt, THE MARROW OF TRADITION; Edith Wharton, THE HOUSE OF MIRTH; Mark Twain, ROUGHING IT