The Protest Novel

This course asks a simple question: what kind of action (political, social, instrumental) can a novel take? In the seminar, we will consider the tradition of protest fiction, taking stock of how the novel has embraced the overt aim of creating change. Our goal as a class will be to set our own terms for what a protest novel is, was, should be, or might be, and to consider both the reach and limitations of this tradition. The terrain is broad, covering 19 th -21 st century works, with a center of gravity in the early-mid 20th century, and engaging a range of topics on which novels have sought to make change. The course is organized thematically and chronologically, with works (mostly English language) from the U.S., England, Ireland, Canada, India, Nigeria, and elsewhere. Each week we will read a novel (some novels are spread across two weeks), paired with other materials, such as visual works, other literary materials, theoretical readings, etc. Themes to which these activist works are geared include: slavery and abolition; working conditions; gender and patriarchy; war, peace, and revolution; race and racism; incarceration; and environmental crisis. This is a discussion seminar, and each student is expected to participate in every class meeting.

The primary written work for the course is a final project, on a subject of your choosing. A 15-page seminar paper is the norm. Given our activist theme and orientation toward creative uses of literature, however, your final project may take other forms. Weekly reading responses, posted to the Canvas page, are also required. In addition, after the first two weeks, we will begin each class with a short student presentation on the material (an outline is also required, to be shared with the group). Your grade for the course will be determined as follows: final paper (30%); presentation and outline (20%); class participation and reading responses (50%). Please note the heavy weight toward classroom participation
and reading responses. If participating in class is not comfortable for you, please see me early on and we can work out some alternatives. The goal for our classroom is to be inclusive and to stimulate a positive, active learning environment for all.

The following books will be read in full and ordered at Book Culture, 112 th St between Broadway and Amsterdam. Other, shorter readings are listed on the syllabus, or will be added during the term, and can be acquired online.
Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart
Mulk Raj Anand, Unt