Fall 2024 Writing UN3132 section 001

THE ECSTASY OF INFLUENCE

Ecstasy of Influence

Call Number 13555
Day & Time
Location
T 12:10pm-2:00pm
104 Knox Hall
Points 3
Grading Mode Standard
Approvals Required None
Instructor Adam Z Wilson
Type SEMINAR
Method of Instruction In-Person
Course Description

What does it mean to be original? How do we differentiate plagiarism from pastiche, appropriation from homage? And how do we build on pre-existing traditions while simultaneously creating work that reflects our own unique experiences of the world?

In a 2007 essay for Harpers magazine, Jonathan Lethem countered critic Harold Bloom’s theory of “the anxiety of influence” by proposing, instead, an “ecstasy of influence”; Lethem suggested that writers embrace rather than reject the unavoidable imprints of their literary forbearers. Beginning with Lethem’s essay—which, itself, is composed entirely of borrowed (or “sampled”) text—this class will consider the nature of literary influence, and its role in the development of voice.

Each week, students will read from pairings of older stories and novel excerpts with contemporary work that falls within the same artistic lineage. In doing so, we’ll track the movement of stylistic, structural, and thematic approaches to fiction across time, and think about the different ways that stories and novels can converse with one another. We will also consider the influence of other artistic mediums—music, visual art, film and television—on various texts. Students will then write their own original short pieces modeled after the readings. Just as musicians cover songs, we will “cover” texts,  adding our own interpretive imprints.

Web Site Vergil
Department Writing
Enrollment 10 students (15 max) as of 9:05PM Friday, December 13, 2024
Subject Writing
Number UN3132
Section 001
Division School of the Arts
Section key 20243WRIT3132W001