Narrative Solitude

This course focuses on literary texts that illuminate solitude, exile, and strange ways of being separated from others. From Sherlock Holmes hiding on the moors, to the brighter side of Japanese hikikomori (social withdrawal), an Afro-futurist journey across the desert, and a lifeboat journey with a Bengal tiger, our texts explore the creative side of unexpected solitary experiences. No narrator is truly alone – just as we are never alone in the world of fiction, poetry, and film. During the term, we will explore comparative literature’s different methods of approaching texts. You will be encouraged to people your life with fiction’s quirky and humorous characters as well as consider the wider implications of solitude, global connections, and writing one’s own story. We will read works by writers from Argentina, Canada, France, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Taiwan, the UK, and the US, along with some short critical readings. Assignments include a formal essay, a podcast, and creative journal entries. This course is web-based and we will create a sense of community using Zoom and Canvas’ discussion board tools. No prior experience necessary – just your willingness to get to grips with some extraordinary texts.

Satisfies Core Education Requirements:

• Group Satisfying: Arts & Letters (A&L)
• Areas of Inquiry: Arts & Letters (A&L)
• Multicultural: Identity, Pluralism, and Tolerance (IP)
• Cultural Literacy: Global Perspectives (GP)