ENGLISH 444

The Psychedelic Sixties: Literature and Culture

Fall 2008

Instructor: Dr. Robert Lynch                                                              Office: Grainger G08
Office Hours: MW: 11-11:50  TR 8:30-9:20 a.m. and by appt.
Telephone: 395_2167                                                                         Email: lynchrl

Course Description:

"Extended study of British or American literature and culture at a particular point in time or of a literary theme over time. Emphasis on the relationship of literature to its cultural context, including politics, social organization, art, and music."  Participants in this seminar will explore one of the most turbulent decades in American literature and culture-- the psychedelic 1960s. Course content will focus not only on the fiction, poetry and drama of the period but the course will be cross-disciplinary, .paying particular attention to the social and intellectual turbulence of the time, including the civil rights movement, radical protests to the war in Vietnam and other socio-political events, the counter culture, and so on. 

Required Texts:

Albee, Edward.  The American Dream and the Zoo Story.  New York: Plume, 1959, 1960.
Baldwin, James. Blues for Mister Charlie.  New York: Vintage, 1964. 
Charters, Ann, ed.  The Portable Sixties Reader.  New York: Penquin, 1992.
Heller, Joseph.  Catch-22.  New York: Dell, 1961.
Kesey, Ken.   One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. New York: Signet, 1962.
Oates, Joyce Carol. Them. New York: Modern Library 1969
Reed, Ismael. Yellow Back Broke Down Radio.
Vonnegut, Kurt.  Cat's Cradle. New York: Delta, 1963.

Reading Schedule: (The reading schedule is tentative and probably will change in places)

:August 26 Introduction
28: Albee,
Zoo Story and The Portable Sixties Reader, Dylan and Randall selections

September 02:: Albee, The American Dream
04: Heller, 1-77

09: Heller, 77-162
11: Heller, 162-249

16: Heller, 249-318
18: Heller, 318-391

23: Heller, 391-End
25: The Portable Sixties Reader, selections by O'Brien, Kovic, and Kumunyakaa, and Mirikitani

30: Kesey, 9-77
October 02: Kesey, 78-156

09: Kesey, 157-218
11: Kesey, 219-272

October 13-14: Fall Break!

16: Vonnegut, 1-96

21:Vonnegut, 97-191
23: Vonnegut, 191-End

28:: Baldwin, Acts 1& 2  The Portable Sixties Reader Sontag and, Ginsberg, and Thompson and two others of your choice
30: Baldwin, Act 3, and The Portable Sixties Reader, Thompson and two others of your choice

November 04: The Portable Sixties Reader, selections by King, Jr., Moody, Walker and one of your choice
06 Reed 1-59

11: Reed 59-118
13: Reed 118-end

18: Oates, Them
20: Oates, Them

25:Oates, Them

26-28: Thankgiving Break!

December 02:Oates Them
04:: Oates, Them, the Portable Sixties Reader selections and Review for Final

Final Exam:  Thursday, May 3 9-12 a.m.

Course Requirements:

2 Short Papers (3-4 pages)-15% each

1 Longer Paper (5-8)- 20%

Presentation and Web Project-10%

Class Discussion-20%

Final Exam: 20%

Grading:

*A=90-100% *B=80-89% *C=70-79% *D=60-69% Note: Because class will often revolve around class discussion, small group discussion, in-class writing activities, etc., attendance and participation will play an important factor in the grading for the course. Several reading quizzes will be given and these play a significant part in your final grade. So come to class prepared to participate fully!
 

Attendance Policy:

The attendance policy for this course is the same as the college policy in the College Catalog and the Student Handbook. Thus if you miss four or more times your grade may be reduced. Tardies will count as absences unless I'm notified beforehand. No quizzes will be given out to those who come late.

Honor Code:

Students are expected to live by the Longwood College Honor Code. All work done for the class must be pledged. Your instructor will not tolerate any form of cheating.

Class Discussion:

This class will be conducted as a seminar.  Students are expected to make regular and significant contributions to class discussion. Your grade in this regard will be based upon both daily contributions during the semester and taking the lead in guiding class discussion for at least one class.

Paper Policy:

All papers are due on the date assigned. Late papers will not be accepted. If there is some major conflict that might make meeting a deadline impossible I would like to know well in advance (three days minimum).

Office Hours:

My office hours are posted and I will be available during these times. If you need to see me and these times are not convenient, please feel free to schedule a conference for some other mutually agreeable time.

Inclement Weather and Cancelled Classes:

In the event that class is cancelled for whatever reason, you are expected to keep up with the readings for that day.