LITERATURE

/HUMANITIES

Spring 2008

Literature and Law EC (KTD)
The Literary Life of France: The Roman of the Rose EC (KTD)
Henrik Ibsen EC (KTD)
Writer's View of the World EC (KTD)

Literature and Law
At the intersection of literature and law, twelve great writers (including four Nobel winners and two Pulitzer winners) will offer their remarkable ideas. Their shorter pieces of fiction-often tragic, often funny, always ambiguous-can be read as literary masterpieces or as political theory or as both. Each class, two writers-for example, William Shakespeare and Bob Dylan, or William Faulkner and Anne Beattie, or Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Jhumpa Lahiri-will address a social issue. They will show us how, through the creation of law, we sometimes can create community, and we sometimes can tear it apart.

David Robertson, B.A., J.D., a graduate of Stanford and Yale Law, has taught political philosophy and literature and has practiced law.

  • 7 Fridays, 10:10am-12:30pm
  • Mar. 28-May 16 (No class Apr. 11)
  • Kentfield Campus, Harlan Center 165
  • Fee $76
  • Course #8237 EC

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The Literary Life of France: The Roman of the Rose
The Roman of the Rose, a major French poem and novel, is presented as an allegorical dream vision arranged around the "Rose," symbol of femininity which should be conquered. Written in two parts by two different authors and in two different periods of time, it begins in the 13th century, the time of Courtly French Literature, and continues forty years later from a bourgeois point of view. We will read the poem translated into modern English, discuss its content and interpret, from the French point of view, the novel's literary, social, psychological and political significance. We will discuss also the point of view of Christine de Pisan, the famous French writer from the Middle Ages, who headed the debates against the Sorbonne regarding the negative approach of Jean de Meun.

Erika Harkins has passionately studied French Literature for over 20 years.

  • 7 Wednesdays, 2:10-4pm
  • Mar. 26-May 14 (No class Apr. 9)
  • Kentfield Campus, Harlan Center 172
  • Fee $66 (Includes $2 materials fee)
  • Course #8239 EC

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Henrik Ibsen: Playwright and Social Critic
Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) was an important Norwegian playwright, social critic and agitator for women's rights. He initiated the "Theater of Revolt" and inspired, among others, the American playwright Eugene O'Neill. This course will analyze some of Ibsen's major works within the context of his life and times, his multicultural influence and his ongoing relevance as a writer who addresses contemporary problems of human existence.

We will read Ibsen's A Doll House, Ghost and Hedda Gabler. We will also view film versions of these plays.

Ulla Thomsen, Ph.D. (Scandinavian Languages and Literature) has taught in colleges and universities in California to Shanghai, China.

  • 7 Tuesdays, 2:10-4pm
  • Mar. 25-May 13 (No class Apr. 8)
  • Kentfield Campus, Harlan Center 170
  • Fee $65 (Includes $1 materials fee)
  • Course #8240 EC

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Writer's View of the World: Four Poets
This quarter's exploration of current American poetry will serve as an introduction for those unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the territory, and a return adventure for those already acquainted with the pleasures of the path. From the contemporary American landscape, a dozen or so poets emerge into prominence on the basis of artistic virtuosity, originality, timeliness, or simple brilliance. We will read and discuss some of this distinguished group--among them, two poet laureates--for insight into the major ideas and techniques that drive the poetry that is being written today. Some poets under consideration this quarter will be Charles Wright, Louise Gluck, Robert Hass, and Philip Levine. Their poems will be distributed and read in class.

Longtime writing and literature instructor, Jacqueline Kudler, MA (English Literature), is a published poet and feature writer.

  • 7 Thursdays, 1:10-3pm
  • Mar. 27-May 15 (No class Apr. 10)
  • Kentfield Campus, Olney Hall 105
  • Fee $64
  • Course #8241 EC

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