This course has two abiding aims. One aim is to explore in depth-and back to back-the fiction of (arguably) the two major twentieth-century novelists concerned with race in America. The other aim is to work towards evaluative criteria that might be genuinely attentive to both the intricacies of race and the achievements of form. A particular challenge we will face throughout the course is the following: how to focus on race (and secondarily gender) in both writers' work yet keep their distinctive voices from disappearing into "white/male" and "black/female." Faulkner readings will include some short stories and the following novels: The Sound and the Fury, Light in August, and Absalom, Absalom! Morrison readings will include Playing in the Dark and the following novels: Sula, Song of Solomon, Beloved, and Paradise. Format: discussion/seminar. Requirements: one short paper (5-6 pp), one longer paper (12-14 pp). Prerequisite: a 100-level English course, except 150. Enrollment limit: 25 (expected: 25). (Post-1900)

Hour: WEINSTEIN