Study

This readings course uses fiction to explore the concept of difference and privilege in contemporary society, particularly in the context of race and gender. Among the themes explored are: what are the sources of privilege and how is it maintained; where do the unwritten rules by which people live their lives come from; why are these rules followed, even by those whose interests they do not serve; and why do some people challenge them and what happens when they do.  Four books will be chosen by the class from a list of novels by authors who include Ta-nehisi Coates, Toni Morrison, Ursula Hegi, Margaret Atwood, Kazuo Ishiguro, Nella Larsen, Valerie Martin, James Baldwin, Ernest Gaines, Edward Jones, Alice Walker, and Rohinton Mistry. There will be an organizational meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 13 from 6-6:45 pm. to select books.  Thereafter, the class will meet from 6-8:30 pm on Jan. 27, Feb. 3 & 17, and March 16 & 30 (all Wednesdays); dinner will be available.  Brief (1-2 page) reaction papers are due before each of the 5 class meetings. This is a one-credit course, with additional 1-2 credits available for a longer paper.  The class is led by Professor Katharine Bartlett.

The list of books (with short summaries) from which the assigned novels will be chosen is available by e-mailing Professor Bartlett at bartlett@law.duke.edu. During the organizational meeting on Jan. 13, students are free to propose additional books.

 

Spring 2016

Course Number	Course Credits	Evaluation Method	Instructor
611.02			Katharine T. Bartlett
Sakai site: https://sakai.duke.edu/portal/site/afd08ade-4b94-412d-b134-a574588f62c3
Email list: LAW.611.02.Sp16@sakai.duke.edu