Theories of the Reality of Fiction
Eugene Lang College Lib Arts: Literary Studies
CRN: 17341
Credits: 4
Beginning with a most basic question, “what is fiction?,” this course will ask how fiction is defined against reality, and how a stable distinction, between truth and lies, verisimilitude and simulation, is difficult, if not impossible, to maintain. Is there a reality outside of fiction? Can fiction fortify or critique what we take to be reality? How do narrative techniques marshal belief in the stories they tell and the images they present? This course will focus on philosophical, theoretical, literary, and cultural texts, including films, works of art, and journalism, from Nietzsche and Marx, to Henry James and Nella Larsen. We will consider such phenomena as AI and Chat GPT, as well as social media, television, and the biological/cultural scripts of race, gender, and nation. The course is recommended for students interested in advanced topics in theory and criticism.
College: Eugene Lang College Lib Arts (LC)
Department: Literary Studies (LIT)
Campus: New York City (GV)
Course Format: Seminar (R)
Modality: In-Person
Max Enrollment: 18
Add/Drop Deadline: September 9, 2024 (Monday)
Online Withdrawal Deadline: November 17, 2024 (Sunday)
Seats Available: Yes
* Seats available but reserved for a specific population.
Status: Open*
* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 4:10am EDT 5/2/2024