This paper describes an elective literature course that examines the cultural and historical context of Western United States literary works for insights into the whole of United States culture. From a definition of the "West" that has both geographical and mythical dimensions, the following major images emerge for study: Eden, El…

A psychological analysis of the motivations and actions of the characters in Act I, Scene 2, of Shakespeare's King Lear" (RD)

Examines six books by Jan Mark and suggests they have a variety and range of richness that will attract a wide readership on many different levels. (HOD)

Discusses and appraises the work of Nobel Prize winning black author Toni Morrison. Locates thematic and stylistic antecedents in the works of Fyodor Dostoevsky and Ernest Hemingway. Compares and contrasts Morrison's work with Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man" and discusses the critical reception of black authors. (MJP)

Discusses Betsy Byars' successful portrayal of small boys in a sometimes bewildering and unfair world. (HOD)

A discussion of the dramas of the Norwegian novelist-playwright Knut Hamsun YKnutPedersenI (1859-1952). (RD)

Critiques five novels by James Salter--THE HUNTERS, THE ARM OF FLESH, A SPORT AND A PASTIME, LIGHT YEARS, and SOLO FACES. Notes that Salter's works have been ignored by literary critics and the public though praised by other authors. (MM)

Recalls the captivating characters; tidy, confident writing and winsome illustrations in the 50-year-old minor masterpiece, "Mr. Popper's Penguins." (SD)

Examines the portrayal of orphans in four young adult novels. Applies Northrop Frye's modes of literature to seven stages of the orphans' quest for safety, as found in each book. (SR)

One of a series of quinmester programs, this course is designed to introduce the student to significant literature that illustrates the gulf between the vision of a perfect society and the realities of human nature. Course content consists of the characteristics of a Utopian society, a definition of Utopia, attitudes toward Utopia, the relation of…

Praises the writings of Peter Carter, whose themes of freedom and justice, the individual and society, good and evil, are presented in a variety of historic and modern settings. (HOD)

Present's Harriette Arnow's "The Dollmaker" as an excellent vehicle for teaching the fundamentals of literary interpretation, especially to non-English majors. Describes how the novel illustrates the interconnection of plot, setting, characterization, symbol, and theme. (MM)