Studies in Symbolist and Modern Literature

This course will explore the fiction and reading practices of Vladimir Nabokov. While the focus will be on the first half of his career, we will make our way by the end of the semester to Lolita. Special consideration will be given to the teachability of these novels and what they offer current undergraduates. Themes covered will include literature in emigration and the relation of the novel to the cinema. Members of the seminar will present and lead class discussions and write a final seminar paper.

Books covered to be determined but will probably cover Mary; King, Queen Knave; The Defense; Laughter in the Dark, The Gift, The Real Life of Sebastian Knight, Bend Sinister and Lolita.