Course Overview

The World Trade Center was more than a famous skyscraper. The building was a symbol of American power, commerce, and capitalism. After the violent destructions of the towers, both literally and figuratively felt, the overwhelming reality of the impact of 9/11 has been understood and represented through a range of complex symbolic formations.

For many Americans, everything changed the day the towers fell. This class will look at American Literature since 9/11, and does this “change” reflect in literature, culture, and society. Students will look at poetry, prose, and fiction written immediately following 9/11 and some of the later reflections on the historical event to spot any changes in literature following 9/11, and what those changes are. The course will consider the way civil rights, law, and public perceptions of immigrants have been effected by 9/11.

We will also examine the way reviewers and critics have responded to the literature of post-9/11 literature, and the reasons behind their criticisms. We will look at literature that challenges theoretical and political assumptions of the events of 9/11 and subsequent literature following the event. Post 9/11 literature is both a symptom and a resource to be studied for better understanding of contemporary society.

The goal of the class is to understand how a major historical event can continue to reshape our view of ourselves as Americans. By reflecting on the events, students will learn to think critically about the political and cultural events that influence society.