Instructor: Dr. Jace Gatzemeyer

Course Dates: 10/09/24 – 11/27/24; Wednesdays from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (ET)

Description.  This online course offers an in-depth exploration of three of William Faulkner's most significant novels: The Sound and the Fury, As I Lay Dying, and Absalom, Absalom!. Over eight sessions, participants will engage with Faulkner's complex narrative techniques, richly layered characters, and profound themes of memory, family, region, identity, language, and truth. The course is designed to provide an introduction to Faulkner's work, insight into his contributions to American literature, and a deeper understanding of his approach to storytelling. This course is designed for literature enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in exploring the works of William Faulkner. No prior knowledge is required, though participants should be prepared for challenging reading.

Class Structure: Each of the eight 90-minute sessions will include a combination of lecture and full-class discussion:

• Lecture (45 minutes): The course will begin with a lecture focused on the key themes, narrative techniques, and historical context of the reading assignments. These lectures will provide essential background information and introduce critical perspectives and interpretive frameworks that will guide the discussions.

• Discussion (45 minutes): Following the lecture, full class discussion will allow participants to share their insights, raise questions, and offer interpretations. Guiding questions will be provided on our Discord server prior to meeting each week. These questions will allow participants to connect outside class, prepare their thoughts and insights ahead of our meetings, and ensuring that our conversations are thoughtful and collaborative.

Course Goals:

1. Understand Faulkner's Fiction: Engage with the rich themes, experimental narrative techniques, and specific cultural contexts that define Faulkner’s work. 

2. Understand Experimental Techniques: Learn to navigate Faulkner's complex storytelling methods, including stream-of-consciousness and non-linear timelines.

3. Explore Key Themes: Explore themes of time and memory, decay and disintegration, identity and alienation, and race and class.  

4. Foster Critical Thinking: Enhance skills in close reading, critical analysis, and ability to articulate interpretation through collaborative discussions.

5. Build a Foundation for Further Study: Lay the groundwork for exploring more of Faulkner's works and other major figures in American literature.

Required Texts: Any editions of the three novels below will be acceptable, but all page references will be to the Vintage editions.

• The Sound and the Fury (1929) by William Faulkner

• As I Lay Dying (1930) by William Faulkner

• Absalom, Absalom! (1936) by William Faulkner

Course Schedule: 

Meeting 1 (10/9) – Introduction to Faulkner and The Sound and the Fury

Optional Reading: 

• Appendix – “Compson: 1699-1945” from The Sound and the Fury

Meeting 2 (10/16) – The Sound and the Fury (Part 1)

Assigned Reading:

• The Benjy section (April Seventh, 1928)

• The Quentin section (June Second, 1910)

Meeting 3 (10/23) – The Sound and the Fury (Part 2)

Assigned Reading:

• The Jason section (April Sixth, 1928)

• The Dilsey section (April Eighth, 1928)

Meeting 4 (10/30) – As I Lay Dying (Part 1)

Assigned Reading:

• As I Lay Dying, sections 1-30 (up to and including Cora's second narration)

Meeting 5 (11/6) – As I Lay Dying (Part 2)

Assigned Reading:

• Sections 31-59 (the remainder of the novel)

Meeting 6 (11/13) – Absalom, Absalom! (Part 1)

Assigned Reading:

• Chapters 1-3

Meeting 7 (11/20) – Absalom, Absalom! (Part 2)

Assigned Reading:

• Chapters 4-6

Meeting 8 (11/27) – Absalom, Absalom! (Part 3)

Assigned Reading:

• Chapters 7-9