This is an advanced course which explores in depth the connections between and among modern and cross-cultural women's novels.  The set-up of the syllabus, group meetings which discuss two books at the same time, and individual projects require that participants talk about connective factors between texts and the nature of women's and cross-cultural narration.  Historical perspective, cultural differences, and gender roles are taken into consideration as we analyze recent women's fiction by such authors as Toni Morrison, Julie Shigekuni, Nora Okja Keller, Cristina Garcia, and Sigrid Nunez. Rather than prepare papers and exams, participants  prepare and ask questions of each other, conduct in-session written "exams," and carry out a sustained independent project to be presented to the group.  The outside project focuses on three or four additional texts which are chosen and put into broad cultural and historical perspectives and/or discussed in terms of trends in women's literature.  Projects give participants the opportunity to fill in perceived gaps in their reading or explore a particular narrative or cultural form in depth.  The reading load for this tutorial is very heavy.  Evaluation derives from an on-going peer review focusing on preparation, participation, insight, critical thinking, in-session writing, and an outside project to be presented orally and developed as a course design. There is a third week course review. . 

Level:  Advanced.  Prerequisites:  Contemporary Women's Novels or the equivalent and permission of the instructor.   Offered upon request.