Description: Seminar, one hour. Discussion of history of modern romance novel. Study of everything from Jane Austen to fanfiction. Use of romance novels to understand broader historical trends like changes in gender roles. Examination of rise of romance novel from 18th to 20th century. Examination of inclusion of other marginalized groups (based on class, sexuality, and race) in romance novel genre through late 20th century. Analysis of its shortcomings and future. Closer look at modern romance novels, which culminates in collaborative group projects that aim to derive insight from romance novel genre. P/NP grading. Facilitated by Lawrence Myung, with Debora L. Silverman as faculty mentor.

Units: 1.0