Prof. Eric Murphy Selinger
Fall, 2005: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:10-11:40, LEVAN 508
Office: McGaw 217; Office Hours: Tuesday, 3-4, and by appointment
Mailbox: McGaw 255; e-mail: eselinge@depaul.edu

Course Description: English 286 (Romance) will introduce you to the history of the "romance novel," to some of its major 20th and 21st century subgenres and authors, and to the critical debates that have surrounded this most popular of popular literatures, with particular attention to feminist debates over the worth, appeal, and effects of romance fiction on women readers.

Course Assignments, with Approximate Weights

1. Two short papers (5 pp.), each of which will analyze one of our assigned novels based on critical terms and concepts discussed in class and imported from your other learning. Assignment sheets will be distributed in advance: 20% each
   
2. One group presentation OR individual "Memo to Selinger" on a genre and / or exemplary text I have not covered this quarter, but should in future classes. Topics might include a particular line of series romance, Christian / inspirational romance, paranormal romance, science fiction romance, erotic romance, gay and lesbian romance, African-American or other "ethnic" romance, Western romance, or Chick-Lit. Assignment sheets will be distributed in advance: 20%
   
3. A take-home final exam, focused on the final novels in the class: 20%

THREATS AND PROMISES

I expect you to attend all classes. If you miss 4 classes, your final grade will suffer. If you miss 6 or more meetings, you should drop the class to avoid an F. All assignments must be turned in on time. If they are late, except by prior arrangement, you will be penalized 1/3 grade (i.e., a + or -) per day. To pass the course you must turn in all assignments, and no incompletes will be granted after the last class meeting. For example, if you take the final and still haven’t turned in a paper, except by prior arrangement, I will give you an F, not an I. If you turn in the papers but don’t show up for the final, I will give you an F. Understood?

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES, TOPICS, AND READINGS

Thursday, Sept. 8: Introduction to the Class and to each other. Introduction to the history of "romance."

Topic 1: What is Romance, and Why Do People Say Such Nasty Things About It?

Tuesday, Sept. 13: Sarah Bird, The Boyfriend School; please also read the essays by Jennifer Crusie which I will link to the class Blackboard site

Thursday, Sept. 15: The Boyfriend School, continued

Topic 2: Of Alpha Males and Bodice Rippers

Tuesday, Sept. 20: E. M. Hull, The Sheik
Thursday, Sept. 22: Katherine Woodweis, The Flame and the Flower

Tuesday, Sept. 27: The Flame and the Flower, cont.
Thursday, Sept. 29: Emma Holly, Hunting Midnight First paper due

Topic 3: Austen and Everything After (Regencies)

Tuesday, Oct. 4: NO CLASS: ROSH HASHANA
Thursday, Oct. 6: Georgette Heyer, These Old Shades.

Tuesday, Oct. 11: Julia Quinn, The Viscount Who Loved Me;
Thursday, OCT. 13: NO CLASS: YOM KIPPUR

Tuesday, Oct. 18: Mary Ballogh, Slightly Dangerous

Topic 4: Building a Mystery (Romantic Suspense)

Thursday, Oct. 20: Mary Stewart, Madam, Will You Talk?
Tuesday, Oct. 25: Linda Howard, Mr. Perfect

Topic 5: Historicals (not "Historical Hystericals")

Thursday, Oct. 27: Roberta Gellis, Desiree Second paper due
Tuesday, Nov. 1: Beverly Jenkins, Something like Love;

Topic 6: Contemporaries and Meta-Romance

Thursday, Nov. 3: Jennifer Crusie: Bet Me

Tuesday, Nov. 8: Bet Me, continued; and / or First Group Presentations
Thursday, Nov. 10: Group Presentations: individual “Memos” due

Nov. 15: Group Presentations and Wrap-up;

Take-home final due back to me: Weds, November 23.