ENG 230 : LITERATURE AND SCIENCE (H)

While seemingly disparate fields of study, science and literature intersect. This honors course will examine representations of science in literature. Through an exploration of 19^th – 21^st Century American literature, this class will uncover the historical contexts surrounding three pivotal shifts in scientific thought: evolution, germ theory, and climate change. What are these theories, and what are their historical contexts? What forms and literary motifs do authors use to represent scientific ideas? How do literary representations of science enhance, disrupt, or alter our understanding of these concepts? Finally, what can all of this teach us about American culture? The class will analyze short stories, novels, poetry, autobiographies, essays, and scientific treatises. We will also examine how identify markers – like gender, race, and class – intersect with representations of science in literature.