Contemporary Canadian Fiction

"To Americans, a bestseller in Canada is like a tree falling in the forest," said critic Ron Charles. In this seminar we will examine the richness of contemporary Canadian fiction in English, from Michael Ondaatje, Yann Martel, and Guy Vanderhaeghe; to Alice Munro, Alistair MacLeod, and Carol Shields, with special focus on the brilliant short story writers Canada has produced. We will examine the works themselves, as well as their relationship to U.S. and British literary traditions and institutions. We will also consider cultural differences between the United States and Canada and how culture affects literary production.3 hrs. sem./disc.