Literature and the Visual Arts

In this course, we will explore the intersection of literary texts and visual artworks. We will read literary works which respond to specific paintings and look at artworks which respond to specific literary works; we will also look at literature which strives to be visual and artworks which try to tell stories. Additionally, we will examine hybrid texts which include both words and images, such as the graphic novel, illuminated manuscripts, children's picture books, and composite/engraved poetry. Course readings will include poems, short stories, illustrated books, and graphic novels from English and American literary traditions from the 18th century through the present; visual art examples will be drawn primarily from European and American painting, sculpture, and installation art from Antiquity to the present.