This course examines the novels of recently acclaimed and controversial Italian author, Elena Ferrante. Working chronologically, we will take a tour of Ferrante’s fiction, focusing on recurring themes of desire, disgust, the tricky relationship between mothers and daughters, unruly bodies, dangerous cities, and corrupting language. Finally, we will view a few episodes of HBO’s 2018 rendition of Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend, comparing narrative and visual poetics.

Beyond content, this course focuses on textual analysis, learning and applying close-reading strategies, while honing academic writing skills. The ultimate goal is to produce original critical thinking and polished critical writing.

This course satisfies the second half or the “B” portion of the Reading and Composition requirement.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the “A” portion of the Reading & Composition requirement or its equivalent. Students may not enroll in nor attend R1B/R5B courses without completing this prerequisite.