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Course Code etc
Academic Year 2025
College Graduate School of Arts
Course Code PB325
Theme・Subtitle Exploring the Postmodern: Thomas Pynchon, Early Works and Short Fiction
Class Format Face to face (all classes are face-to-face)
Class Format (Supplementary Items)
Campus Seminar
Campus Ikebukuro
Semester Spring Semester
DayPeriod・Room Fri.3
ログインして教室を表示する(Log in to view the classrooms.)
Credits 2
Course Number EAL7313
Language Others
Class Registration Method Course Code Registration
Assigned Year 配当年次は開講学部のR Guideに掲載している科目表で確認してください。
Prerequisite Regulations
Acceptance of Other Colleges 履修登録システムの『他学部・他研究科履修不許可科目一覧』で確認してください。
Course Cancellation -(履修中止制度なし/ No system for cancellation)
Online Classes Subject to 60-Credit Upper Limit
Relationship with Degree Policy 各授業科目は、学部・研究科の定める学位授与方針(DP)や教育課程編成の方針(CP)に基づき、カリキュラム上に配置されています。詳細はカリキュラム・マップで確認することができます。
Notes

【Course Objectives】

This course offers an in-depth study of Thomas Pynchon’s early works, focusing on his short story collection Slow Learner and the novella The Crying of Lot 49. By examining these texts, we will explore recurring themes such as paranoia, communication, postmodern aesthetics, and the intersection of history and technology. Discussions will also situate Pynchon’s writing within the broader context of American literature and the postmodern movement.

【Course Contents】

By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Analyze and interpret key themes, motifs, and stylistic elements in Pynchon’s Slow Learner and The Crying of Lot 49.
- Engage critically with secondary literature on Pynchon’s work.
- Discuss Pynchon’s contributions to postmodern literature.
- Develop and present coherent arguments in writing and discussion.

Japanese Items

【授業計画 / Course Schedule】

1 Week 1: Introduction to Pynchon and Postmodernism
Reading: Slow Learner "Introduction" (by Pynchon)
Discussion Topics: Overview of postmodern literature; Pynchon’s early career and influences.
2 Week 2: “The Small Rain” and “Low-lands” (from Slow Learner )
Reading: “The Small Rain” and “Low-lands”
Discussion Topics: Themes of alienation and early signs of Pynchon’s style.
3 Week 3: “Entropy” (from Slow Learner )
Reading: “Entropy”
Discussion Topics: Metaphors of entropy in literature; scientific concepts in Pynchon’s fiction.
4 Week 4: “Under the Rose” and “The Secret Integration” (from Slow Learner)
Reading: Both stories
Discussion Topics: Colonialism, identity, and themes of integration.
5 Week 5: Transition to The Crying of Lot 49.
Reading: Chapter 1
Discussion Topics: Introduction to Oedipa Maas.
6 Week 6: The Crying of Lot 49.
Reading: Chapter 2
Discussion Topics: The Tristero mystery.
7 Week 7: The Crying of Lot 49.
Reading: Chapter 3
Discussion Topics: The role of symbols and systems.
8 Week 8: The Crying of Lot 49.
Reading: Chapter 4
Discussion Topics: Paranoia in Pynchon’s world.
9 Week 9: The Crying of Lot 49.
Reading: Chapter 5
Discussion Topics: Open-ended mysteries.
10 Week 10: The Crying of Lot 49.
Reading: Chapter 6
Discussion Topics: Interpreting the Tristero system.
11 Week 11: Secondary Literature on Pynchon (1)
Reading: Selected essays and critical responses
Discussion Topics: Academic perspectives on Pynchon’s themes and impact.
12 Week 12: Secondary Literature on Pynchon (2)
Reading: Selected essays and critical responses
Discussion Topics: Academic perspectives on Pynchon’s themes and impact.
13 Week 13: Final Project Workshops
Activity: Peer review and feedback on final projects.
14 Week 14: Course Wrap-Up and Final Presentations Activity: Presentations and reflection on Pynchon’s works.

【活用される授業方法 / Teaching Methods Used】

板書 /Writing on the Board
スライド(パワーポイント等)の使用 /Slides (PowerPoint, etc.)
上記以外の視聴覚教材の使用 /Audiovisual Materials Other than Those Listed Above
個人発表 /Individual Presentations
グループ発表 /Group Presentations
ディスカッション・ディベート /Discussion/Debate
実技・実習・実験 /Practicum/Experiments/Practical Training
学内の教室外施設の利用 /Use of On-Campus Facilities Outside the Classroom
校外実習・フィールドワーク /Field Work
上記いずれも用いない予定 /None of the above

補足事項 (Supplementary Items)
Each class session will involve a lecture component, brief student presentations, and a close reading of the text(s) assigned for the week.

【授業時間外(予習・復習等)の学修 / Study Required Outside of Class】

Students should be prepared to analyze each of the readings from a number of perspectives.

Also, students will be expected to have read the assigned text(s) before each session.

【成績評価方法・基準 / Evaluation】

種類 (Kind)割合 (%)基準 (Criteria)
平常点 (In-class Points)100 In-class Assignments(30%)
Essay (First Draft)(30%)
Essay (Revised Draft)(10%)
Final Presentation(30%)
備考 (Notes)

【テキスト / Textbooks】

No著者名 (Author/Editor)書籍名 (Title)出版社 (Publisher)出版年 (Date)ISBN/ISSN
1 Thomas Pynchon Slow Learner Vintage 1998 0099532514
2 Thomas Pynchon The Crying of Lot 49 Vintage 1996 0099532611

【参考文献 / Readings】

【履修にあたって求められる能力 / Abilities Required to Take the Course】

Requirements:
1. Three short research assignments (less than 1-page each).
2. One, 5-paragraph graded research paper.
3. A revised version of the research paper: this revised version should represent an improvement and/or expansion of the first version.
4. Final Presentation: Students will compose and deliver an oral presentation (7-10 minutes) focusing on one of the topics discussed during the term.

【学生が準備すべき機器等 / Equipment, etc., that Students Should Prepare】

【その他 / Others】

【注意事項 / Notice】

For Course Objectives and every evaluation criterion, a higher level of achievement than master's students is required.