ONLINE CLASS: SHOW & TELL: Phillip Lopate "The Glorious American Essay" (2149)
Four Wednesdays: April 21, 28, May 5, 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. EST
The essay, Montaigne suggests, is an ethical exercise, an attempt to “strengthen and enlighten” the writer’s own judgement of both the world and the self. In his new book, The Glorious American Essay, Phillip Lopate puts forward 100 such intimate and edifying works—including the writing of Thomas Paine, Zadie Smith, and Rolando Hinojosa—all of which show the human condition and tell about its significance. In this class, we will approach 12 essays through 3 thematic lenses, namely, struggle, selfhood, and art. During our last class, Professor Lopate will join us virtually for Q&A discussion and inquiry. Four Wednesdays: April 21, 28, May 5, 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. EST Online Class.
Reading Schedule:
Session 1—Trying Times
Thomas Paine/Sarah Grimke/Ralph Emerson/Margaret Fuller (Plus an essay of your choice)
Session 2—Showing Life
Ralph Emerson/Elizabeth Stanton/Ralph Ellison/Zadie Smith (Plus an essay of your choice)
Session 3—Telling Lies
Henry James/Kenneth Burke/E. B. White/Rolando Hinojosa (Plus an essay of your choice)
Session 4—Glory
Aurhor Phillip Lopate will attend (Have essays of your choice to discuss with him)
The Glorious American Essay by Phillip Lopate (9781524747268)
David B. Johnson is a professor of philosophy at Marymount University, and former writing professor at American and GW Universities. He earned his PhD in Cultural Studies at George Mason University in 2011, and writes primarily about ethics and political theory. He has two sons and 4 grandchildren, has been enjoying life with his girlfriend, E. Foster Pacine, and lives in Clifton VA.
REFUND POLICY: Please note that we can issue class refunds up until seven (7) days before the first class session.
