Capstone: Fall 2012
LS 494: The Novel, Ancient and Modern
Though the word “novel” suggests “new,” and though the “rise” of the novel is
conventionally dated to the 18th century, the literary form we call the novel actually
originates in an ancient text: the Odyssey. This course will study and savor two novels: the
Odyssey itself and a modern work constructed on completely different, almost antithetical
principles, Dostoevsky’s Brothers Karamazov. (Thus, for example, Homer precludes
suspense on principle while The Brothers Karamazov is breathlessly suspenseful.) As
Liberal Studies majors read the Odyssey in LS 151 (and many of them a work by Dostoevsky
in 152), this Capstone course will enable students to reconsider an inexhaustible work from
the higher perspective of the 400 level. The course is designed, in fact, to allow time to
ponder and enjoy two astonishing works of literature, and to enable investigation of such
questions as what a novel is, how a novel is constructed, and why it has risen to literary
prominence.
Learning Goals
The course serves five goals identified by the Liberal Studies Program, specifically:
1. To demonstrate a critical appreciation and understanding of the Western humanistic
tradition.
2. To grasp significant methodological and hermeneutical issues intrinsic to humanistic
inquiry.
3. To construct arguments with skill.
4. To synthesize findings and conclusions cogently.
5. To read critically and ask perceptive questions of the text.
Reading
Weeks 1 through 7: Several book of the Odyssey per week as assigned
Week 8: Brothers Karamazov, Books 1 and 2
Week 9: BK, Books 3 and 4
Week 10: BK, Book 5
Week 11: BK, Books 6-7
Week 12: BK, Books 8-9
Week 13: BK, Books 10-11
Week 14: BK, Book 12 and Epilogue
Papers
A paper of at least 2000 words is due on any aspect of the Odyssey by October 10, and of
The Brothers Karamazov by December 5. (Sample topics: How do stories circulate in
Odysseus’s world? How do stories circulate in the Karamazov world? How does Odysseus
resolve conflicting impulses? How does Dmitri Karamazov resolve conflicting impulses?)
Students will have the option of revising the first paper within one week of its return.
In all cases be sure to know the text and cite it accurately, have a thesis, state it, defend it
well, and show mastery of the elements of composition. Consult the LS Writing Standards
(to be distributed). If you use secondary sources, confer with me about them. Students
aspiring to an A should submit papers of no less than 2500 words. Late work subject to
penalty.
Final Exam
A comprehensive essay-exam will be distributed a week before its due date. Completed
exams should run approximately 2500 words. Both papers and exams are to be submitted
as hard copies, not email attachments.
Grades
The two papers and the exam will each count for a third of your grade. Note that the
entirety of your grade is based on writing.
Attendance
Three absences are permitted, after which I will deduct a grade from a paper for each
absence. Use your three absences wisely.
Plagiarism
Categorically prohibited. See the “Plagiarism” language in the UM Catalog. For penalties
incurred, see the UM Student Conduct Code.
Recommended Reading (on Reserve):
Stewart Justman, Literature and Human Equality (Northwestern University Press, 2006)
Robin Feuer Miller, Dostoevsky’s Unfinished Journey (Yale University Press, 2007)
Stewart Justman
Director, Liberal Studies Program
LA 101
X5793