ENG 309 - Innovation Course

In film, tv, and literature, the unreliable narrator is a character whose credibility is compromised, whether because of malice, ignorance, or misunderstanding.  But what happens when the real world’s official documentarians-journalists-are widely deemed to be unreliable narrators?  

Today, half of all Americans think national news organizations deliberately mislead them (Gallup & the Knight Foundation).  This course will consider the literary concept of the unreliable narrator, and what happens to news coverage, public policy, elections, public discourse, and the idea of truth itself when journalists are considered unreliable narrators.  

The class will explore recent and current news coverage and speak with journalists and sources involved with those stories.  Topics will include the rise of conspiracy theories, the role of social media, and the emergence of AI in news.  The class will also provide practical information on how to suss out unreliable narrators and narratives in news-as a news producer or consumer.  

Satisfies English major (Innovation Course) and minor requirements.
Satisfies Communication Studies major requirement.
Satisfies the Literary Studies, Creative Writing Rhetoric requirement. 

Other Topics- Not offered Fall 2023

Forms of Poetry
Instructor
Parker, Rippeon

“Forms of Poetry” investigates a literary genre via both theory and practice, operating like a laboratory, emphasizing experimentation, and embracing making as a way of learning. “Forms of Poetry” explores three different types of writing (literary criticism, critical theory, and poetry) while assuming no significant expertise in any one area.

Satisfies English major (Innovation Course) and minor requirements.
Satisfies Global Litererary Thoery Interdisciplinary minor requirement.
Satisfies the Literary Studies, Creative Writing Rhetoric requirement. 

Prerequisites & Notes
 No creative writing background is required; there are no prerequisites.