This course will explore several facets of Oscar Wilde's oeuvre. We will read some of his criticism in order to parse out his philosophy of life and art. In addition, we will read his writings on aesthetics and politics to discuss contemporary views on cosmopolitanism, or the idea of being a citizen of the world.
We will also contextualize several of Wilde's prose texts with secondary sources that help us to understand his ideas and outlooks, and we will use these texts for discussing individuals in relation to social collectives today, focusing on the question of literature and the meaning of art in our lives.
Please buy the following edition:
The Complete Works of Oscar Wilde (Harper Perennial)
ISBN: 006096393X
In preparation for the course, please thoroughly read:
"The Decay of Lying" (970-992)
"The Critic as Artist" (1009-1059)
"The Soul of Man Under Socialism" (1079-1104)
"The Portrait of Mr. W. H." (1150-1201)
In addition, please choose one of the following to read in order to prepare your final exam:
The Picture of Dorian Gray (17-167) -- Novel
The Importance of Being Earnest (321-384) -- Play
Please make sure to do these readings before the course begins.
- Dozent/in: Natalie Roxburgh