ENG 111-5 - Topic: Beats, Dylan and the American Dream (W) (1)

In the 1950s, a period of American prosperity and social contentment and conformity, the “Beats” rejected traditional American values. Writers such as Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William Burroughs sought out a new version of the American Dream. In the early 1960s, Bob Dylan followed in their footsteps and went on to become one of the most radical, influential voices of the 20th century. This class will explore the work of the Beats and Dylan through aesthetic, historical, political and cultural lenses as a way to explore our own sense of American values. Do these artists have anything to say to Americans in the 21st century? What is the American dream now? We will focus on critical reading and writing skills as we try to formulate our own responses to these important questions. FREEMAN
(Writing Requirement)