487. WILLIAM FAULKNER’S LIGHT IN AUGUST

John Lutz

Considered to be one of William Faulkner’s masterpieces, Light in August traces the development of Joe Christmas, a racially indeterminate young male living in the South who alternatively inhabits both white and black identities. Through Joe Christmas’s experiences, Faulkner explores the social contradictions endemic to Southern society and the broader racial divide in America. We will use the Vintage edition of the text. 

1:00-3:00 p.m.                                                                                            5 sessions

Wednesdays, September 3, 10, 17, and October 1, 8                                Fee:  $150

(No class on September 24)

ABOUT THE LECTURER

John Lutz is Professor of English and oversees a university Division of Humanities which houses English, Philosophy, and Foreign Language. In addition, he has led numerous initiatives such as College 101, Learning Communities, Freshman Orientation, Strategic Planning, and Outcomes Assessment. Dr. Lutz has published numerous scholarly articles on both philosophy and literature, including a recent publication entitled “ ‘Objects Insignificant to Sight’: Racial Violence and Empathy in Faulkner’s ‘Pantaloon in Black’,” The Faulkner Journal, 2023; he also has a forthcoming publication of a new book about empathy and the literary imagination. Additionally, he has consistently been honored and has won significant awards for outstanding teaching throughout his stellar career.