Course Name: ENG 39095 The Florence Files: Reading and Telling Stories of Crime
Description: Prepare to decode the mysteries of crime literature in one of the world鈥檚 most iconic cities! In this course, students will take a journey through both the city of Florence and the world of crime stories, from timeless classics to the bestsellers of today. Reading key examples by Edgar Allan Poe and Agatha Christie, we will break down the essential elements of the classic detective story, considering what makes the genre so compelling to readers. Next, students will investigate the relationship between crime and the city in Arthur Conan Doyle鈥檚 Sherlock Holmes stories, considering the rise of crime fiction alongside the rise of the modern, cosmopolitan city. Lastly, we will turn to Dan Brown鈥檚 contemporary bestseller, Inferno, set in the heart of Florence. We鈥檒l explore how the novel weaves in historical and cultural touchstones, consider why conspiracy theories captivate readers, and contemplate the divide between 鈥渉igh-brow鈥 and 鈥減opular鈥 literature.
The course will include field trips to key locations in the plot of Inferno, including Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi, and the Bargello Museum. Instead of traditional papers, students will write their own crime stories (set in either contemporary or historical Florence) over the course of the program. No creative writing experience required.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: None
This course is offered through the Kent Campus. Please review course tuition at /tuition to find costs for Kent campus tuition.