Course Research Assistant--"Obscenities" Parrhesia Cluster Arts Core

Opportunity Description:

This is a paid position for a part-time undergraduate research assistant to help me develop a new course for the Parrhesia cluster in the Arts Core. The course will be titled "Obscenities," with the following course description:

“Obscenity” is a term for what is repulsive, abhorrent, excessive, or taboo in a society; and yet many artworks once considered to be obscene are now celebrated as landmarks of world literature, from the ancient poetry of Sappho to modern novels like Ulysses. In this course, we will study literary works that have been banned or censored as “obscene” to examine our own perspectives, attitudes, and assumptions as literary artists. How does obscenity shape our understanding of gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, or public and private speech? What are the uses of obscenity in constructing new possibilities for literary expression? Authors studied will include Toni Morrison, Tanizaki Jun’ichirō, Vladimir Nabokov, Hilda Hilst, and Allen Ginsburg; and we will supplement these readings with works of literary theory, psychoanalysis, and case law. Students will produce their own original poetry, fiction, and nonfiction to reimagine what is permissible—and possible—in language and society for contemporary literary artists.

Work will involve researching the history of literary obscenity trials, banned texts, and literary critical debates around obscenity in a variety of historical and cultural contexts. Hours are flexible. We will meet periodically to discuss course design, texts for inclusion on the syllabus, brainstorm course assignments, and related matters.

Primary Responsibilities: 

The work will involve researching the history of literary obscenity trials, banned texts, and literary critical debates around obscenity in a variety of historical and cultural contexts. Hours are flexible. We will meet periodically to discuss course design, texts for inclusion on the syllabus, brainstorm course assignments, and related matters.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

Applicants should have excellent research skills, an active interest in literary studies, and should demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and organizational skills.

The more experience with literary study, the better--but there are no minimum requirements for this work.

None--but some coursework in literary studies would be desirable.

None--but library research skills would be an asset for this position.

Knowledge or skills gained from the experience: 

Research skills, experience in course design, legal and theoretical approaches to literary obscenity and free speech, creative writing pedagogy

Application Process: 

Please email application materials to reddy1@uchicago.edu

Application Requirements: