HNAR-325: Magical Realisms

Magical Realism exists because in literature, anything is possible. This is not only a question of "suspension of disbelief", but of applied layers of truth as the author assumes them. We'll look at stories beyond belief and reason to find possibility, bask in the richness of language and become lost in worlds on no map or right here in Los Angeles. We will read five novels, as well as other selected readings from world literature to inform our discussion and writing projects. The objective of this class is to consider what is possible in literature, and what can be identified as "Magical Realism" versus "Surrealism" or "Fantasy", as well as to provide opportunities for discussion of techniques of story-reading as well as story-telling.