Beginning with the literature in the United States around the Civil War, we will trace the evolution of fiction, poetry, drama, and nonfiction in this country through the present day. As with our study of early American literature (Lit 112A), we will read not only those authors who have traditionally comprised the "canon" of contemporary American literature but less familiar authors who represent a range of ethnic, class, gender, sexual orientation, and regional perspectives. (In particular, we will read some enjoyable writing by contemporary Californians). As before, our goal is to have fun reading and talking about writing by contemporary American authors. We will also gain an appreciation of the conventions and techniques used by recent American writers. Finally, we will see how literature from this period not only reflects twentieth-century culture and history but can be meaningfully applied to our personal lives and situations.