J.D. Salinger, an American Innocent OSHER 947-001 Dates: Thursdays, 01/19/17 - 2/23/17 Time: 9:30 AM– 11:00 AM Location: Commander’s House, Fort Douglas Instructors: Sally Smith Course Overview: Famously reclusive author J. D. Salinger (1919-2010) produced a small and unique body of work which defies description or definition. His novel, The Catcher in the Rye (1951), a depiction of adolescent alienation and loss of innocence, remains both widely read and controversial. Nine Stories followed in 1953 to critical acclaim. He was his own most quirky character, according to his daughter, Margaret Salinger, and his ex-lover, Joyce Maynard. A biopic, Rebel in the Rye, starring Kevin Spacey is due early 2017. In this course we will learn about Salinger’s life, and explore the characters and themes of his most important works and their impact on American literature. Course materials Nine Stories by J. D. Salinger, ISBN 0-316-76950-9 The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, ISBN 978-0-316-76917-4 • It is important for us to be "on the same page." The only way for this to happen is for all of us to be using the same editions of the texts. We will not spend precious classroom time trying to locate passages in other editions. • Richard Frost of Frost's Books (1980 E. 2700 So., 801-582-8428) has stocked enough copies of each title to accommodate our class. He generously extends a 10% discount. He is an independent bookseller (a vanishing breed) and a good friend to Osher. Please buy your books from him, if you possibly can. Course Schedule Week Topic January 19, 2017 Be prepared to discuss "A Perfect Day for Bananafish," "Uncle Wiggily in Connecticut," "Just Before the War with the Eskimos" (Nine Stories) January 26, 2017 Be prepared to discuss "The Laughing Man," "Down at the Dinghy," "For Esme-- with Love and Squalor" (Nine Stories) February 2, 2017 Be prepared to discuss "Pretty Mouth and Green My Eyes," "De Daumier-Smith's Blue Period," "Teddy" (Nine Stories) February 9, 2017 Be prepared to discuss chapters 1-9 (The Catcher in the Rye) February 16, 2017 Be prepared to discuss chapters 10-18 (The Catcher in the Rye) February 23, 2017 Be prepared to discuss chapters 19 to the end (The Catcher in the Rye) .