This course considers detective fiction from its inception in the late nineteenth century to the present day. Students will be introduced to canonical and lesser known authors of detective fiction, evolving generic conventions, and reception history. Course content may include mystery stories, connections to emerging legal processes, and critical writing on detective fiction. In addition to hands-on exploration of objects, topics may include antiquarians and their methods, material culture in colonial contexts, and materials in contemporary user-friendly design.
This course considers detective fiction from its inception in the late nineteenth century to the present day. Students will be introduced to canonical and lesser known authors of detective fiction, evolving generic conventions, and reception history. Course content may include mystery stories, connections to emerging legal processes, and critical writing on detective fiction. In addition to hands-on exploration of objects, topics may include antiquarians and their methods, material culture in colonial contexts, and materials in contemporary user-friendly design.
