Suburban Ennui and Dystopia in American Fiction

Please note: This course replaces “Aging and the Changing Self in Literature," which was originally scheduled for the winter term. Professor Wells plans to present that course soon.

This course will examine the weirdly specific genre of American suburban fiction initially made so notorious in the 1960s and 1970s by writers like Updike and Cheever. What is it about this aspirational niche of the American dream that so often leads those who have “achieved” it into despair or alienation? Through several novels and short stories epitomizing this genre, we’ll explore themes of technology, sexuality, marriage, whiteness, class, NIMBYism, parenting, and the yearning for home that even home itself can’t satisfy. 

We'll discuss four novels that you’ll need to procure (see syllabus below.) Short stories will be posted in registrant Member Dashboards. Please have the readings done before each class meets if you can.

Faculty Bio

Stephanie Wells has a B.A. from Berkeley, M.A. from University of Virginia, and Ph.D. from UC Davis, with a focus on modernism and postmodernism in American and British novels and poetry. She has been a literature professor for over 25 years and currently teaches at College of Marin.

This is an In-Person + Livestreamed Course

• Classes meet in person at the Golden Bear Center, Suite 365, at 1995 University Ave., Berkeley
• Classes will also stream live simultaneously
• You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program.

Schedule Highlights

• Course starts on Wednesday, Jan. 22, and ends on Wednesday, Feb. 26
• Classes meet for 6 weeks, 2 hours per session (1–3 PM)
• All course materials will remain available to view and enjoy in Member Dashboards through Mar. 31

Member Praise for Stephanie Wells

Absolutely OUTSTANDING! I treasure every moment of this course. Thank you Stephanie Wells for teaching these courses and sharing your insights so freely and enthusiastically. I have learned so much in such a short time. 

An intelligent, stimulating instructor who is well versed in her subject. I would say the same for all of the courses I have taken from Stephanie Wells.

All the material selected was organized, presented and discussed thoughtfully and shared with great insight that expanded my appreciation, perspective of understanding. I found it so exciting and rewarding to both meet and revisit so many authors and explore the wide range of material, subjects and styles explored by these women.

Faculty Q&A

• Read an interview with Stephanie Wells from our archive.