eLearnAfrica
David Foster Wallace: Literature and Philosophy
Manchester Grammar School
  • Start Date: 19 Jun, 2023
  • 6 weeks
  • Study Content: Videos


Hone your skills in literary and philosophical analysis as you delve into the life of a legendary postmodernist writer.

Course Fee: Free
Certificate Cost: See Fees and Eligibility
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Course Description

Discover the life and literature of David Foster Wallace


David Foster Wallace is widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of his generation. By turns funny and moving, his formally innovative novels, short stories, and essays explore themes like boredom, addiction, irony, and the self.


On this six-week course from Manchester Grammar School, you’ll delve into the life and literature of David Foster Wallace. As you explore Foster Wallace’s philosophical and cultural impact, you’ll hone your literary analysis skills and philosophical thinking.


Explore key themes like addiction, irony, and the self


After an introduction to Foster Wallace’s life and literary influences, you’ll get stuck into analysing his writing. You’ll unpack his presentation of a range of key themes, including boredom, entertainment, addiction, and religion.


You’ll also take a closer look at the role of irony in Foster Wallace’s writing, together with his philosophical views on the nature of the self.


Understand Foster Wallace’s contribution to postmodernism


Foster Wallace’s status as a postmodernist writer is often disputed.


In Week 5 of the course, you’ll learn about postmodernism, post-postmodernism, and where Foster Wallace sits in relation to the two.


Read extracts from iconic works, including Foster Wallace’s masterpiece, Infinite Jest


Throughout the course, you’ll read extracts from some of Foster Wallace’s best-known works. From speeches and short stories to his philosophical reflections and groundbreaking novel, Infinite Jest, you’ll discover the diversity of Foster Wallace’s writing.


This course is designed for anyone interested in philosophy, culture, and literature, and specifically in the work of David Foster Wallace.


It is particularly suited to pre-undergraduate level students hoping to deepen their learning about literature and philosophy.


    • Certificate cost may vary. You will be redirected to the host page for cost and payment options.

    • Manchester Grammar School

      This university is part of the partnership between eLearnAfrica and FutureLearn.

    • You may be able to download course materials after enrolling in this course. If not, all of the necessary course materials provided by the course instructor will be available on the provider's course page.
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