An intensive study of the novel as a form of literary expression. It is a study of the growth of the novel from the 18th century to the present day. Focus will be on the thematic and stylistic developments of the novel. This course also seeks to provide an understanding of the novel form through the comparative study of works.  Emphasis will be on close textual analysis of major novels written in or translated into English from the European continent.  Works are to be selected in such a way as to reflect the major landmarks in the development of the novel. Students will be exposed to the major theories of the novel and to the different approaches in the criticism of fiction. Areas of selection will include modern European novel, the French novel, the Soviet novel and German novel.