ENAM 3240

Hands-down the greatest class I've taken at UVA. Railton is FANTASTIC--seriously, great lecturer. I always felt like I had learned something important when class was over. He's also extremely personable in his office hours, and is happy to work with you on your papers.

The reading load isn't too crazy, but it's still substantial. You read 9 novels, as well as a few short stories. Faulkner tends to be pretty dense, so be prepared to spend a decent chunk of time each week doing the reading. That said, the payoff for sticking with it and doing the reading throughout the semester is immense.

There are only 2 papers due (6-7 pages), and a final exam. He encourages you to write about whatever interests you. He's a pretty generous grader, and his criticism is actually really helpful.

Seriously, TAKE THIS CLASS. It's life-changing.

Wow! Professor Railton is one of the most personable professors I have ever had! Not only is he very helpful and welcoming during office hours, but his lectures are absolutely brilliant and I can always take something away from each class!

Faulkner is pretty difficult for any new Faulkner readers, but no past knowledge is necessary. Professor Railton makes a great effort to make you feel very close with Faulkner--from audio clips, the digital Yaknapatawpha project, to going to Special Collections to see some of Faulkner's personal items and manuscripts--you couldn't feel closer to an author unless you are talking with him face to face!

One of the best classes I have taken with one of the the best professors at UVA.

This course is singular in its focus: explore Faulkner's Yoknapatawpha County and the surrounding area through the novels and short stories he wrote about it. The deep engagement with the topic is at once the course's charm and difficulty, but if you make a sustained effort to read intently and purposefully and to engage in discussion, then you'll get everything out of this course you want.