What does it mean for literature to be experimental? The great Margaret Atwood defines it as: “Fiction that sets up certain rules for itself . . .while subverting the conventions according to which readers have understood what constitutes a proper work of literature.” In making its own rules, a lot of the old rules must be tossed out, of course, and so this class provides examples of the most innovative, rule-busting, eclectic works of the postmodern, absurdist, metafictional and transgressive canon. We’ll untangle a wild and gutsy array of passages while examining why a non-experimental writer might actually need to investigate the more law-less avenues of prose. We’ll also generate some experimental writing of our own through exercises and workshops. All genres welcome, only open minds required. Each student will receive a letter from the instructor at the end of the class, outlining some strengths in their work and some ideas for moving forward.