B. J. Rahn

Courses

Whodunit ? The History of Detective Fiction

Over the course of its 160- year history, classical detective fiction has changed its focus from time to time, and thereby showed its versatility, but the basic plot structure has followed the features established in Edgar Allan Poe’s first stories. This course traces the development of the genre in the 20th century as emphasis shifts between the means, motive, and opportunity of the villain. Recommended reading: Edgar Allan Poe, R. Austin Freeman, Agatha Christie.

The Detective as Hero

From New York to New Delhi, people of all ages, races, religions, and social classes turn to detective fiction for “a good read.” This course will define and explore the similarities and differences in the character and methods of investigation of the three principal types of detective story: the classical whodunit, the hard-boiled private eye story, and the police procedural. Recommended reading: Agatha Christie, Dashiell Hammett, Ed McBain.