Topics in Postcolonial & Comparative Literatures (281-0-20)
Instructors
Evan M Mwangi
Meeting Info
Parkes Hall 223: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM
Overview of class
Introducing some of the major texts, concepts, terms, and debates in the study of texts about colonialism and its aftermath, this course explores the interface of postcolonialism and other liberatory initiatives (e.g., feminism, climate activism, animal studies etc.). How can we reconceive English studies to be more inclusive of non-western cultures and their depiction of problems that face the planet as a whole? How do we compare postcolonial texts with Western canons without reinforcing the current hierarchies that privilege Western culture as the standard against which the other cultures are judged? Indeed, in what ways are Western and East Asian literatures postcolonial? What are the differences, if any, among such terms as "anti-colonialism", "postcolonialism", and "decolonial" studies in relation to climate activism? As we read and write about these questions, we will examine how at the root of perennial postcolonial debates (e.g., the language debate) is the question of holistic liberation of the planet. Paying attention to the formal properties of postcolonial texts, our discussions will include the structural and thematic agency the writers give to other-than-human elements of the cosmos as a gesture of absolute inclusiveness, while depicting postcolonial societies' struggle against colonial domination and the over-exploitation of the environment at the hands of global capitalism. We will read theorists and activists such as Edward Said, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Fatema Mernissi, Homi Bhabha, Gayatri Spivak, Cajetan Iheka, Frantz Fanon, and Wangari Maathai.
Teaching Method
Interactive lectures, library visits, guest lectures debates, role play, one-on-one meetings, and small group discussions.
Evaluation Method
Two 7-page papers, weekly Canvas postings, regular self-evaluation, peer critiques, class participation, take-home exam, pop quizzes (ungraded), and 1-minute papers (ungraded).
Class Materials (Required)
Readings (may change)
Roy, Arundhati. The God of Small Things. Publisher: Random House; ISBN-10: 0812979656; ISBN-13: 978-0812979657
Farah, Nuruddin. Secrets. Publisher: Penguin Books; Reissue edition (December 1, 1999). ISBN-10: ISBN-13: 978-0140280456
Ihimaera, Witi. The Whale Rider: Publisher: Graphia; 1-Simul edition (May 1, 2003) ISBN-10: 0152050167; ISBN-13: 978-0152050160
Mda, Zakes. The Whale Caller. Paperback: 230 pagesPublisher: Picador; Reprint edition (October 17, 2006 ISBN-10: 0312425872ISBN-13: 978-0312425876
Films
Jean-Pierre Gallepe's Po di Sangui (Tree of Blood)
Wanuri Kahiu's Pumzi
Stephanie Black's Life and Debt
Tunde Kelani's Saworoide
Class Attributes
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity