Advanced Topics in Literature and Culture (376-0-1)

Topic

Interracial Encounters

Instructors

Michelle Nancy Huang
847/491-6837
University 226
Office Hours: T 2pm - 3pm; W 2pm - 3pm

Meeting Info

Harris Hall L28: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

The United States is set to become a majority minority country by 2045. What are the many promises—and what are the many pitfalls—of interracial encounters, and what do they reveal about the country writ large? How do minority writers understand and narrate each other? This class brings contemporary African American, Native American, Latinx, and Asian American literature into relation with a focus on interracial dynamics. By examining complex topics from Black/Asian conflict during the 1992 LA Riots to the shared border migrations of indigenous and Latinx subjects, we will develop an analytical framework attuned to how American racial identity has been differentially and unevenly constructed through history, culture, and politics. A central goal of the course is decentering whiteness as the primary locus of literary analysis, to allow for more nuanced interpretations of topics such as U.S. imperialism, mixed race identity, activism, labor history, and immigration. In the process, we will familiarize ourselves with the richness and diversity of multiethnic American literature by considering a variety of genres, including poetry, novels, short stories, and film.

Teaching Method

seminar-based discussions

Evaluation Method

graded participation; in-class presentation; regular reading responses; two short essays; and one longer essay.

Class Materials (Required)

Texts include:

• Anna Deavere Smith, Twilight Los Angeles, 1992
• Karen Tei Yamashita, Tropic of Orange
• Natalie Diaz, Postcolonial Love Poem

Texts will be available at:
Primary texts will be available at the Norris Bookstore and on reserve in the library. Other texts will be available on Canvas.

Class Attributes

Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area