English 114 - Narratives of Migration and Transformation

Reading across genres of poetry, fiction and memoir, this class explores how writers have described the experience of locating themselves while departing, arriving or living in between. We’ll consider how migration transforms identity and which techniques writers use to express and recreate this complex experience on the page. We’ll ask what role language and narrative technique plays in forging a sense of self and how writing might be related to refuge. The course will cover topics such as alienation, assimilation, generational memory, survival, nostalgia, hybridity, and transformation. Students can expect a wide range of writing assignments, both analytical and creative. Readings may include Bapsi Sidhwa, Amitav Ghosh, Zadie Smith, José Olivarez, Warsan Shire, Suji Kwock Kim, Fady Joudah, Edwidge Danticat, Eduardo Corral and Ocean Vuong.

Limited to 18 students. Spring semester. Lecturer Kapur.

How to handle overenrollment: Preference will be given to first-year students and English majors who still need to complete their 100-level requirement.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: emphasis on written work, readings, oral presentations, artistic work