Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0226 - Trauma and Redemption

Bridging Shakespeare to the twenty-first century, this course explores different forms of personal and communal trauma, and the ways that writing offers a means to redemption. By analyzing a range of novels, poetry, plays, and films, we will consider the different ways that trauma has been turned into narrative and how narrative in turn seeks to transform trauma into something else. Readings will be approached from a historical/literary perspective, and will include narrative paths that lead to healing and redemption, but also to resistance and revenge. Topics may include accidental amputation, sexual violence, war and exile, and colonial invasion. We will also think about how our responses to trauma prompt us to ask broader questions about the nature of accidents, fate, freewill, cosmic justice, and forgiveness. Students will engage in expository, creative, and analytical modes of writing. A final project will encompass each of these modes as well as a research component. Some of the primary texts may include Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus and The Tempest, Louise Erdrich's The Roundhouse, Alison Bechdel's Fun Home, Claudia Rankine's Citizen, and Jung Yun's Shelter.

Culture, Humanities, and Languages Power, Community and Social Justice Independent Work Multiple Cultural Perspectives Writing and Research In this course, students are expected to spend approximately 6 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time.