Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0266 - Narratives-Trauma & Redemption

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, memoirs, 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. Primary texts will focus heavily on ethnic American literature. The forms of trauma we will discuss range from personal and sexual violence, to large-scale communal and cultural violence. This course will take the form of a discussion-based seminar and interactive workshop. Students will engage in expository, creative, and analytical modes of writing. You must be open to sharing your writing with the class. Writing prompts will be offered, but in many cases you will have the freedom to choose your topic and mode of expression.

Independent Work Multiple Cultural Perspectives Writing and Research Students are expected to spend approximately 6 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time.