Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0183 - Resistance Literatures

In this introductory literature and cultural theory course, we will examine the relationships between literature and resistance in diverse historical and cultural contexts. We will explore longstanding-if often contradictory-associations between literature and revolution, fiction and freedom, poetry and democracy, and the role played in social and political movements by creative and artistic imagination. Special attention will be paid to the place of literary texts in imperial and nationalist projects as well as, in postcolonial contexts, anti-imperial and anti-colonial contestation. Multiple national and linguistic traditions will be considered, including texts by US, European, African, Caribbean, and Latin American writers. Theoretical readings will touch on censorship, performativity, creolization, and terror. (Keywords: Comparative Literature, Cultural Studies, Postcolonial Theory)

Time and Narrative Students in this course can expect to spend 6 to 8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time.