English 217CT - Topics in English: 'Globalization and the City'

Through an exploration of texts from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, this course examines literary representations of cities, particularly those arising from historical and contemporary globalization. We will explore such themes as power relationships between cities in the Western world and the global south, migrations, neoliberalism, environmental concerns, gender and sexuality, and the unique place of world cultures amid more vexing concerns about the mixed impact of globalization. Readings will include works by Ama Ata Aidoo, Dionne Brand, Achy Obejas, Elif Safak, Virginia Woolf and others.

Course limited to sophomores, juniors and seniors