Comparative Literature 206 - EMPATHY, RAGE & OUTRAGE

Spring
2015
01
4.00
Katwiwa Mule
TTh 10:30-11:50
Smith College
40371-S15
WRIGHT 002
kmule@smith.edu
This colloquium examines the representations of female genital cutting through literature and film of Africa and the diaspora. Using a variety of documents-literary and legal texts, films, cartoons, posters, essays and manuals-we focus especially on the politics and controversies surrounding this issue by posing and answering the following questions: What are the parameters of the discourse of female genital cutting? What is the appropriate way to name and combat the practice? Who is authorized to speak on behalf of African women? Why has Western feminist insurgency failed to register any meaningful success in promoting change? Is there any relationship between imperialism and the discourse of female genital excision? Are comparisons between cosmetic surgeries in the West and FGC legitimate? Enrollment limit of 20.
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.