10:10a-11:00a MWF (30) 3 cr.

TOPIC: POSTCOLONIAL LITERATURES AND THEORY

We will explore the meanings of the term "postcolonial" as it has emerged over the last several decades, especially in relation to "new" literatures in English around the world. We will sample at least some of these literatures, including novels, poetry, plays, and essays by, for instance, Salman Rushdie, Derek Walcott, Wole Soyinka, and Gloria Anzaldúa. We will also sample some of the critical and theoretical writings that are central to "postcolonial studies," including essays by Frantz Fanon, Edward Said, and Gayatri Spivak. During the final third of the semester, you will concentrate on a specific "new" literature of your choice. Your final paper will be about at least one text--novel, play, essay, etc.--that represents this "new" literature. You will also write three or four shorter papers, take two or three quizzes, and, depending on the size of the class, give an oral report about your final paper.