Islands, notes Laura Lyons, are often considered "fragments of
nations."  In this course, we will consider the various relationships
between islands and their so-called "mainlands" through the genres of
poetry, novels, essays, and plays.  We will examine the representation
of "natives" in the texts of colonial exploration as well as works by
indigenous people whose history has been shaped by such encounters.
Attention will be paid to western constructions of the "sea" and
"islands" as sites of adventure, escape and/or exile, and the exotic.
We will look at how the development of some islands for tourism, penal
colonies, and dumping grounds affects those for whom an island and its
surrounding sea are "home."  Throughout the class we will turn to
representations of islands in popular culture:  songs, musicals, and
advertisements.  A tentative list of texts includes:  William
Shakespeare's "The Tempest"; Jessica Hagedorn's DOGEATERS
(Philippines); George Lamming's THE EMIGRANTS; Chris McKinney's THE
TATTOO (Hawai'i); Sia Figiel's WHERE WE ONCE BELONGED; and Athol
Fugard's "The Island."  We will probably also view the film, FRESH
KILL.  Students should expect to write four 5-6 page papers and take
two exams.