COML 3040 - An Introduction to the Literature of Colonialism

(GB) (LA-AS)

Fall. 4 credits.

N. Melas.

Through an examination of selected works from the early 20th century to the present from France, England, Africa, and the Caribbean, this course will provide an introduction to the literature written alongside and against the historical phenomenon that has arguably had the most far reaching impact in modern history: European colonialism. How was culture instrumental in the political project of domination? How have writers of the postcolonial period attempted to write back? What problems and possibilities does colonialism present for cultural identity and cultural resistance? In addition to close reading of texts and a consideration of historical background we will also examine visual representations of colonialism, particularly film. Authors will include Conrad, Ngugi, Nandy, Condé, Duras, Salih, Fanon, Memmi, Djebar, Resnais, and Pontecorvo. All readings available in English.