The lectures consider postcolonialism as a literary current and critical approach. Since the major step taken by Edward Said and the important reflections of Homi Bhaba, postcolonialism has developed and today offers us new writings and approaches. The sessions with be structured around the critical study of different texts by and secondary commentaries about the major authors representative of postcolonial thought today, among them Salman Rushdie, Amitav Ghosh, Anita Desai, Arundhati Roy, V.S. Naipaul, Amit Chaudhuri…
Objectives
The objectives are cultural, litterary and political. The students will understand the new concepts derived from postcolonial thinkers, from Aimé Césaire to Gayatri Spivak and many others. The connection between the literary productions (novels, poems, plays…) and the critical works will be constantly made.
The students are expected to have read XXth and XXIst century postcolonial novels and to be aware of the different currents that emerged from various geographical spheres (Africa, Australia, Canada, India, the West Indies…).
The class is first based on a lecture on postcolonial criticism with quotations of thinkers that will be commented upon. It is then followed by a literary extract that illustrates the points focused on during the lecture. This second part is more based on a direct exchange with the students. A special attention will be given to Indian texts.
Assessment and Final Grade
Two assessments are planned: one essay (inspired by the lecture) and one literary commentary.
Course Requirements
The students are asked to be informed about the many questions raised in postcolonial literature (identity, otherness, migration…) and connect them with contemporary events.
Libraries
Practical information
