This module deals with postcolonial literature and theory. The legacy of imperialism in (ex-)colonised cultures is fundamental to our study, but the main focus here is the role that literature and culture can play in resisting that legacy and helping in the construction of new, 'postcolonial' identities. We will focus upon a variety of (ex-)colonial contexts and literatures in order to examine both this issue and also, in turn, the problems posed to these 'national identities' by factors such as class, gender and migrancy. Primary texts may include works such as:
Frantz Fanon, Black Skins, White Masks
Albert Camus, Exile and the Kingdom
Brian Friel, Translations
Sam Selvon, The Lonely Londoners
Ahdaf Soueif, The Map of Love

A mid-semester essay length 1,000 words weighted at 25%. An end of semester essay length 4,000 words weighted at 75%.
Short Essay [Learning Outcomes 1, 3, 5]
Coursework Essay [Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Contact teaching will be a mix of lecture, workshop and small-group discussion. Students will be expected to work both independently (on research and preparation for both classes and assessments) and as part of a team (on some class exercises and presentation work).

Secondary critical and theoretical works will be selected from a 'reader' such as:
Ashcroft, Griffiths and Tiffin, The Postcolonial Studies Reader (Routledge)

OHP,
Video,
Library,
Internet
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.