Empire and the Postcolonial: Race Genders, Sexualities

What kind of racialised, gendered selves get produced at the conjecture of the transnational and the postcolonial? What is the transnational and the postcolonial? How is self and subjectivity constructed in postcolonial fictions?

This module will aim to answer some of these questions by offering a historical, theoretical and literary understanding of slavery and indentured labor, the material aspects of migrant labor and livelihood, the experiences of displacement and homelessness, the ideologies of ‘home’ and nation, the cultures of diaspora, the politics of multiculturalism, and issues relating to race (racism), sexuality and gender.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

On successful completion of this module students will be able to

• Develop a deep understanding of race, diaspora and sexualities.
• Critically read and react to literary texts.
• Develop a reflective approach.
• Undertake independent research and complete it successfully.
• Critically read and react to literary texts.

Workload

This module will be taught over 10 weeks with 2 hours classroom contact per week in seminars/tutorials.

Method of assessment

• 1,000-word essay (worth 30% of marks)
• 2,500-word essay (worth 50%)
• Recorded or in-class presentation (worth 10%)
• Participation and presentation throughout the module (worth 10%)

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules