Postcolonial Studies

Key information

Status
Module not running
Module code
155906727
FHEQ Level
5
Credits
15
Department
School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics

Module overview

This module introduces students to a major intellectual, artistic and theoretical field emerging in the 20th century and continuing today.

It will introduce major topics of postcolonial thinking from the perspective of the humanities and literary studies. Students will have the opportunity to consider the foundations of the field as well as its present and future.

Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the major discussions in postcolonial literary and theory
  • analyse literary texts
  • recognise some of the aesthetics of postcolonial literature

Workload

This module is taught over 10 weeks with 2 hours of classroom contact per week.

Scope and syllabus

  • Postcolonial literary aesthetics: 'writing back'; the historical novel; colonial languages and creoles; interiority and the (post)colonial subject
  • Mimicry; hybridity and liminality
  • Language and colonisation
  • Postcolonial feminism
  • Subaltern studies and Marxism
  • Postcolonial ecocriticism

Method of assessment

  • 30% annotated bibliography (1,000 words)
  • 70% essay (1,500 words) or virtual presentation/podcast (8 minutes)
  • Exact assessment deadline dates are published on the relevant module Moodle/BLE page.

Suggested reading

  • Ashcroft, B., Griffiths, G., & Tiffin, H. (2002). The empire writes back: Theory and practice in post-colonial literatures (2nd ed.). London: Routledge.
  • Fanon, F., & Markmann, C. L. (1968). Black skin, white masks. London: MacGibbon & Kee.
  • Gilroy, P. (1987). "There ain't no black in the Union Jack": The cultural politics of race and nation. London: Hutchinson.
  • Lewis, R., & Mills, S. (2003). Feminist postcolonial theory: A reader. New York: Routledge.
  • Loomba, A. (2005). Colonialism/postcolonialism (2nd ed.). London: Routledge.

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.