GLOBAL LITERATURES

Description

This module introduces students to global literatures across geocultural spaces and historical periods through the study and critical analysis of a range of texts written in multiple languages and from both Western and non-Western perspectives. This module is part of a global strand embedded in our programme, which will help students develop global sensitivity and appreciation for cultural and linguistic diversity. The central question that will guide our discussions is how literary texts engage with the idea of the world. You will work collaboratively to develop critical and analytical skills that will enable you to appreciate: (1) how literary texts foster historical awareness and sensitivity to global issues affecting contemporary societies; (2) how literature is deeply shaped by cultural, political, and social forces; (3) how texts actively create narrative worlds that respond to specific symbolic and cultural needs. Building upon the theoretical foundations acquired during the first year, students will reflect on the value and challenges of studying literature today from a global, multilingual and comparative perspective. The module introduces students to a variety of artistic forms of expression originating from diverse cultural traditions and engaging global questions, such as migration, modernity, cultural and artistic translation, and movements of people and texts. Throughout the module, students will actively and collaboratively discuss the role of literature and literary criticism in our globalised and interconnected society. The module explores questions such as: the entanglements of the local and the global; non-Western and/or marginalised worldviews; circulation and translation of texts across languages, geographies, and media; relations between literary centres and peripheries. At the end of the semester, students will have acquired the critical tools to analyse texts in a global framework and to appreciate the value of literary studies and literary criticism today. The module is structured around 1-week units, each covering a specific topic or time period. The following is an indicative list of theories and themes to be covered. Each year, the module convenor will select relevant topics and structure the module following specific thematic threads: Theories of world literature and unequal relations among literary spaces How texts travel (or fail to) across space and time Cosmopolitan, regional, and vernacular fiction Literary world-making Borders, migration, and diaspora Global capitalism and uneven development Translation and untranslatability The global contemporary novel Indigenous fiction and poetry Asian modernism African and Afro-diasporic fiction Literatures of the Global South Latin American and Caribbean fiction The global Middle Ages Travel writing (Western and non-Western) Anthropocene fiction Global film studies The module aims to: broaden students, knowledge about a variety of global literatures practice methods of studying literature and culture across national and linguistic boundaries evaluate the nature, function, and value of literature from a global perspective advance students¿ ability to connect literary and cultural forms to social and political questions of relevance engage a wide range forms, genres, and media from a comparative perspective analyse a specific body of research and write a clear and well-developed essay about a topic related to one or more literary and cultural traditions Attributes Developed 001 By the end of the module students will be able to: demonstrate an in-depth understanding of literary and cultural expression across diverse literary and cultural geographies K 002 Understand a wide range of social and historical contexts (both Western and non-Western) where literary objects have been produced and circulates KC 003 Employ close reading and analytical skills to situate texts and cultural artifacts within broader theoretical, social, and political traditions CT 004 Be able to effectively communicate information, arguments, and analysis in oral and written formats, including online writing T 005 Practice critical thinking across forms and media, and present ideas compellingly and succinctly PT 006 Demonstrate resourcefulness and competency in using digital tools and materials for writing and research PT