Module Code and Title:       LIT313 The Empire Writes Back: Postcolonial Literature          

Programme:                          BA in English Studies

Credit Value:                         12

Module Tutor:                       Runa Chakraborty, Vanlallawmkimi, Sonam Deki

Module Coordinator:            Vanlallawmkimi

General objective: The module aims at introducing students to literature produced in response to colonial transactions. It also seeks to familiarise students with how colonial consciousness has shaped postcolonial literature. In addition, the students will be able to understand the socio-political and ideological impacts of colonial power-structures upon the consciousness of indigenous peoples. Students will also be made aware of how postcolonial texts have been instrumental in redefining the colonial world.

Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion, learners should be able to:

1. Discuss the impact of colonization on language, identity and consciousness.
2. Explain hybridity and syncreticity as colonial offshoots.
3. Assess the complex colonial reality as expressed through postcolonial texts.
4. Explain the influence of western education and English language on society, culture and literature of colonized areas.
5. Discuss the effects of colonialism: migration and exile, displacement, language, identity, race and imperialism.
6. Discuss some of the major political and cultural issues in postcolonial writings.
7. Analyse postcolonial writings from multiple perspectives.
8. Make inter-textual connections between postcolonial and canonical texts.

Learning and Teaching Approach:

Assessment Approach:

A. Written assignment: Portion of Final Marks: 20%

A critical essay of 700-1000 words on a prescribed text focusing on the impact of colonization. The first draft will be marked out of 5%, and the final submission out of 15%, of which 5% percent will be allotted to specific improvements made on the feedback received on the first draft. Assessment will be based on the ‘Analytical Writing’ rubric.

B. Presentation: Portion of Final Mark: 20%

Students will be divided in groups of approximately 4 members and be assigned topics related to political and cultural issues in postcolonial writings. Each individual student will present a part of the work. Each group will be assigned a group mark (10%) and an individual mark (10%). The duration of each individual presentation will be 5-7 minutes. Assessment will be based on the ‘Oral Tasks’ rubric.

C. Class Test: Portion of Final Marks: 10%

A written test will be conducted for 45 min duration and cover 2-3 weeks of material.

D. Class participation and preparedness: Portion of Final Mark: 10%

Students will be expected to participate substantially in class discussions, with contributions reflecting adequate preparation for topics under discussion. 5% of class participation will be assessed before midterm and the remaining 5% post midterm. Assessment will be based on the ‘Participation and Preparedness’ rubric.

E. Midterm Examination: Portion of Final Mark: 10%

Students will take a written exam of 1.5 hr duration covering topics up to the mid-point of the semester.

Pre-requisites: LIT207 The Evolution of the Novel: From Origins to Realism and LIT210 The Evolution of the Novel: From Modernism to Postmodernism

Subject matter:

1. Close reading and analysis of Ice Candy Man by Bapsi Sidhwa
   • Narrative of Trauma and Survival
   • Historical context
   • Colonial perspective
   • Politics of Religion
   • Gender roles
2. Close reading and analysis of Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
   • Colonial Consciousness
   • Politics of Religion
   • Politics of Language
   • Gender roles
   • Family, Tradition and Customs
3. Close reading and analysis of Selected Poems: Derek Walcott
   • Effects of Colonialism and Postcolonialism
   • Roles of Language, Power and Place
   • Multicultural Commitment
   • Historical Vision
4. Close reading and analysis of The White man’s Burden by Rudyard Kipling
   • Euro-centric View of the World.
   • Cultural Imperialism
   • Politics of Ethno-centricism
5. Close reading and analysis of Excerpts from Orientalism by Edward Said
   • Euro-centric Perspective of the Orient
   • The idea of Constructivism
   • Concept of the Other
6. Close reading and analysis of The Story of my Sanskrit by Kumud Pawde from Arjun Dangle’s The Poisoned Bread
   • Caste system
   • Impacts of caste system on Indian society
   • Critique of Humanism

Reading List:

1. Essential Reading
   • Achebe, C. (2001). Things fall Apart. Penguin Books Ltd.
   • Walcott, D. (2007). Selected Poems. Farrar, Straus: New York.
   • Joshi, P. (2003). In Another Country: Colonialism, Culture and the English Novel in India. Oxford University Press.
   • Said, E. (n.d.). Orientalism: Western Conceptions of the Orient. Retrieved from http://www.rlwclarke.net/courses/LITS3304/2010-2011/13Said,Orientalism.pdf
   • Sidhwa, B. (1989). Ice-candy Man. London: Penguin Books.
2. Additional Reading
   • Das, B.K. (2007). Critical essay on post-colonial literature. Delhi: Atlantic Publishers and distributors: Delhi.
   • Soyinka, W. (1976). Myth, literature and the African world. New York: Cambridge.
   • Trivedi, H. (1995). Colonial Transactions: English Literature and India. Manchester: Manchester University Press.

Date: December 20, 2015