ENGL357 - Human Rights, Literature, Theory

[ Wesleyan Home Page ] [ WesMaps Home Page ] [ WesMaps Archive ] [ Course Search ] [ Course Search by CID ]
Academic Year 2004/2005

Human Rights, Literature, Theory
ENGL 357 FA

In what ways can the theory and practice of human rights enrich our understanding of literature, and how can literary studies broaden our understanding of human rights? We will think about literature as an ethical and political project, and consider what relation, if any, literature has to conventional forms of human rights work. We¿ll question the emotional impact literature can have on readers, and whether emotions such as empathy have a necessary relation to justice. Finally, we will consider how narrative enables or disables memory, truth telling, and justice in the aftermath of systematic atrocity. Among our selected human rights topics, we will study sexual and gender rights, race and rights, and poverty.

MAJOR READINGS

Allison, Dorothy, BASTARD OUT OF CAROLINA
Coetzee, J. M., WAITING FOR THE BARBARIANS
Cuadros, Gil, CITY OF GOD
Danticat, Edwidge, THE DEW BREAKER
Ondaatje, Michael, ANIL¿S GHOST
Essays and theory

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Grades will be based on participation, a public presentation to the seminar, and written work. Student will write three 5-6 page critical essays.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This course counts towards the English department's theory requirement.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: HA ENGL Grading Mode: Graded

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Mullins,Greg Allen

Times: .....F. 01:10PM-04:00PM; Location: FISK115;

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 15)

SR. major: 5 Jr. major: 2

SR. non-major: 2 Jr. non-major: 1 SO: X FR: X

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal: Ethical Reasoning

Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-21-2005