English 135AC

Other Readings and Media

Butler, O.: Kindred; Jones, G.: Corregidora; Olsen, T.: Yonnondio in 30s; Ozick, C.: The Shawl; Plath, S.: The Bell Jar; Ruiz, R.: Happy Birthday, Jesus; Santiago, D.: Famous All Over Town; Viramontes, H.M.: Under the Feet of Jesus; Wideman, J.E.: Philadelphia Fire

Description

In this course we will analyze representations of repression and resistance in the fiction of three cultural groups: Chicanos, African Americans, and European Americans. We will seek answers to the following kinds of questions: What is the relation between the various forms or repression (political, economic and psychological) represented in these texts and the formation of cultural identities? What solution, if any, do the texts offer in response to the forms of repression they represent? The comparative approach in this course will allow us to analyze the particular experiences of each cultural group as part of a larger historical process. The purpose of this kind of analysis is to appreciate the deeply embedded social character of these literary works. Graded assignments will include two papers, quizzes, and a final exam.