106-033 Writing After Empire

Usually 25 points of first year English, see Prerequisites.

In this subject students examine examples of contemporary fiction by writers from societies which were formerly part of the British Empire. The aim is to introduce students to the main themes and issues which have preoccupied these writers in an era of decolonisation and mass migration. In addition, students will learn how postcolonial writers have made use of narrative devices, such as realism, irony, allegory and magic realism, to criticise what they perceive as the oppressive social and political regimes that have followed in the wake of empire. On successful completion of the subject, students will have a knowledge of the main characteristics of postcolonial fiction, and be able to demonstrate an understanding of the more important theoretical concept and debates engaging postcolonial critics today.

Class participation, and written work totalling 4000 words.

A subject reader will be available.

• B Emecheta, The Joys of Motherhood. Heinemann.
• H Kureishi, Love in a Blue Time. Scribner.
• J Kincaid, At the Bottom of the River. Vintage.
• T Morrison, Jazz. Random House Knopf.
• Mudrooroo, Dr Wooreddy's Prescription for Enduring the Ending of the World.
• B Mukherjee, Jasmine. Penguin.
• Ngugi, Matigari. Heinemann.
• B Okri, Stars of the New Kurfew. Penguin.
• S Rushdie, Midnight's Children. Picador.