166-045 Postcolonial Maps & Narratives

Usually 25 points of first-year politics.

The object of this subject is to introduce students to source materials and approaches which may contribute to an understanding of the processes of international change and exchange. For the most part, these fall outside the purview of disciplinary international relations. Throughout, our attention will be directed to the South and to the South's engagement with the North. Three broad kinds of source materials have been designated: the utility of literary narratives; the relevance of gender and sexuality; and the significance of place and space. Students who complete this subject should be able to address the politics of literary and other narratives of the North/South encounter; evaluate the significance of the representations contained therein; and compare and contrast approaches in international relations and postcolonialism.

• be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;

• be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;

• be able to communicate knowledge ideologically and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision;

• be able to participate in team work through small group discussions.

A written class paper of 1200 words 30% (due one week after oral presentation) and a research essay of 2800 words 70% (due during the examination period).