Unit AMERICAN LITERATURE AND CULTURE
- Course
- Languages, comparative literatures and intercultural translation
- Study-unit Code
- A000186
- Curriculum
- Lingue e letterature
- Teacher
- Mirella Vallone
- Teachers
-
- Mirella Vallone
- Hours
- 36 ore - Mirella Vallone
- CFU
- 6
- Course Regulation
- Coorte 2019
- Offered
- 2020/21
- Learning activities
- Affine/integrativa
- Area
- Attività formative affini o integrative
- Academic discipline
- L-LIN/11
- Type of study-unit
- Opzionale (Optional)
- Type of learning activities
- Attività formativa monodisciplinare
- Language of instruction
- English
- Contents
- Vulnerability and resistance in contemporary American literature
The course will examine how contemporary American literature has explored the issue of vulnerability, that is, how individuals, communities, or the nation are exposed, at risk, in danger, due to racial, ethnic, social and gender discrimination, or to terrorist violence. Forms of resistance enacted to counteract it will be examined as well through the analysis of texts belonging to African American, Chicana, and Arab-American literature. Particular attention will be given to Judith Butler's reflections on vulnerability and resistance as they are elaborated after the events of September 11, 2001. - Reference texts
- Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye.
Sandra Cisneros, The House on Mango Street.
A selection of Arab-American poetry.
Judith Butler, "Violence, Mourning, Politics" from Precarious Life: The Powers of Mourning and Violence.
Texts of literary criticism will be added to the reading list at the beginning of the course. - Educational objectives
- Knowledge of American literature and culture; understanding of notions of identity, language, religion, class, and gender, and of their complex interactions in American society.
- Prerequisites
- Basic knowledge of American history and literature.
- Teaching methods
- Blended teaching.
- Learning verification modality
- Oral examination
- Extended program
- Vulnerability and resistance in contemporary American literature
The course will examine how contemporary American literature has explored the issue of vulnerability, that is, how individuals, communities, or the nation are exposed, at risk, in danger, due to racial, ethnic, social and gender discrimination, or to terrorist violence. Forms of resistance enacted to counteract it will be examined as well through the analysis of texts belonging to African American, Chicana, and Arab-American literature. Particular attention will be given to Judith Butler's reflections on vulnerability and resistance as they are elaborated after the events of September 11, 2001.