Course Resources Archive

This module introduces students to a range of diverse contemporary literature by black British and postcolonial authors, providing them with opportunities to explore issues such as race/ethnicity, 'Britishness', oppression and resistance, place, identity, migration, gender, and belonging.

The module traces developments in postcolonial and black British writing from 1945 up until the present day, in fiction, poetry, prose, and drama.  In relating those literary developments to historical events, such as the arrival of 'the Empire Windrush', civil rights and the countercultural revolution, and contemporary multiculturalism, the module anchors its literary explorations in an understanding of historical and cultural change. In challenging cultural assumptions about tradition and genre, the module engages students in interrogating a range of themes and moral and ethical questions. The module also seeks to develop and expand students’ critical and aesthetic vocabulary. Discussions will be informed by contemporary critical ideas and debates regarding postcolonial and black British writing, and its engagement with literary forms and cultural difference.  Examples of authors studied include Sam Selvon, Buchi Emecheta, Benjamin Zephaniah, Fred D’Aguair, and Andrea Levy.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1.Demonstrate a well-founded understanding of postcolonial and black British writing, and of postcolonial and black British literary and cultural production, and its attending theoretical and critical contexts.

2.Show flair and analytical skill in close reading of a variety of texts in relation to cultural specificity, race, sexuality, class and gender, and reflect a sophisticated understanding of issues of genre, literary language and tradition

3.Produce and present a confident and competent discussion based on their own emerging critical perspectives and ‘voice’, and be able to communicate their ideas regarding black British and postcolonial writing effectively and with fluency.

4.Plan and organise their own learning experience, and implement research, and use appropriate scholarly resources, including information technology.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.