Summer 2005

E s360L • Introduction to South African Fiction

Course Description

In this course, we will grapple with how writers have imagined and re- imagined the landscape of South Africa and the pressing political questions that have attended such imaginings. We will start by considering the problems that English-speaking South Africans have in representing South Africa to themselves and to an overseas audience, moving on to considering how writers respond to the apartheid years and how they attempt to imagine in both utopian and apocalyptic terms a post-apartheid South Africa.

Grading Policy

The class will be run as a seminar. Attendance is mandatory. More than one unexcused absence will result in a grade penalty.

Class participation including one presentation 30%
1 response paper of 2-3 pages 20%
1 in-class final exam 50%

Texts

Schreiner, O., Story of an African Farm
Plaatje, S., Mhudi
Paton, A., Cry, the Beloved Country
Mphahlele, E., Down Second Avenue
Joubert, E., Poppie
Gordimer, N., July's People
Mpe, P., Welcome to our Hillbrow

back