Migration and Diaspora

Course goals

Students will gain:
- insight into literary and theoretical debates on migration literature and diaspora writing
- ability to apply this knowledge in independent individual writing and discussion
- ability to put forward a clear argument in both oral and written form.
 

Content

This is the second course within the specialisation Literature Across Borders. It introduces literatures of migration, displacement, and diaspora from the post-45 period to the present day. Progressing forwards through the decades, we focus on a specific literary form every week and examine how writers from different diasporic communities write about experiences of physical and/or linguistic border-crossing, exile, and belonging.

We will generate insight into literary and theoretical debates on migration literature and diaspora writing and hone our abilities to apply this knowledge independently. In our seminars and assessments, you will practice to put forward clear arguments in both oral and written form. The assessments will consist of 1) a weekly written assignment, in which you closely read one of the set texts as a basis for our seminar discussions, as well as 2) an in-person paper, i.e. an exam with a choice of open, comparative questions. These are designed to allow you to put the skills you have practiced through your weekly assignment into action to build a larger argument.

Additional information

This is the second course of the specialisation Literature Across Borders.

This course has priority rules and a waiting list. Your enrolment is guaranteed if you are:

• a student in the BA Literary Studies enrolled in the specialisation Literature across Borders.
• a student in the BA TCS enrolled in the hoofdrichting Moderne letterkunde.
• an exchange student and meet the course’s entry requirements

In all other situations, you will be placed on a waiting list if you enrol in this course. For any remaining slots in the course, lots are drawn among the students on the waiting list. 

Early Exit option for international exchange students (5 EC)
Exchange students who are required to return to their home university before January, are allowed to choose an Early Exit option for this course. The Early Exit option means that students can finish the course before Christmas break, receiving 5 EC for the course. Students must make arrangements with the course coordinator at the start of the course.