URL study guide
https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/L_EAMAEDU001Course Objective
Knowledge -You are able to describe some of the core concepts in postcolonial theory. -You are able to describe some of the salient features of postcolonial varieties of English, and the way in which these varieties have evolved. -You are able to describe current literary and (socio)linguistic issues in the field of Postcolonial Language and Literature. Skills- You are able to analyse some of the major postcolonial literary works.
- You are able to analyse postcolonial language features within the frameworks of linguistic theories of language variation and change. -You are able to critically review studies of Postcolonial Language and Literature. -You are able to conduct independent research in the field of Postcolonial Language and Literature. Attitude -You are able to present a well-informed perspective on the nature of postcolonial Englishes and literatures, and the impact of the use of English on postcolonial societies. Communication -You are able to report on research in the field of Postcolonial Language and Literature in academic spoken en written English. Competence -You are able to apply (some of) the content of this course to your own teaching practice.
Course Content
In the literature component, literary texts will be used to illustrate some of the contemporary scholarly debates about the relationship between the postmodern and postcolonial. The language component focuses on African American Vernacular English as a residual feature of English colonial history, exploring linguistic and social issues in this context. These include variation in English, attitudes to language, and language and identity. The course questions received history, addresses the marginal and subversive use of English in postcolonial spoken en written texts, and examines the inextricable links between language and literature.Teaching Methods
Interactive lectures (2 hours) and seminars (2 hours). The seminars of the language component are taught in a Blended Learning format.Method of Assessment
Two essays (each 50% of the course grade) of approx. 2,000 words; one ona literary topic and one on a linguistic topic. To successfully completethe course, a grade of ≥5,5 should be obtained for each of the essays.Literature
In the literature component we will read a selection of primary literature that may include: Achebe, C. (1994). Things Fall Apart. New York: Anchor Books. Matlwa, K. (2008). Coconut. Jacana Media. Selvon, S. (2006). Lonely Londoners. Penguin Modern Classics. Friel, B. (2003). Translations. Faber and Faber Plays. For the language component, literature will be made available in Canvas. The reading includes chapters from: Simpson, A. (2019). Language and Society. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Hudley, A.H.C. & C. Mallinson. (2013). We do language: language variation in the secondary English classroom. Teachers College Press.Target Audience
MA students in the Educational Master Language and Culture (English).Additional Information
80% attendance of the lectures/seminars, participation in Blended Learning forms, and submission of all of the course work is conditional for being awarded a grade for the final essays.Recommended background knowledge
BA English Language and Culture or equivalent.Language of Tuition
- English
Study type
- Master