This module introduces students to postcolonial theory, a body of thought that focuses on the impact of European rule on the rest of the world from the Enlightenment onwards. The dominance and superimposition of European thought has affected political, economic, social and aesthetic structures globally. Non-Europeans affected by European rule were not only influenced by these ideas but also resisted them by foregrounding their own cultures, meanings and practices. This theoretical frame, that emerged in the 1980s in the academy alongside second- and third-wave feminist thought and critical race studies, is influenced by these other frameworks as much as it has influenced them. Its focus spans forms of political and aesthetic representation, globalisation, environmentalism, human rights, national and transnational histories, and the politics and ethics of those who occupy the margins. You will explore the definitions of and debates associated with this field of study, and learn how to read race, class, gender, sexuality and identities in texts through this theoretical lens.

• distinguish a range of arguments that have historically shaped and currently inform postcolonial analysis
• analyse literary texts through the application of postcolonial theory
• synthesise postcolonial approaches with other intersecting theories, such as feminism and literary studies
• evaluate the wider implications of postcolonial cultural studies in understanding social and political systems 

This module will be delivered through a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous activities, as part of this programme’s blended provision, which will include on-campus and online teaching and support.

The precise mode of delivery and details – subject to Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance – of the teaching and support activities will be made available at the start of the semester via Learning Central.

Academic skills: The particular skills of the module bear upon reading and understanding postcolonial theory and students will be taught the cornerstone texts of this theoretical frame, as well how to intersect postcolonial thought with feminist studies and literary studies. In addition, the module will trace the evolution of postcolonial theory to different and new areas of thought. Examining these materials requires careful scholarship, sensitivity to different forms of English usage, and historical and political awareness.

Employability skills: these include the ability to synthesise information, participate in group-based discussion, to negotiate different and conflicting standpoints, to communicate ideas and to produce clear, informed arguments in a professional manner. Student-led research will encourage skills of information collation, selection and synthesis. 

The methods of summative assessment for this module are detailed in the table below.

Formative work to be submitted before each summative assessment: you can choose between submitting, as appropriate, an essay plan/structure, synopses of essay topic options (if undecided) or sample paragraph/s; for creative assignments, you can submit working drafts of parts of your composition, as arranged with the workshop convenor.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:
As with School policy, failed or unsubmitted assessments can be retaken during the August resit period.

Indicative Syllabus:

• Definitions: Benita Parry, Frantz Fanon, Edward Said, Ranajit Guha
• Race:  David Theo Goldberg and Frantz Fanon
• Gender: Partha Chatterjee and Avtar Brah 
• Identity: Homi Bhabha
• Ania Loomba and Stuart Hall
• Amina Mama and Anne McClintock
• Gayatri Charavorty Spivak