Postcolonial Literature Lesson - Remix


"Things Fall Apart...The Centre Cannot Hold"
achebe.PNG from flickr commonsThings Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

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Introduction to Postcolonial Literature

Watch: Introduction to Postcolonial Literature

Read: "Decolonising the Mind" by Ngugi wa Thiong'o

Read: "Postcolonial Literature: Problems with the Term"

Discussion/Writing Assignment

Part 1: In this lesson, we have begun to discuss a genre of literature called Postcolonial Literature. This is, generally speaking, literature written in English by authors whose first language is not English, and who live or are from countries that were conquered--politically, culturally, or both--by Western countries like England, The United States and have subsequently gained political independence.

In this assignment, consider your own cultural identity. If you are in a minority group, this may be something that is constantly on your mind. If you are part of the cultural or racial majority, you may not have consciously considered your own cultural identity. What cultural, religious, familial traditions are part of your life? How do they define you?

Now, think about what would happen if your culture was suddenly made subordinate to another, dominating culture? How would you feel if you were forced to learn a new language and if your culture was considered inferior to the new, dominating culture? Would you try to assimilate quickly into the new culture if that was the only way to succeed, or would you hang on to your cultural identity?

After thoughtfully answering these questions, you may have an inkling of how postcolonial writers may feel.


Part 2: Watch the presentation and read the essays on postcolonial literature, then post thoughtful answers to the following questions:

1. What is postcolonial literature? 
2. What themes generally unite postcolonial literature?
3. What problems do we have with defining postcolonial literature? Why is there such a debate about the definition?

4. What questions do you have about postcolonial literature? 



Postcolonial Literature Project

The Postcolonial Literature Projects asks students to sign up for just one reading (links to full text readings are in the "Read and Sign up" link below). After reading their chosen text, they complete the "Postcolonial Literature Project" which includes a close reading of the text and graphic organizers to help summarize and identify setting, characters, conflict etc. Students go on to research the author of their chosen work and discuss how the author's biography enlightens their reading of the text. Next, students apply their knowledge from previous resources which discuss the unifying themes of postcolonial literature, and identify the themes in their chosen text. Finally, students are asked to collaborate with a classmate who has read a different piece of literature, discuss the unifying themes as well as differences between the two works, and reflect on the experience of collaboration. 

Read and Sign Up: Links to Postcolonial Literature

Postcolonial Literature Project

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