Intro to Lit: Culture & Lit

In this writing intensive course, we will explore issues of U.S. military occupation and imperialism in literatures and cultures throughout the Pacific. As an introductory course, we will critically analyze literature and multimedia works about war by native and non-native peoples that shape our everyday lives, especially within Hawai‘i. We will discuss how representations of war and wartime histories continue to impact our sense of identity. To map out our own positions within these entangled stories, we will be ask a series of critical questions throughout the semester: How is war in the Pacific represented? Is storytelling and representation important, to who, for what, and to what political end? How do these texts reinforce and/or challenge our understanding of historical, economic, ecological, social, and political conditions? How do these representations of war in the Pacific shape our understanding of life in Hawai‘i?

We will investigate authors whose works challenge, transform, and resist U.S. military narratives and structures of power. Ultimately, the activities, discussions, and assignments completed in this course will help you become more critically aware and engaged with the complex cultural issues that exist in Hawai‘i and beyond. Because this is a writing intensive course, we will not only be focusing on developing close reading and critical thinking skills, but also writing skills that enhance organizational, critical, and analytical techniques.

Assignments:

In-class work and Participation; Take Aways; Close Readings; Short Essay; Conferences; Midterm Exam; Final Project + Presentations; Final Exam