Language & Identity
“Not merely a passageway to knowledge, language is a form of
knowing by itself; a people’s way of thinking and feeling is revealed through
its music.”
Haunani-Kay Trask, From
a Native Daughter
This course will examine the creative intersection between
language and identity, and how our identities are shaped by language and vice
versa. We will read and listen to poems, short stories, essays and articles, as
well as watch films and videos about language and identity exploring issues,
such as the preservation and revitalization of indigenous languages, language
in relation to decolonization, language, identity and migration, language and
worldview, and more. Students will be asked to reflect upon and respond to the
readings and other course materials, and most importantly, produce their own
original writing, including poetry and prose.
This course is Writing Intensive, and you will be expected
to write both inside and outside of class. Sharing, workshopping and engaging
in creative writing exercises will be essential parts of class time. You will also be asked to attend relevant lectures,
performances and readings on your own time. The ultimate goal of the course is
for students to produce a collection of their own work.
We will read critical and creative writing by Gloria
Anzaldua, Haunani-Kay Trask, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Sia Figiel and many
others. Course readings will be available on Laulima and/or in a Course
Reader. Additional required texts TBA.