POL 033 - Postcolonialism

How can colonialism and its aftermath be studied critically through the lens of politics and identity? What are the transformations and continuities that have shaped the post-colonial world? How have postcolonial intellectuals negotiated the legacy of colonialism through the contested domains of pacifism, violence, literature, gender relations, nationalism and globalisation? This course attempts to answer these questions through the writings of Edward Said, Valentine Mudimbe, Mahatma Gandhi, Franz Fanon, Chinua Achebe and Ngugi Wa Thiongo.

Students will learn how to analyse identity, religion, language, literature, civil society, the modern state, colonialism and imperialism, and globalisation through a postcolonial lens that pays close attention to the dynamics of power and knowledge.

Leela Gandhi Postcolonial Theory: A Critical Introduction

Edward Said, Orientalism

Valentin Mudimbe, The Invention of Africa

Bill Ashcroft, Post-Colonial Transformation

Frantz Fanon, The Wretched of the Earth

Edward Said, Culture and Imperialism

Four course assesments

Mid-term exam: 20%

In-class quiz I: 15%

In-class quiz II: 15%

Final exam: 50%

In response to changing events, these assessments may be modified.

Exam essay format

Introduction, body and conclusion

Students should demonstrate the following elements in their answers: knowledge of the course materials, a clear and coherent essay structure and their point of view and interpretation.

Student attendance

Less than 50% of class attendance will disqualify students from sitting the final exam regardless of whether the mid-term exam or in-class test were taken.

Rules of conduct in the classroom for quizzes and exams

Students are not allowed to have mobile phones, digital watches and bags with them during examinations. If these items or objects are with students, this will result in an automatic grade of 0%.

Any evidence of cheating such as pieces of paper with notes found on students or writing on students' hands and wrists will result in an automatic grade of 0%. Students who have been caught cheating during exams will be subject to a faculty disciplinary investigation that may lead to them being suspended from university and the punishment being in their student record.