Neurodiversity in Literature

4 credits · Undergraduate

This course investigates how neurotypical and neurodivergent authors (those with neurological conditions) depict and discuss "neurodiversity". We pay particular attention to how the autistic community embraces this idea. The course emphasizes two Japanese authors, Oe Kenzaburô and autistic author Higashida Naoki (both read in English). We also read other fiction and poetry dealing with themes of autism. To better contextualize the Japanese authors, we read nonfiction work on neurodiversity as well. Taking a comparative, cross-cultural approach brings into relief the ways in which neurodiversity is understood, depicted, and expressed; and the unique difficulties with representation. Satisfies Arts & Letters (AL) breadth requirements.