Theory from the Global South

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

This course will introduce students to landmark works of theoretical and historiographical import conceived in and written from the “Global South”- areas of the world colonized by Europe, whose postcolonial histories continue to bear the imprint of colonial marginalization and exploitation. We will read in a contrapuntal way, juxtaposing works from different areas and even eras, in order to better understand both theoretical production from (post)colonial spaces and to examine whether the term “Global South” has analytical meaning and may be defined coherently. Readings will be organized along the following topics: plantations and cities in the new world; the structure of colonial power; violence and rebellion; (post)colonial culture; the nation after colonialism; identity, alterity and subalternity; other feminisms. Although readings are not yet finalized, theorists we will read may include: B.R. Ambedkar, Shahid Amin, Kwame Appiah, Gloria E. Anzaldúa, Bama, Homi Bhabha, Gautam Bhadra, Euclides da Cunha, Ochy Curiel, Ganesh Devy, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Frantz Fanon, Florestan Fernandes, Angela Figuereido, Gilberto Freyre, Luis González y González, Gopal Guru, Ranajit Guha, K Lalitha, Maria Lugones, Albert Memmi, Rigoberta Menchú, Fernando Ortiz, Urmila Pawar, Aníbal Quijano, Angel Rama, Sharmila Rege, Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd, Chandra Talpade Mohanty, Rani Sivasankara Sarma, Edward Said, Lamin Sanneh, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Susie Tharu, among others. Readings will be provided in translation. However, readers who have access to the texts in the original language are strongly encouraged to read them in the original. MA students should check with the professor to make sure the course fits their needs.