MULTICULTURAL PERSPECTIVES

TO CANADIAN LITERATURE

 Assoc. Prof. Madeleine Danova

Senior Asst. Prof. Galina Avramova

 The aim of the course is to outline the development of Canadian literature from the perspectives of multiculturalism and transculturalism. Special attention will be given to the historical and the genre development of Canadian literature, as well as to some of the most prominent writers in contemporary Canada – Margaret Atwood, Michael Ondaatje, Alice Munroe, Thomas King among others.

The topics to be discussed will include indigenous writing, regional writing, women writing, multiethnic writing in a variety of genres - autobiography, drama, short fiction and the novel. In addition the developments specific to Canadian culture in comparison to the U.S. and British culture will be emphasized. Thus, the students will be able to strengthen their knowledge of Canadian culture and acquire a broader perspective for understanding the processes of creation in Canadian literature, as well as of identity-formation and nation-building in an era of globalization and multiethnicity.   

Course Schedule

 1.      Introduction

            Overview of Canadian Literature

2.      Indigenous Writers in Canada:

            Thomas King, “A Coyote Columbus Story”

            Green Grass, Running Water, excerpts

3.      Canadian Short Story Writing:

            Alice Munro, “The Ottawa Valley”

            Margaret Atwood, “Death by Landscape”

            The Blind Assassin, excerpts

4.      Canadian Drama:

             David French, Leaving Home

5.      Asian Canadian Writers:

             Rohinton Mistry, “Squatter” 

 6.      Asian Canadian Writers:

             Vassanji, No New Land

7.      Asian Canadian Writers:  

             Michael Ondaatje, Running in the Family, excerpts

8.      Timothy Findley, Not Wanted On The Voyage

9.      Contemporary Canadian Poetry: Margaret Atwood, Leonard Cohen

 

Assessment: Class participation: 15 points

                     Oral assignment: two assignments, each 10 points

                     Mid-term quiz: 25 points

                     Final Test: 50 points