AFR 400(S) Race, Gender, Space (Same as Comparative Literature 369, English 365, and Women's and Gender Studies 400)*
Physical or symbolic manipulation of space is one mode through which power operates, one manner in which power is exercised and experienced. Historically and currently, space has been divided and resources have been unevenly distributed along numerous axes. Thus, we are left with a constellation of dubiously constructed but nonetheless segregated spaces: public vs. private, male vs. female, white vs. black, native vs. immigrant, rich vs. poor, Christian vs. heathen (even Protestant vs. Catholic), and straight vs. queer sexuality. In this senior seminar, we will examine the ways in which power is enacted, experienced, and resisted through space. In particular, we will investigate the role of space in the creation of raced and gendered identities. Also, because the political and social manipulation of space is not the exclusive prerogative of the empowered, we will consider ways that resisting communities have sought to negotiate, redesign, or redefine space-or even transgress constrictive physical or social boundaries. Finally, we will inquire into the complex politics involved in attempts to establish alternative spaces of relative autonomy beyond the rules or the space of dominant culture. Likely texts will likely include but are not limited to: Henri LeFebvre's The Production of Space, David Harvey's The Condition of Postmodernity, Doreen Massey's Space, Place, and Gender, Don Mitchell's Cultural Geography: A Critical Introduction, Toni Morrison's Paradise, Phanswane Mpe's Welcome to Our Hillbrow, Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man, Wicomb's You Can't Get Lost in Cape Town.
Format: seminar. Evaluations will be based upon: attendance and class discussion, regular short writing assignments, presentations, final projects, and one seminar paper. Enrollment limit: 14 (expected: 14). This seminar is open to all seniors, but priority will be given to Africana Studies concentrators.
Hour: ROBOLIN