Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines works of popular fiction by Indigenous authors and their use of specific genres (e.g. the mystery novel, vampire thriller, sci fi, comic book). Students with credit for ENGL 360, INDG (or FNST) 322 under this topic, or FNST 360 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

According to Metis scholar Warren Cariou, "Native people already have plenty of evidence in their daily lives of how the legacies of colonialism have been passed down through the generations; they do not need to summon spectres to fulfil that function. But Native writers do represent spirits in their work nonetheless; it is just that these spirits are not necessary figures of uncanny terror. They may be malevolent beings...but they may also be figures of healing, ceremony, or political action. Or they may simply be ancestors. And while many such spirits do seem to address the transgressions of the colonial past, they usually do so as part of a call for some kind of redress or change in the present." Examining a variety of media, we will gain an understanding how Indigenous writers, theorists, and filmmakers have intervened in the horror genres to explore themes such as decolonization, sovereignty, and self-determination. 

Warning: This course deals wtih several challenging and emotionally charged issues, and some students may find the content unexpectedly stressful, especially around the discussion of ongoing colonization. Because we will be focusing on horror and the Gothic, readings and films may include violence, gore, and disturbing themes and imagery.

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

RECOMMENDED READING:

REQUIRED READING NOTES: