Decolonising the Literature Curriculum

This book explores pedagogical approaches to decolonizing the literature curriculum through practical and theoretical case studies, contributing to ongoing discussions in English and related subjects. It offers accessible chapters by experienced academics, structured into two parts: Texts and Contexts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 209 pages
Publication date: 12 March 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into innovative pedagogical approaches to decolonizing the literature curriculum through a comprehensive array of practical and theoretically grounded case studies. While the decolonization of curricula has garnered significant attention in academia and the media, there remains a paucity of sustained examinations of the pedagogies employed in decolonizing the literature at the university level, particularly in English and related subjects. This book makes a substantial and timely contribution to these ongoing discussions, presenting cutting-edge pedagogical scholarship on decolonizing the literature curriculum. Comprising a diverse range of accessible chapters authored by esteemed national and international academics, the book is organized into two parts: Texts and Contexts. These parts present compelling case studies that explore decolonizing the literature curriculum across various contexts, including undergraduate classrooms, university writing centers, and the literary doctorate.

The first part, Texts, delves into the critical examination of literary texts from diverse perspectives, challenging Eurocentric narratives and promoting a more inclusive and equitable understanding of literature. The chapters in this section explore the ways in which colonialism, imperialism, and other forms of oppression have shaped the production and reception of literature, and they offer practical strategies for decolonizing the curriculum by engaging with these texts in innovative and thought-provoking ways.

The second part, Contexts, takes a broader approach to decolonizing the literature curriculum by examining the social, political, and cultural contexts in which literature is produced and consumed. The chapters in this section explore the ways in which power dynamics, cultural imperialism, and systemic inequalities have perpetuated colonialism and other forms of oppression, and they offer practical insights for decolonizing the curriculum by promoting a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Throughout the book, the authors draw on a wealth of theoretical frameworks and methodologies to support their arguments and provide practical examples of decolonizing practices in the literature curriculum. These frameworks include postcolonialism, decoloniality, critical race theory, feminist theory, and queer theory, among others, and they offer a rich and interdisciplinary approach to decolonizing the literature curriculum.

In conclusion, this book is a vital resource for educators, scholars, and students interested in decolonizing the literature curriculum. By presenting a diverse range of case studies and theoretical frameworks, the book offers a comprehensive and practical guide for promoting a more inclusive and equitable learning environment in the literature classroom. The book's innovative pedagogical approaches and critical insights will undoubtedly inspire educators and students to engage in meaningful and transformative decolonizing practices in their teaching and learning endeavors.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030912918
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022