230217 The "Factions" of Haitian-American Writer Edwidge Danticat (S) (WiSe 2014/2015)

Edwidge Danticat is a known and respected Haitian-American writer, professor, activist, and strong advocate in terms of issues that affect Haitians abroad and at home. Her first novel, 'Breath, Eyes, Memory', published in 1994, was, undoubtedly, one of the great literary debuts of the contemporary. Not only did it mark the birth of an impressive new literary talent, it also opened up an entire culture to a broad readership. Three themes that seem to reappear in Danticat's work are (national) identity, the complex relationship between mother and daughter, as well immigration and diasporic politics. Edwidge Danticat's early childhood in Haiti and immigration to New York City form and inform her identity which is unfixed in terms of ethnicity, nationality, etc. Her work also cannot be put into any clear category. Thus you may look for it in the African-American, ethnic, black, Caribbean, women's, world literature, or the fiction section of a bookstore—you may also find her in several of these sections or maybe in none at all. Danticat and her works always straddle the multiple worlds of the Americas as well as multiple literary genres.
As Danticat's works can be located at the intersection of fiction and fact (or non-fiction), this seminar is called 'The “Factions“ of Haitian-American Writer Edwidge Danticat'. The course will cover a selection of works by Danticat, including novels, life writings, short stories, and critical essays. The focus will be put on close readings and group discussions of her texts.
In addition to furthering their skills in literary analysis, students can obtain up to 3 credit points, or a Studienleistung.