230384 Literature as a De/Colonial Tool (S) (WiSe 2026/2027)

This seminar explores the dual role of literature within the context of colonialism. Historically, texts served both as tools for reinforcing imperial dominance and as powerful instruments for anti-colonial resistance and decolonisation. Together, we will analyse how literary works consolidated, questioned, or radically dismantled colonial narratives. Students will engage with key postcolonial theories and develop a critical understanding of power structures in and through language.

Course Description
Literature is a powerful tool that shapes how we understand the world, whose voices are heard, and whose perspectives are represented. Throughout history, it has contributed to the production, legitimisation, and contestation of relations of power.
In this seminar, we will explore how literature has functioned as a colonial tool, both in colonised territories and in Europe. We will examine how literary texts, travel writing, and narratives of civilisation contributed to colonial knowledge production and the construction of the “Other.”
At the same time, we will investigate how literature can serve as a decolonial practice. How can writers challenge dominant narratives, transform colonial languages, reclaim histories, and imagine otherwise? How can we critically reflect on our own reading experiences and literary environments?
The seminar combines literary analysis with postcolonial and decolonial theory. In addition to working with selected primary texts, students will bring materials from their own bookshelves into the classroom.
The course is organised into three thematic blocks:
Block I: Colonialism
Block II: Postcolonial Theory
Block III: Decolonial Practice
The syllabus is a working plan. Topics and activities may be adapted in response to the interests and questions that emerge during the semester.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the seminar, students will be able to:
• Explain key concepts from postcolonial and decolonial theory and relate them to colonial histories and contemporary power structures.
• Analyse how literary texts produce, reproduce, or challenge colonial representations and hierarchies.
• Apply theoretical concepts and critical reading strategies to literary texts and their own literary environments.
• Compare and discuss different perspectives on language, representation, literary canons, and decolonisation.
• Reflect critically on their own reading experiences, literary environments, and positionality.
• Develop and experiment with creative forms of critical and decolonial literary practice.
• Collaborate respectfully with others and take responsibility for their own learning and contributions to the seminar.

Teaching and Learning
This seminar is based on active participation, collaborative learning, and critical engagement. It is not designed as a self-study course.
We will combine close reading and theoretical discussions with:
• A postcolonial city walk.
• A Book Walk and Talk.
• A book bazaar.
• Film-based discussion.
• A guest lecture.
• A creative zine workshop.
• Reflective and collaborative exercises.
These activities allow us to connect theoretical concepts to literary texts, everyday environments, and our own experiences as readers.

Participation
This seminar is a shared space for learning, questioning, and critical engagement. We aim to create an environment in which different perspectives can be expressed and discussed respectfully. Please also consult the Code of Conduct at the end of this document and on Moodle.
As the course relies on active participation and collaborative learning, regular attendance, preparation, and engagement are essential. If other commitments regularly prevent you from participating actively in the sessions, this may not be the right course for you.

Assessment and Feedback, Studien- und Prüfungsleistung
Studienleistung
Throughout the semester, you will develop an individual portfolio based on your own bookshelf and the topics explored in class. The portfolio may include literary analyses, reflections on theoretical concepts, observations about your literary environment, creative experiments, and responses to collaborative activities.
The portfolio is a space for experimentation, critical reflection, and ongoing learning. At the end of the semester, you will submit a written reflection connecting your portfolio to the central themes and concepts of the seminar and reflecting on how your understanding of literature, coloniality, and decolonial practice has developed.
You will have opportunities to discuss your ideas and receive feedback throughout the semester, including during portfolio-related activities and the Book Bazaar. Further information will be provided on Moodle and in class.
Prüfungsleistung
If you plan to complete your Prüfungsleistung in this seminar, you will write a term paper (Hausarbeit) in accordance with the institute’s guidelines. If you already have a topic in mind — or would like to develop one — please feel free to reach out so that we can arrange a meeting and discuss your ideas and the requirements for your paper.
While the institutional requirements provide the framework for assessed coursework, we are open to discussing and adapting the format of your work within these guidelines. If you have creative or otherwise interesting ideas for your assignment, please do not hesitate to share them with me so that we can explore how to incorporate them in an appropriate way.