ENGL/WST 309 - Women Writers
Introduction to Women Writers from India
I am "her" voice, recounting her tales, from the vedic age to the 21st century.
The fire that has remained stifled in the ashes of history, smothered by time and age,
I am that woman - I speak of her.
I read tears, I write fire,I live in infamy and consume its ashes.
I endure violence, and still breathe fire.
I live as long as this fire burns within me.…
Born of this earth, your daughter,
Full of emotions and sentiments and love
I salute you mother India ,
I begin my story, the story of your women.
- “Kathamanabi” Mallika Sengupta (translated by Vaijayanti Gupta)
This course will introduce students to India, Indian Film, the women’s movement in India and to women writers of India. It is designed with the intent to make it as accessible as possible to non-majors, while also making it challenging to English majors. The readings include writings in English and writings in various Indian languages available in translation in English. Weaving through fiction, non-fiction and film an attempt will be made to understand the ethnic, linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity of India. Through the lens of women writers the history of the Indian subcontinent, caste hierarchies, gendered structures, and religious differences will be examined and the meaning of independence especially for women, Dalits and religious minorities will be explored. We will also look at issues of language, translation, publication, and the space occupied by women writers.
Required Texts
Eunice de Souza. Ed. Nine Indian Women Poets: An Anthology. 2001.
Geeta Dharmarajan. Ed. Separate Journeys: Short Stories by Contemporary Indian Women. 2004.
Arundhati Roy The God of Small Things. 1998.
Manjula Padmanabhan. Harvest. 1997.
Readings from Susie Tharu & K. Lalita's Women Writing in India handed out in class.
Films:
Mathamma. Leena Manimekali. 2003.
Rudaali. Kalpana Lajmi. 1993.
Water. Deepa Mehta. 2006.
In a survey of a literary tradition that is evolving alongside an advanced industrial society, it is impossible to ignore political ideas, social issues and economic considerations that define the growing body of literature. In the United States, between 1930 and 2000, the culture seems to have become radically divided on politics. To understand how women writers experience and narrate these conflicts, we will read fictional texts which document political, cultural and social changes. Starting with the capitalism we will examine its relationship to immigration, race, and war through the texts of Rand, Butler, Allison and Ensler. Additionally, the presentations will further our learning about women who continue to intersect their writing with politics.
Required Texts
Ayn Rand. The Fountainhead. ISBN 1943.
Octavia Butler. Kindred. 1979.
Dorothy Allison. Bastard out of Carolina. 1992.
Eve Ensler. Necessary Targets. 2001.
Essays
Dorothy Allison. "A question of class."
Emma Goldman. "Prisons: A Social Crime and Failure."
Angela Davis. "Masked Racism: Reflections on the Prison Industrial Complex."
Eve Goldman. "The Prison-Industrial Complex and the Global Economy."