Literary critic Edward Said argued that Palestinians have had to constantly struggle against both invisibility ("a land without a people") and visibility (media stereotypes). This course examines the way literature and visual culture intervene to preserve, document, and disseminate a record of Palestinian identity that is perpetually under threat. Objects and topics of study include poems, novels, music, clothing, foodways, photographs, movies, film festivals, and social media platforms. We will collaborate with Miznas Twin Cities Arab Film Festival, and students will also organize their own film festival on campus.
Counts Toward Majors: Creative Writing, English, Race and Ethnic Studies
Counts Toward Concentrations: Middle Eastern Studies, Race and Ethnic Studies
To find books for this class, please visit the St. Olaf Bookstore.