|
This course will explore issues of representation and
identity in the context of cultural pratices. It is
concerned with clarifying processes of identity
formation and transformation, especially as they
take place in the political and cultural realms. The
notion of 'representation' does not refer to electoral
or to institutional representation narrowly understood
but aims to capture the cultural and symbolic aspects of
representation that have political and
institutional repercussions. For these purposes,
the course will analyze the myriad relationships among
multiple forms of representation and the
macro-social processes shaping the contemporary
world as well as engaging in the current political
debate and polemics that revolve around these
ssues. Therefore, issues of multiculturalism, politics
of difference and postmodernity will be taken up alongside
issues of performativity, feminism,
masculinity, surrealism and pornography. Our overriding
concern will be to gain self-understanding regarding the
identities we assume, reject or
negotiate with. In other words, the ultimate speculative
thrust of this course is to further our self-reflexivity
with respect to our academic practices as well
as our personal identities.
|
