ENGL 420: Topics in Critical Theory Theories of Coloniality and Gender TR 04:15 p.m. – 05:30 p.m., LSC Mundelein 603 Fall 2022 Dr. Aqdas Aftab aaftab@luc.edu Office hours: Wednesdays 1pm to 3pm CST Office: CC 427 Course Description What is the relationship between coloniality and historical and contemporary constructions of gender and sexuality? How are the processes of racialization and gender formation co- constitutive? This seminar takes a critical look at the theoretical intersections of colonialism, imperialism, nationalism, race, gender and sexuality by introducing students to foundational and current writing in decolonial thinking, postcolonial studies, transnational feminism, queer of color critique, and Black trans studies. As we explore the debates between postcolonial and decolonial theories, we will examine the major epistemic interventions and possible futures in the study of how empire and race mediate and shape the gender binary. We will also consider what counts as “theory” as we encounter the theoretical implications of novels, short stories, memoirs and political manifestos. Some key theorists we will read include Maria Lugones, M. Jacqui Alexander, Oyèrónkẹ ́ Oyěwùmí, Audre Lorde, Jasbir Puar and C. Riley Snorton. The course will be divided into three modules: gendering the postcolonial nation; examining the coloniality of the modern (white) gender binary; and moving towards decolonial speculation. Required Books: 1) Snorton, C. Riley. Black on Both Sides: A Racial History of Trans Identity. U of Minnesota Press, 2017. 2) Puar, Jasbir K. Terrorist Assemblages: Homonationalism in Queer Times. Duke University Press, 2018. 3) Oyěwùmí, Oyèrónkẹ ́ . The invention of women: Making an African sense of western gender discourses. U of Minnesota Press, 1997. 4) Moraga, Cherríe, and Gloria Anzaldúa, eds. This bridge called my back: Writings by radical women of color. Suny Press, 2021. 5) Lorde, Audre. Zami: A New Spelling of my Name – a Biomythography. Crossing Press. 1982. 6) Thom, Kai Cheng. Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars: A Dangerous Trans Girl's Confabulous Memoir. Metonymy Press, 2017. Course Format This is a discussion-based seminar which will include activities like collective brainstorms, mini- lectures, pedagogy training, peer-led conversations and more. I’m excited to work with you on different theoretical approaches towards understanding (and ultimately dismantling) the