LIT 2230-01: Introduction to Global Literature

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Mid-Term Study Guide
Introduction



The mid-term exam will be given on June 2, 2006 during the class time. You will be asked to answer three of the following questions in an essay format. Total points for the exam are 300.



1. Keeping in mind Kipling’s “Whiteman’s Burden” please discuss how this concept has evolved by giving specific examples from the current global politics.

2. What Achebe’s main objections to Conrad’s representation of Africa, and how does Achebe respond to Conrad’s misrepresentation of Africa?
3. How does Chinweizu imagine “decolonizing the African Mind”? Do you agree/disagree with his views? Why?

4. How does Fanon explain the politics of national consciousness? Answer by pointing out his main points with citations from the book.

5. How is Cesaire’s The Tempest a critique of colonialism?

6. What are the three stages of African literature explained by Ngugi? Which do you think is his preferred stage and why?

7. How would Ngugi/Chinweizu read the two poems by P’bitek? Choose one of the poems and then discuss from the POV of either Ngugi or Chinweizu.

8. Some critics believe that Head’s foundational tale privileges Eurocentric view of self over the native communal identity. Do you agree or disagree? Citing from the text, offer your argument for or against.

FINAL: Take-Home

Exam will be due on June 16 during class time.

Answer Two questions on your chosen novel, min two typed pages each.

Earth and Ashes:

Q1: Explain the plot and setting of the novel.

q2: What important aspects of Afghan culture does the novel represent?

A Sky So Close:

Q1: Explain the plot and setting of the novel.

Q2: Keeping in mind various class discussions on identity discuss the protagonist's choice of identity: what aspect of her mixed heritage does she privilege/not privilege? 
Final Exam Study Guide Part 2 (In-Class) [Two questions; Total Points 120) 
1. Keeping in mind Edward Said’s explanation of Palestinian history, what do you understand about Palestinian identity in Darwish’s “Identity Card?” 
2. What makes Riffat’ story a feminist text? Are there any differences from mainstream western feminism? 
3. What makes the representation of an Arab city in “Zaabalawi” different from a representation from a purely western perspective? 
4. Do you agree with Gordimer’s discussion of the U.S and South African race relations? Agree or disagree while citing from the text.
 5. How can we read McKay’s “Harlem Shadows” as a critique of society?
 

Note: If you like this course, here are some other porfessors in the department you might want to take a course with:


Dr. Robin Goodman


Dr. Christopher Shinn


Dr. Amit Rai