21L.007  World Literatures

Hi,
remember that we start at 10.00.
Also we'll be looking to wind up the process intellectually.  Back, therefore, to the big questions with which we began.  Are the forces of globalisation producing an integrated world culture?  What are the things that might stand in the way of this; and what might tend to facilitate it?  If we are not there yet, does it seem possible that such an order might be achievable?  Another thing we might reflect on is why might anybody want to do it.
Kick it around, and let me know what you think tomorrow.
Meantime I've got some cookies so tradition will, to that extent, be respected.
Willie

I’ve just posted selected poems by Robert Burns (1759-1796), Hugh MacDiarmid (1892-1978) and Tom Leonard (1944-     ) to the Scottish Literature section under ‘Materials’. I’ve also posted a reading guide and a glossary, and a link to the Scottish National Dictionary. This latter is a gold mine of information and might well be worth exploring in its own right.

What I want us to do here is print them off, and have a think about language. What is gained by writing in various forms of Scots that might be lost if the poems were written in standard English? 

I have just posted an interactive unit on Sunset Song to the Materials section.  I wrote it some years ago in a different setting so the tone may be a little de haut en bas, but the things it invites you to do should give you a really good grasp of the novel's technique. You will find here issues of language and identity which should by now be not unfamiliar, although relating to a rather different political and cultural tradition.
Those who have yet to give a talk presentation might consider which text they would like to address and let me know accordingly when they would wish to speak.

New due-by date for essay no 3 on African literature is midnight on Monday15th November.  If you have any queries about the scope of the questions an email will find me.
Willie

I've posted the questions for Essay no.3 under 'African Literature' in the Homework section of the Stellar site.  The published date for submission is 12th November, but I am thinking this may prove a little tight, seeing as we discuss Chinweizu and the claims of oral tradition as late as Tuesday 9th.  Let me know what you think. 
Willie