Biography

From the genres of magical realism to cosmic horror, humans have often felt compelled to say, “but what if the things that scare us in the dark are actually real?” In this course, we will be examining some of the ways in which writers have used fantastical elements from their traditions in storytelling to both respond to colonialism and work to preserve indigenous and diasporic cultures. If colonialism can be described as the extraction and consumption of resources, how might those who have been colonized regain power through turning their teeth—metaphorical and real—on their oppressors? Texts may include authors such as Cañas, Khaw, and Roanhorse.

Over the semester, you will write analytically in order to come to better understandings of the genres while also doing quick creative pieces to experiment with how the authors create particular effects.