Discussing Decolonisation: ‘Decolonizing Literature, Theory and Practice’ – A guest lecture by Dr Anna Bernard

This is the third event of our six-part mini-series, ‘Discussing Decolonisation’, taking place in person and online across the academic year 2023-24. Find out more and book your place at the other events in the series here.

You can also read more about our intentions for the series and community expectations here.

Title: Decolonizing Literature: Theory and Practice

Abstract: 

This talk reflects on my experience of writing the undergraduate textbook Decolonizing Literature (2023) and participating in collective work on decolonizing the curriculum at my institution. I was thrilled to have the chance to write such a book, but also very, very daunted. What did I mean by decolonization, and who was I to try to define it? I discuss my decision to focus on the literature and theory of anticolonial worldmaking, which challenges its readers to put the political work of literature front and centre. I also share some of the book’s suggestions for approaching such texts in the classroom. I conclude by discussing how students and staff at KCL have sought to work together to decolonize our curriculum across departments and faculties.  

Speaker bio: 

Anna Bernard is Reader in Comparative Literature and English at King’s College London. She is the author of Decolonizing Literature (2023) and Rhetorics of Belonging: Nation, Narration, and Israel/Palestine (2013), and co-editor of What Postcolonial Theory Doesn’t Say (2015) and Debating Orientalism (2013). She is currently working on a book called International Solidarity and Culture: Nicaragua, South Africa, Palestine, 1975-1990. 

Booking information:

Booking for this event, and all events in the mini-series, is via Eventbrite, here. 

Please note this talk will be followed by a drinks reception in the Creative Centre Atrium, from 5.30-6.30pm – please join us!

Lastly, if you have any questions or concerns ahead of the event, please email co-organisers Lucy Potter (l.potter@yorksj.ac.uk) and/or Laura Key (l.key@yorksj.ac.uk) from the Teaching & Learning Enhancement Team, YSJU.