Since the nineteenth century South Asians have migrated to different parts of the world as indentured laborers, merchants, professionals, and some as refugees. Some have suffered great financial difficulties, and some have enjoyed privilege. The writings that have emerged from South Asian diaspora communities reflect these differences; yet they also tell a shared story of negotiating the two worlds - the homeland left behind (even for the descendants of the immigrants) and the land of the new home far away from it. This course examines writings – memoirs, essays, narratives, and poetry (in English) – of South Asians in the diaspora (in the West Indies, Fiji, Africa, Europe, and the Americas) since the early twentieth century.  It considers the common themes as well as differences in diaspora experiences as well as stylistic differences in the use of the shared language (English) among the writers.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 20

Prerequisites: None.

Instructor: Shukla-Bhatt

Distribution Requirements: LL - Language and Literature

Typical Periods Offered: Every other year; Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes: