Humanities & the Expressive Arts: Theme - Living Archives
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Description
FAIR 202 LIVING ARCHIVES
I collect the life of my time. I am interested in the history of the soul. -Svetlana Alexievich
What is an archive and what is the relationship between archives and personal memory, official history and private recollection; what role do these play in literary production? In this course we will engage with literature that follows archival impulses and includes testimonial and documentary processes into its fold, asking how might we approach any story that is not our own? How do we begin to interpret the existing archive, the absent archive? How might we carve creative pathways into historical space? Our main objective is to consider the role of memory in literary forms, and especially how fiction, poetry, and essays might redeem the human record. Students will engage in a variety of writing practices, be in conversation with guest speakers, literary and critical readings. There will be some place specific writing and also the opportunity to work with local archives.
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Credit/Evaluation
S/NX grading; narrative evaluation required for credit.
Criteria for Evaluation: Regular class attendance. Demonstrate close reading and preparation of course materials. Active class participation and peer review. Produce a portfolio of original writings with an introduction.