Non-Western Literature, Final Exam

“Tribal: that’s what they called human from ethnic groups too remote and “uncivilized” to regularly send students to attend Oomza Uni” (Okorafor 82).

For your final exam, I want you to propose a new name for the course currently known as “Non-Western Literature.” As Okorafor suggests, this title keeps thousands of years of literature in hundreds of countries classified as “tribal” rather than placing it on an equal footing with other Western works of literature (Shakespeare, etc.). So without replacing the class (since we still need to study these works in-depth), how could you change the name and/or focus of the course to remove the “tribal” designation?

Your essay should propose a new name that captures another aspect of the class, its themes, ideas, or identities. Then choose 2-3 works from class that you can use to support this title/theme. Explain how these works would complement the course theme, and illustrate specific aspects of it. You must focus on at least 2 works from our class, though you can also suggest works we didn’t read/discuss as part of your new idea.

Remember, your title can be simple and descriptive, just like “Non-Western Literature” itself, or it can be specific and thematic, like “Literature of Diverse Women Exploring Their Identities” (don’t use this one). You also don’t need a title/class that uses all of the books in our class…your title can exclude certain books, but must include at least 2-3 from our class.

CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS:

In-Class Option: You will come to class on Friday, December 14^th @ 9:00 and write an exam on the above topic. Bring the 2-3 books you want to use in your paper with you. I will expect slightly less polish on this exam and it will have a shorter length requirement.

Take-Home Option: You will write this essay at home and turn it in no later than Friday, December 14^th by noon. No late papers will be accepted. I will expect a little more polish on this work, and it must be at least four full pages double spaced. You may e-mail me the exam at jgrasso@ecok.edu.