Close readings of women's narratives of desire, courtship, sexuality, prostitution and rape will explore how belief in inevitability mystifies the gender-based oppression of social practices and institutions. Works by Simone de Beauvoir, Andr Chedid, Hayashi Fumiko, Nadine Gordimer, Toni Morrison, Wang Anyi and Zhang Jie. All readings in English translation. The seminar will begin with a reading and study of The Tale of the Genji, one of the greatest works of Japanese literature. We will look at the cultural and societal milieu of the author, as well as the textual features that mark it as an icon of Japanese culture today.
All readings are in English translation.
In the eighteenth century, the idea of women writing for publication shifted from scandalous to accepted and commonplace, at least in certain genres and modes. A course documenting the role of women in sport as parallel and complementary to women's place in society. Contemporary trends will be linked to historical and sociological antecedents. Focus is historical, contemporary and future perspectives and issues in women's sport. Offered in alternate years.