In this two-session course, we will perform a close reading of Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak's newest book, "Nationalism and the Imagination." The book re-presents a conversation between Spivak and Alexander Kiossev, in which they explore the concept of nationalism and its relationship with the nation-state; the notion of a "comparative imagination" linked to linguistic diversity; and the ways in which "reproductive heteronormativity" is deployed in current formations of nationalism.
Relevant excerpts from Spivak's other works will be brought into discussion as necessary. Some good preparatory reading might be "The Slightness of My Endeavor," a 2005 interview with Spivak conducted by Eric Hayot (Comparative Literature 2005 57(3): 256-272), in which the notion of "the imagination" begins to take on a nebulous shape...
Comment
I should have added that the publication date for the book is January, 2009, but that it is not yet readily available in the United States. If anyone has found a relatively expedient and/or inexpensive way of obtaining copies, please give a holler!
Sarah
20 Jul 2009 12:59PM