Fall 2024 First-Year Writing (Barnard) BC1507 section 001

(WORKSHOP) FEMINIST FAIRYTALES

(WORKSHOP) FEMINIST FAIRY

Call Number 00214
Day & Time
Location
MWF 2:40pm-3:55pm
913 MILSTEIN CEN
Points 4
Grading Mode Pass/Fail
Approvals Required None
Instructor Penelope Usher
Type SEMINAR
Course Description

In this class we will read and discuss feminist fairy tales: adaptations of classic tales and newly-imagined stories which—rather than promising a simple and tidy “happily ever after”—privilege female agency and offer up critiques of patriarchal structures. In dialog with texts that center women and other intersecting identities, we will talk about colorism, colonialism, sexuality, desire, misogyny, motherhood, and more. Analyzing how these texts unmask and challenge various forms of oppression, we will explore how and why the magical and often didactic nature of the fairy tale genre lends itself to thinking critically about our current world and to envisioning more equitable futures. Readings, subject to change, include texts by Nalo Hopkinson, Carmen Maria Machado, Luisa Valenzuela, Suniti Namjoshi, Helen Oyeyemi, and Kelly Link.

Web Site Vergil
Department First-Year Writing @Barnard
Enrollment 12 students (12 max) as of 11:06AM Friday, December 6, 2024
Subject First-Year Writing (Barnard)
Number BC1507
Section 001
Division Barnard College
Open To Barnard College
Section key 20243FYWB1507X001