This course will take place online.
Although facing significant barriers, migrant writers were soon publishing a plethora of important texts, bringing to light themes of racist violence, discrimination and identity that challenged perceptions of Britishness.
Offering a chronological view of Black and Asian British writing as well as looking further afield to transatlantic dialogues, this course traces the development of its styles and themes alongside the evolving political landscape of multicultural Britain. Covering writers such as Buchi Emecheta, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Salman Rushdie, M. NourbeSe Philip, Hanif Kureishi, Monica Ali, and Jackie Kay, the course challenges traditional views of British cultural heritage. By engaging with histories of colonization, slavery, and migration, the course shows how literature forged new conceptions of national identity in a country still coming to terms with the end of Empire.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone with an interest in British culture and literature. No prior experience or knowledge is required.
What can I expect?
The course will be delivered through a mix of interactive lectures and discussion of the texts in small and large groups. It will involve some reading and homework. Digital texts will be provided where possible.
Joining via Zoom
This course or event will be held via Zoom. You need a computer/laptop or mobile phone to access the Zoom website, and a reliable internet connection. For further information on how to join a Zoom meeting, you can watch the joining video here.
You will need a computer or other device to connect with Zoom and a notebook/paper and pen/pencil, or digital equivalent.
Bursary places
We provide a number of funded bursaries to people who find it hard to pay the full or concessionary rates. Find out more information on how to apply.
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You will learn
- Explore a rich and engaging range of Black and Asian authors including well-known and less familiar writers
- Evaluate the contextual histories of these writers, and how this affected the political stakes and ambitions of their writing
- Examine what is meant by ‘Britishness’ and how Black and Asian writers have responded to this cultural labelling.
Meet the Tutor
Dr Peter Ely
Dr Peter Ely recently completed a PhD at Kingston University in British fiction and notions of community. He has taught on a number of modules at Kingston University including ‘Black British Writing’ and ‘Multicultural London’ and is currently converting his research into a book.
Course Overview
Week 1
Introduction and Key Terms
Week 2
Windrush Migration
Week 3
Cultural Institutions and Caribbean Nationalism
Week 4
Racism, Violence and Resistance
Week 5
Slavery and Zong
Week 6
Postcolonial and Contemporary Writing
