The objective of this course was to introduce students from all semesters and disciplines to the central discussions and key concepts developing in postcolonial and decolonial critiques. A different author was studied every week, bringing together a multiplicity of voices that examine how contemporary conditions, relationships and concepts of knowledge are still determined by colonial legacies. These various positions were examined in their own right, as well as in their relationship to artistic and cultural spheres, allowing us to explore and evaluate their relevance, connections and impact on our artistic and design practices. A complete schedule including authors and texts, can be found below.
A “flipped classroom” methodology guided the work, pushing the students to assume a major responsibility in their own learning, with the lead taking the role of a supporting facilitator. No prior engagement with the topics was required. Beyond acquiring knowledge on the central discussions, questions and authors in postcolonial and decolonial theory, the students also developed analytical, critical and presentation skills.
The seminars were clearly structured (1/3 presentation, 1/3 work in small groups, 1/3 plenum) to provide a framework guiding their engagement. Students presented and lead the discussions with prepared questions and were also required to take notes, and actively participate in the debates.
A command of English was necessary, as the texts were read in English. Depending on students’ language preferences, specific translations were accommodated.
All sessions were conducted in a hybrid format, with one student assuming the linking role to the digital participants. Each time, anyone could either join remotely or in person and in this way, the group differed in composition from session to session.
Schedule
- Week 1, 5.4.
Introduction to the seminar. Sign in for presentations and note taking.
- Week 2, 12.4.
Brainstorming and Mapping (group work on digital board).
Bhambra, Gurminder K. (2014) Postcolonial and Decolonial Dialogues, Postcolonial Studies, 17:2, 115–121, DOI: 10.1080/13688790.2014.966414.
- Week 3, 19.4.
Quijano, Aníbal (2007) 'COLONIALITY AND MODERNITY/RATIONALITY', Cultural Studies, 21: 2, 168–178, DOI: 10.1080/09502380601164353.
- Week 4, 26.4
Guest speaker: Verena Melgarejo Weinandt.
Anzaldua, Gloria. (1999) Interview with Karin Ikas. Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza. 1987. By Gloria Anzaldua. 2nd ed. San Francisco: Aunt Lute Books, 227–246.
Optional:
Anzaldúa, Gloria, Cantú, Norma E. and Hurtado. Aída (1987) Borderlands: La Frontera: The New Mestiza. 1st ed. San Francisco: Aunt Lute Books.
- Week 5, 3.5.
Mignolo, W. (2011) Geopolitics of Sensing and Knowing. On (De)Coloniality, Border Thinking, and Epistemic Disobedience, transversal 01/12: unsettling knowledges. eipcp – European Institute for Progressive Cultural Policies.
Optional:
Mignolo, W. and Vazquez, R. (2013). Decolonial AestheSis: Colonial Wounds/Decolonial Healings Social Text Online.
Gaztambide-Fernández, R. (2014). Decolonial options and artistic/aestheSic entanglements: An interview with Walter Mignolo.
- Week 6, 10.5.
Tuck, E., & Yang, K.W. (2012). Decolonization is not a metaphor. Decolonization: Indigeneity, Education & Society Vol. 1, No. 1, 2012, 1–40.
Optional:
Lonetree, A. (2012). Introduction. Decolonizing Museums: Representing Native America in National and Tribal Museums. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press.
- Week 7, 17.5.
Mbembe, A (2008). What is postcolonial thinking? An interview with Achille Mbembe.
Optional:
Mbembe, A. (2017). Critic of Black Reason.
- Week 8, 24.5.
Fanon, F., Sartre, J.-P., & Farrington, C. (1965). The wretched of the earth. New York: Grove Press, Inc. Read: On Violence, 1–15.
Optional:
Fanon, F., & Markmann, C. L. (1967). Black skin, white masks.
- Week 9, 31.5.
Said, E. W. (1978). Orientalism. New York: Pantheon Books. Read: Introduction, 1–13.
Optional:
Appiah, K. A. (1991). Is the Post- in Postmodernism the Post- in Postcolonial? Critical Inquiry, 17(2), 336–357.
- Week 10, 7.6.
Spivak, G. C. (1988). Can the subaltern speak?. In: Ashcroft, B., Tiffin, H., & Griffiths, G. (Eds.). (2005). The post-colonial studies reader (2nd ed.). Routledge.
- Week 11, 14.6.
Hall, S., In Morley, D., & In Chen, K.-H. (1996). Stuart Hall: Critical dialogues in cultural studies. Read chapter: New Ethnicities.
Optional:
Hall, S. (1989). Cultural identity and diaspora. (Framework : the journal of cinema and media, 36, 222–237.) S.l.: s.n..
- Week 12, 21.6.
Trinh, T. M. (1989). Writing Postcoloniality and Feminism. In: Ashcroft, B., Tiffin, H., & Griffiths, G. (Eds.). (2005). The post-colonial studies reader (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Optional:
Shohat, E. (1992). Notes on the “Post-Colonial.” Social Text, 31/32, 99–113.
- Week 13, 28.6
Group Visit to the 12th Berlin Biennale.
Exhibition Catalogue (Introduction / curatorial statement).
- Week 14, 5.7
Mapping (group work on digital board) and feedback.