In this seminar we will deal with novels and plays that address coming of age ‘in-between’ cultures in Britain. This seminar addresses issues which are especially relevant for English language teaching as it offers insights into the history of migration to Britain as well as generic conventions and developments of the coming-of-age novel and conceptions of adolescence and belonging. We will look at the (changing) conceptualisation of Britain as a “multicultural” society and the interaction of markers of difference such as race/ethnicity, gender and sexuality. Which role do the concepts of “hybridity” (Bhabha) and humour play in the literary construction of “difference”? We will focus on Ayub Khan-Din’s East is East, Hanif Kureishi’s The Buddha of Suburbia, Meera Syal’s Anita and Me and Zadie Smith’s White Teeth as they are the most famous and successful examples of this genre. Since all of these texts have also been remade into films or TV mini-series, the adaptation for different media will also be addressed. It is strongly recommended to read at least some of the texts before the new semester starts. Further material will be provided on Moodle at the beginning of the class. Texts: Ayub Khan-Din: East is East Hanif Kureishi: The Buddha of Suburbia Meera Syal: Anita and Me Zadie Smith: White Teeth |
