In his introduction to The Matter of Images, Richard Dyer argues that, “how social groups are treated in cultural representation is part and parcel of how they are treated in life, that poverty, harassment, self-hate and discrimination … are shored up and instituted by representation” (1). Images are embedded with arguments about national identity and the social body. In this advanced course we’ll begin by constructing an analytical and theoretical framework for examining and interrogating cultural representation. We will then look at a few key historical moments when representations of racial and ethnic groups were actively shaped by cultural and national narratives about the fitness of the U.S. social body, including John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry and the Battle of Little Bighorn. 

This course satisfies the following English major/minor requirement: Identity/Difference

Course Requirements:

Coursework includes active reading, discussion, and four essays.