This course examines narratives from Indigenous, Black, diaspora and settler populations in Canada that negotiate belonging in the nation state through acts of dialogue. Exploring conversations within and between communities, we will consider the influence of culture and literature in shaping citizenship in Canada. Who is excluded from the Canadian narrative, and how do communities envision their futures within this context? Starting with examples of traditional Indigenous literatures, we will look at novels, short stories, plays, poetry, songs and films from many communities, regions and historical periods. We will examine topics such as belonging, home, citizenship, borders, colonialism and resurgence with the goal of demonstrating the impact of literature on our understanding of diverse and shared experiences. This course aims to engage all learning styles and includes conventional and creative assignments as well as traditional and experimental methods of evaluation.
