What does it mean to leave home and create another? How do memory, language, family and culture shape our sense of belonging when we live between countries, states and cultures?
This discussion-based course explores these questions through the works of women writers whose lives have crossed national borders. Drawing from Caribbean, African, American, and the wider global diaspora, we will read memoirs, novels and essays that illuminate the universal human search for identity and home. Although these writers come from different countries and cultures, they share common experiences of migration, displacement, adaptation, resilience, and the challenge of living between two worlds.
Rather than concentrate on literary theory, our discussions will focus on the human stories behind these works. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own experiences of change, family, memory, travel and belonging. Whether one has crossed an ocean, moved across the country, or simply experienced the emotional journey of leaving one stage of life for another, these writings offer rich opportunities for personal connection. Each class will begin a brief writing or reflection prompt, followed by guided discussion of selected readings. No prior background in Literature is required.