Palestine and its Diaspora through Film and Literature (in English)

In this course we will explore various answers to one essential question: what is Palestine? We will examine different notions of being Palestinian by focusing on the film and literature produced by three main axes of Palestinian society: Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, Palestinians within Israel, and the Palestinian Diaspora. We will read works by Emil Habiby, Mahmoud Darwish, and Sahar Khalifeh; and analyze films including Wedding in Galilee, Paradise Now, and The Time that Remains. Secondary readings and discussions will set these works in contemporary historical, cultural, and political perspectives. 3 hrs. lect.