Fall 2026
A Thousand Splendid Suns and the Contemporary Afghan Woman's Story
Dates: September 21, 2026 – December 03, 2026Day/Time: Monday; Thursday 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM EDT
Level: 200-Level
Instructor: Lucy Ferriss, Bard College
Students will read Khaled Hosseini’s novel A Thousand Splendid Suns both as a literary exemplar and as the subject of postcolonial critique. We will pay particular attention to the dual point of view in the novel; to Hosseini’s perspective as a member of the Afghan diaspora; and to the fluid interpretations of history embedded in novels tied to controversial events. By the end of class, students will have written two stories of their own, one from a perspective close to their own and one from a perspective close to their mother’s. Students who are taking this class for academic credit through GHEA will also be working on critical theory and approaches to Hosseini’s book in the context of gender studies and postcolonial studies. Those students will be writing a 10 – 12 page critical paper in addition to the creative work. For all students, workshops and group presentations are an essential part of this course.
Credits: 3 US / 6 ECTS