Summer 2026
Literature and Social Justice
Dates: June 01, 2026 – July 10, 2026Day/Time: Monday; Wednesday; Friday 8:00 AM - 9:45 AM EDT
Level: 200-Level
Certificate: Human Rights
Human Rights certificate requirement: Course taught from a perspective other than that of law or politics.
Instructor: Charlotte Fiehn, American University of Afghanistan
What do “humanitarianism” and “human rights” have to do with the humanities? In what ways can literature contribute to a consideration of these pressing questions in the early 21st century? In a globalizing culture, our interest will be both international and domestic, looking at ways in which personal stories contribute to political histories. In focusing on topics of “social justice,” we will consider such questions as environmental justice, racial justice, women’s rights, children, immigration, and refugees. Students will generate engaged and responsive close readings of texts, describe and analyze the various ways in which texts reflect and help shape wider cultural conditions, construct clear spoken and written arguments that demonstrate an awareness of purpose and audience, and write about the relationships among literature, contemporary struggles for social justice, and social engagement. This class will involve the use of “Think Pieces” to help inform and develop our discussions about key texts.
This is session 1 course. Deadline to register is May 29.
Credits: 3 US / 6 ECTS