Decolonizing Publishing

WRITING X 454.2

Discover the role of writers and publishing professionals in creating a more inclusive and equitable future for the publishing industry.

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What you can learn.

Explore the history of the notion of "craft" and how it has upheld structural inequalities
Think critically about the power dynamics that influence what we perceive to have value in stories and books
Identify the impact biases and historical impression continue to have on books available to readers
Experiment with crafting a non-linear story of your own

About this course:

In a time where publishing claims to be pivoting to a more inclusive and heterogenous future, it is essential for the next generation of industry professionals and creatives to not only be aware of, but to actively facilitate these changes now more than ever. This class will focus on challenging the current paradigm of craft, or otherwise the notion of there being one ideal and normative writing craft method, and how we, as writers, editors, agents and readers, can explore the nuances of culture and the mores of craft in non-harmful ways. Students will be encouraged to think critically about the role of Westernized literary dominance and power dynamics in literary spaces by examining different narrative conventions, plot constructs and themes that exist around the world, before eventually writing a deconstructed non-linear story of their own. The goal is to broaden our modern perception of writing craft, primarily in the sci-fi/fantasy genre, by deconstructing the colonial lens in creative writing pedagogy. By the end of this course, you will not only be more aware of the issues of literary imperialism and mindful of projecting innate biases within the industry, but you will have cultivated knowledge of writing craft that extends beyond the paradigm enriched by a multicultural lens.