Students test a range of critical and theoretical approaches in their analyses of fiction and non-fiction, written by or about people who have risen to the challenges of potential marginalization on account of migration, indigenous origins or disability. The unit interrogates both the inspirational and the confrontational effects that these works have on readers as well as on the social contexts that have produced them. It examines ways of approaching diversity within the community and emphasises the particular importance of understanding individual people within the time and place of their experiences as well as within the time and place of the publication of their diverse voices.

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

• discuss the ambiguities and complexities of accommodating and facilitating diverse views and voices in literary texts;
• articulate and find possible solutions to the problems of conflicting beliefs and logistical requirements;
• analyse various strategies for enabling heterogeneity in communities articulated in literature;
• analyse diverse voices in literature in their historical and cultural contexts;
• apply theoretical and ethical frameworks for analyzing/integrating diverse voices and needs expressed in literature; and
• compare and contrast changing attitudes to texts manifesting social, intellectual or physical diversity,

1. Fiction and non-fiction that interrogates or overcomes obstacles emanating from migration, indigeneity or disability.
2. Ideologies related to difference and diversity.
3. Appropriate literary and ethical theories regarding heterogeneous harmony within communities.
4. Historical and cultural contextual knowledge.

Seminars, individual research.

The following graduate attributes will be developed in this unit:

• Ability to communicate
• Ability to generate ideas
• Cross-cultural and international outlook
• Critical appraisal skills