As a recent article on UK Education declared, ‘Literature provides a powerful touchstone and entry point for understanding the multi-ethnic and racial realities in Britain today.’ Since the end of World War II, successive waves of immigration, especially from different parts of the globe formerly under British rule, have ensured the UK has a rich and diverse population, and a vibrant contemporary literary culture to match.

This course will examine some of the most prominent and original British writers of colour of the past 50 years, including Monica Ali, Samuel Selvon, Salman Rushdie, Zadie Smith and Andrea Levy. Authors and works will be studied through the lenses of post-war British history as well as postcolonial theory and criticism.