Voice and Identity in Literature

How do we define ourselves, and how do the stories we tell shape our identities? This course explores the intersection of voice, identity, and storytelling through a diverse selection of contemporary literature. Students will examine how authors craft narratives that reflect personal and cultural identity, grappling with themes of belonging, displacement, resilience, and self-discovery. Readings may include American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang, Life of Pi by Yann Martel, and Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, among others. Through analytical writing, creative projects, and discussion, students will explore how literature serves as a tool for self-expression, challenges stereotypes, and fosters a deeper understanding of the human experience.

To successfully complete this course, students will need access to a laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection and a working webcam and microphone.

In addition, this course may require purchase of texts or other course materials.

CLI partner schools observe a wide range of calendars, including academic years which begin both before and after Labor Day. To accommodate this, yearlong courses are offered with both “August start” and “September start” options. For more information and to assist us in matching your school’s calendar, please reach out to your CLI contact.

This Fixed-Paced course incorporates a blend of synchronous and asynchronous elements. Students and teacher meet live via zoom on a regular weekly schedule. In addition, students complete coursework including guided readings, interactive videos, text and video-based discussion threads, problem sets, individual and collaborative projects, and so on. While these activities are time-flexible, teachers sequence them with weekly deadlines to help students keep on track and encourage and support the development of productive time management skills.

During the course orientation period, CLI asks students to complete a survey on their availability for live class meetings. Teachers set individual class meeting times based on student responses.