Online | Tuesdays | 6-8pm | 3, 10, 17, 24 November | 1, 8 December

What can literature tell us about Palestine? And what can Palestinian literature tell us about the world we live in?

This course led by writer, educator and activist Vivi Alfonsin explores Palestinian literature through the work of different contemporary authors. The sessions are organised into three thematic blocks that engage not only with their writings but also with distinct perspectives within the struggle for Palestinian liberation.

First, through Ghassan Kanafani’s work, we will examine the tensions between the literary ambitions of an avant-garde writer and the political urgency that shaped his role as an engaged author, exploring how aesthetic experimentation intersects with revolutionary commitment and the trace that his legacy left in other writers. Then, we will study how literature written by Palestinian female authors has intersected with the feminist currents within their society. Writers such as Sahar Khalifeh or Fadwa Tuqan will guide us to establish a rich dialogue with new generations, approaching Palestinian literature from an autonomous feminist perspective. Finally, the work of Mahmoud Darwish will guide an analysis of the construction of Palestinian identity, questioning essentialist notions while affirming Palestinians’ right to universality in the voice of younger poets.

Each author will be introduced within their historical and cultural context, along with an overview of their life and career. Selected excerpts will be read and analyzed from different theoretical perspectives and relevant essays and documentaries will be recommended to complement the readings. The texts will be examined in relation to their literary and political contexts and each session will conclude with a brief summary of the main topics before moving on to questions, discussion, and open debate. Guest speakers Maya Abu Al-Hayyat and Ahlam Bsharat will also join classes to share about their own work.

Who this course is for – a note from Vivi

“This course is open to all and is perfect for people interested in literature, politics and history – anyone who wants to understand the impact of literature in the Palestine identity and how Zionism has been constructed by narrative. Our aim is to foster a collective approach to Palestinian texts, provoking a debate to keep us denouncing and taking a clear public position against genocide.”

Enroll now for the course and find out more

💻6 weeks of live online sessions
🗓️Tuesday 3 November – 8 December
⏱️6-8pm GMT
📙Texts and discussion in English
🎟️£150 / £120 concession