This seminar focuses on literature (broadly conceived) and also theory-literature of islands, with a broad spectrum of what constitutes insularity. Any literature isolated by currents and distance (or isolated but connected in a kind of archipelago that is both sea and land) can be interrogated in this seminar, exploring its differences and evaluating its valuable particularity. Islands as carceral places.

How is "island" literature different from "continental" literature? What is the role of water for island literature? How does island literature navigate relations with places referred to as "mainland"? How does geographical insularity intersect with other types of isolation? How does insularity create community? connections? How can we listen to islands?  

Presentations that bring more than one context into conversation are encouraged, including far-flung spaces and places. Theoretical engagements with works of literature and/or concepts of island/insularity are particularly welcome.