From my early beginnings as a young introvert, the public library has always been a bit of a refuge. Years later, not much has changed, albeit with an additional affinity for endless hours spent scouring second-hand bookstores to add to my ever-growing “to-read” pile.
From one bookworm to another, this column will be underscoring and outlining various literary genres, authors, and recent reads and can serve as an introduction for those unfamiliar with these works, as a refresher for long-time aficionados, and maybe as an inspiration for readers to share their own suggested topics. Do you have a topic that you would like covered in this column? Feel free to contact me for an interview and a feature in an upcoming column.
Who
This week’s column focuses on a popular theme in literature, namely tradition and custom from across the globe. In many cases, this theme also features protagonists’ experiences with migration and immigration, as well as the conflict they experience with being caught between two worlds, namely that of their families and their homelands, and their daily lived experiences in the United States.
Authors well-known for their novels featuring themes of tradition and custom include Amy Tan, Yaa Gyasi, Jhumpa Lahiri, Lisa See, Chinua Achebe, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
What
The theme of tradition and custom can be seen in The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, and The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri.
Similarly themed novels include Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, and Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Where
These novels are set throughout the United States, China, Ghana, Nigeria, and India.
When
These works are set in 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.
Why
Tradition and custom may be of interest to AU learners in the ENGL program, as well as those studying HIST, ANTH, and PSYC. In particular, this theme may appeal to readers who have experienced—or are interested in—the immigration and migration process and would like to better understand its effects on individuals, families, and cultures.
How
AU’s wide range of diverse courses make it easy to study this topic in depth. Courses related to the theme of tradition and custom are available in a variety of disciplines, including some that may fit into your Degree Works. (Always check with an AU counsellor to see if these particular courses fulfill your personal graduation requirements!)
AU students interested in learning more about this topic may enroll in ENGL 211: Prose Forms, a junior-level, three-credit course, which considers “American, British, and Canadian short stories and novels, ranging from the nineteenth to the twenty-first century.” One novel in particular is The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. (Please note that although this course does not require prerequisites, ENGL 255: Introductory Composition is recommended).
In addition, students may consider PSYC 426: Psychology of Families and Parenting, a senior-level, three-credit course, which “is an in-depth study of the issues surrounding parenting and family relationships, incorporating both theories and empirical research. It encourages critical analysis and awareness of the complexities of issues surrounding families.” (This course requires a prerequisite that could be PSYC 228: Introduction to Human Development, PSYC 323: Developmental Psychology, PSYC 350: Adolescent Psychology, or PSYC 381: The Psychology of Adult Development. Students can also choose to obtain professor approval). Happy reading!