Performing Identity in American Literature: Race, Class, and Authenticity

Literature has always been a powerful mirror for society, but it also reveals how we perform our social roles. Understanding how race, class, and gender are constructed and staged in American writing is key to unlocking deeper meaning in classic and contemporary texts. This course guides you through the foundational concepts of identity performance in literature, equipping you with the critical reading skills to analyze how characters navigate, subvert, or conform to social expectations. What you'll learn: - Understand the core theories of social performance and identity construction in literary texts. - Analyze how American authors depict "passing" and the fluidity of racial and class boundaries. - Explore the intersectionality of race, gender, and economic status in narrative structures. - Examine historical and modern literary examples of authentic versus performative identity. - Apply critical reading frameworks to dissect power dynamics and social commentary in written works. You will start with essential terminology and historical contexts of identity in American writing before moving into close-reading strategies. Through structured written analyses, you will explore how literary characters negotiate social expectations and performative roles. This course is designed for beginners, literature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in cultural studies, requiring no prior background in literary theory. Start reading today to deepen your understanding of identity, culture, and the written word.