Textuality is a quality attributable not only to written texts but to a wide variety of cultural practices. This course assumes a broadened definition of “text” as a cultural artefact and symbolic expression of individual and communal identity. It teaches students how to understand and analyse written, visual and musical texts from different historical, geographical and cultural contexts. In addition, it promotes a critical awareness of the often problematic relationship between western and non-western theoretical approaches. Students will be encouraged to conduct close readings of primary and secondary texts and to connect the critical approaches discussed in the course to their own research interests.