The End of the World: Reading Afro-Pessimism, Reading Palestine

This seminar will explore the sometimes disavowed connections between the analytics of the Afro-pessimism theoretical movement and the historic and contemporary conditions in the occupied territory of Gaza, Palestine. How does this analytic shed light on these conditions and structural relations? How can a condition be both unique and exceptional on the one hand and in common on the other? Among the readings will be selections from Frank Wilderson and Jared Sexton, two premier thinkers in black studies today, as well as selections from Israeli and Palestinian analysts. This seminar will meet every two weeks during the semester and culminate in an intensive with a guest in the study week in July.