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GerShun Avilez will offer an overview of his research as it pertains to South African literature and history. Specifically, he will discuss two lines of inquiry in his work: (1) mental health legislation and (2) the public rhetoric surrounding HIV. From these two vantage points, he will demonstrate how the realm of literary production provides insight on state and popular understandings of health in South African life. In charting the historical and medical discourse surrounding mental health and HIV/AIDS in South Africa in the late 20th century, the talk will show how the literary texts under consideration re-imagine what wellness means in contemporary South Africa.
The event will be held at H.J. Patterson Hall, room 2124, and will also be available via Zoom for online attendees. Light refreshments will be served.