The document discusses postcolonial studies and its examination of the global impact of European colonialism from the 15th century to present day. It aims to describe colonial power mechanisms, recover marginalized voices, and theorize colonial and postcolonial identities. A major issue is the nature of representation, as Western representations of third world countries served political interests. Postcolonial critics problematize "objective" perception and examine damaging stereotypes circulated through texts and media. Relatedly, Western education functioned to spread imperialism through cultural colonization. Postcolonial critics reject claims of universalism in Western literature and examine its representations of other cultures and silence on colonialism and imperialism.

1. ETHNIC AND POST-COLONIAL STUDIES