Black Afrikaans Poetry: Voices of Resistance and Identity in Apartheid and Democratic South…

Catalog description

This course explores Black Afrikaans poetry, examining its development, themes, and significance in apartheid and democratic South Africa. Students will analyze key works by prominent Black Afrikaans poets, investigating their use of language, poetic techniques, and engagement with social and political issues. The course involves close reading of poems, discussions of literary and cultural contexts, and exploration of critical perspectives. Students will develop skills in literary analysis, cultural interpretation, and understanding the role of language in shaping identity and artistic expression. Topics include the historical context of Afrikaans, its complex relationship with South African identity and politics, and how Black Afrikaans poetry challenges racial and linguistic stereotypes. The course aims to evaluate the cultural and literary significance of this poetry within the broader South African literary landscape.