Black Literature

Catalog description

This course introduces students to a survey of Black literature, focusing on the early oral tradition, literature of slavery and freedom, the Harlem Renaissance, Modernism, the Black Arts Era, and the contemporary period. Reading selections may consist of poetry, short stories, plays, novels, and nonfiction prose, including essays, letters, political tracts, autobiographies, speeches, and sermons. Students analyze the literature and apply critical theory to describe critical events in the histories, cultures, and intellectual and literary traditions, with special focus on the lived experiences, social struggles, and contributions of African Americans in the United States. Also listed as ETHN 238. Not open to students with credit in ETHN 238. (CSU/UC) (AA/AS-3,6, Cal-GETC-3B,6)