Introduction to African American Literature

Catalog description

Focuses broadly on African American literature from work of the 18th century to contemporary writings with the intention of providing the student with an introduction to the topic. Reading poetry, short fiction, the novel, and other forms of writing, the course will explore such questions as how black writers address African American literary inheritance and production. A final paper will afford the student the occasion of applying a critical approach to literary texts. Topics may include slave and freeman and free woman narratives, the Harlem Renaissance, and the postmodern black novel. The aim of the course is to equip the student with a strong academic knowledge of African American literature in its cultural and historical contexts.