INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE

Introduction to African American literature will explore the linguistic and cultural roots and traditions of literary writing by African Americans in three centuries of American history focusing on select readings in poetry, drama, and fictional prose. The overall goal of the course is to introduce students to the history of the different genres, contexts, and content of literary production by African American writers from the 1700s to the late 20th century.  The course proceeds chronologically, with an emphasis on contemporary relevance throughout, according to four units of study: The Inheritance of Slavery; Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom; Renaissance; and Changing America: Civil Rights and Beyond.