This course introduces students to the writing of persons of African descent in North America. Students examine and critically study the themes, content, and structure of African-American writing from the late 18th century up through the modern period.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will:

1. analyze African American literary output through discussion and presentations.
2. To analyze a particular aspect of the African American experience in the context of literature.
3. Use the relevant literary works to discuss literary terms, themes and issues arising from the works.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the nexus between African American literature and the historical/social/psychological contexts in which the works originate.
5. Demonstrate the understanding of the variety of the writing of African-Americans from the late 18th century to the present. Discuss how all this literature responds to historical and social events that have shaped its evolution.
6. Discuss how African-American literary output influences the ongoing discussion of race identity and any other related issues in America.