Description
This survey course studies seminal African and African American literary texts of
the 16th-21st centuries. These works include spirituals, slave narratives, poetry,
political arguments, social commentary, sermons, and blues, jazz, hip hop lyrics. These works contribute�in their own way�to the rich traditions of African and
African American literature. Reading, studying, discussing, and interpreting these works, students develop a greater appreciation of them and their contribution to
the United States and the world. In addition to studying these works as literary
texts, students look closely at the historical, cultural, social, and political
events that influenced the writers, preachers, musicians, and artists. This course emphasizes writing assignments and class discussion.