ENGL 2055 - African American Literature

3 sem hrs cr

This course is a survey of African American literature from its beginnings through the present in which representative literary works are studied within their historical and cultural contexts using high-impact practices. Students will engage with African American texts in various genres as they explore literary issues related to culture, race, and social history.

  Prerequisite: ENGL 1020  

In rare and unusual circumstances, a course prerequisite can be overridden with the permission of the Department Lead for the discipline.

Formerly/Same As ENGL 2530

Transfer (UT) or Non-Transfer Course (UN): UT

Students will demonstrate the ability to…

• analyze oral, written, and recorded adaptations of African American literary works by reading, listening, and viewing the works critically to understand their expression of African American culture. These works will include primary texts such as slave narratives as well as other works such as spirituals, fiction, and poetry. Analysis will include critical reading and writing, along with scholarly discourse.
• explain the ways African American culture and its values are presented in literary texts that were created in various time periods and regions. Students will analyze African American texts and show their knowledge of the culture and values relayed through academic discussions, reflections, and academic writing.
• explore factual and artistic texts written by African Americans who are underrepresented in typical literature courses, presenting unique cultural expressions and world views.
• examine social issues that are present in literary texts written by African Americans from varied time periods and regions and evaluate how these ideas, forces, and values relate to contemporary societal concerns.
• write reflections and literary analysis essays that require use of the critical and analytical methodologies of the humanities.