English 250 - African American Literature I

This course offers an introduction to the literary works of African Americans from the late-eighteenth century to the present, with an emphasis on poetry and fiction. Beginning with slave narratives and early poetry, we will consider issues of genre, literary traditions, and historical context while gaining experience in reading and analyzing literary texts. We will examine how authors consciously went about creating a literary tradition that mirrored, challenged and created a dialogue with the American canon.