Objectives and competences
The objective of this course is to familiarize students with the literature, language and culture of the African diaspora in North America, to explore literary movements such as the Harlem Renaissance and Womanism, to integrate social and historical factors such as slavery, emancipation and Black Power, and to increase student familiarity with varieties of English.
Content (Syllabus outline)
• Terminology and stereotypes
• Slavery, slave narrative and escape literature.
• Harlem Renaissance.
• Black modernism.
• Influences: Jazz, Gospel, African cultural survivals.
• Voices of the 1960s.
• Memory, history and the quest for Roots.
• Language and style: Black English, Nation language.
Learning and teaching methods
Lectures,
Tutorial,
Web-based student presentations.
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and Understanding:
On completion of this course the student will be able to:
• Use terminology correctly and respectfully
• Demonstrate knowledge of the social history of African-Americans
• Read and understand texts by African-American authors
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
Ability to collect and organize data and report on findings.
Ability to conduct web-based research and present findings in electronic forum.
Ability to formulate and express a critical opinion in English, before a group.
Readings
• Jarrett, G. S. A Companion to African American Literature. Wiley-Blackwell, 2013.
• Gates, H. L. Jnr. The Norton Anthology of African-American Literature. New York: Norton, 2004.
Prerequisits
Attendance of 80% and regular completion of coursework are required for taking the exam.
Additional information on implementation and assessment A passing grade on the written exam is required for a passing final grade.
