ENG 229-01 - The Tradition of African American Literature

4 credits (Fall)

In this course we will analyze African American literature from the long nineteenth century. Our reading list will include work by figures like Harriet Jacobs and Frederick Douglass as well as less frequently considered writers like Nancy Prince and John Marrant. Our investigation will encompass a consideration of non-canonical texts so that we can develop a richer sense of African American literary culture during the period. Thus, we will take seriously the suggestion of scholar Eric Gardner that we must look in “unexpected places” to fully understand African American literary history. Students will also engage with a wide range of scholarly criticism.

Prerequisite: ENG 120 or ENG 121 for majors; for non-majors, ENG 120 or ENG 121 or any course in the study of literature in another language department.
Note: Plus-2 option available.
Instructor: Moriah