AAST 334 - African Literary Theory and Theorizing

Next Offered: 2010-2011
Semester Offered: Second Semester
Credits (Range): 3 Hours
Attribute: 3 HU, CD, WR
Drawing on recent critical interest in studying Black literary traditions across national boundaries, this seminar will examine the emergence, evolution, and continuing development of major theories and methods for interpreting literatures of Africa and the African diaspora. We will focus on key questions revolving around the functions and characteristics of literature, cultural nationalism and identity, and feminism in literary movements such as the Harlem Renaissance and Negritude, the Black Arts Movement, and Creolité. We will read major theorists such as Locke, Cesaire, Baraka, Ngugi, and Boyce Davies as well as some creative works.
Enrollment Limit: 20
Instructor: M. Gadsby
Consent of the Instructor Required? Yes