African-American Literature/Composition
Corresponds
with DOE course code 23.05100; 1 core credit;
Class minimum: 4 students “Every country’s literature is a permanent reflection of its people’s ethos.” — Acharya Shukla Class Description This course focuses on the study of American literature and informational texts, writing modes and genres, and essential conventions for reading, writing, and speaking. It is a survey of American literature examined from historical, social, spiritual and psychological perspectives of the African-American experience. The students will read a variety of informational and literary texts in all genres and modes of discourse. While expository writing is the focus in American literature, the students will also practice in argumentative and narrative genres. The students will engage in research, timed writing, and the writing process. Instruction in language conventions will occur within the context of reading, writing, and speaking. It is highly recommended for those wanting to better understand the American literature canon from the African American experience. This class will examine the development of the African American literary tradition through the consideration of history, literary genres, and cultural forms. We will study a range of genres, including fiction, poetry, drama, autobiography, and nonfiction, from the earliest published work by Africans in America to contemporary Black authors. Course Objectives The objectives of the course are to give students an introduction to the array of prose, poetry, and drama that make up much of African American literature. Students will demonstrate an understanding of speaking and listening for a variety of purposes. Through interaction with short stories, speeches, novels, plays, poetry, and nonfiction, we will discover how the American experience has been portrayed by a diverse group of authors. This course will provide the opportunity to explore its diverse nature; to help students develop a deeper understanding of the evolving issues around defining the American literary canon; to encourage the reading of literature with general appreciation and open-mindedness; and to develop a critical understanding of the texts, including from a Christ worldview. Primary Text: The Norton Anthology of African
American Literature, 2nd edition Additional texts to be provided by the student: The Life and Religious Experience of Jarena Lee by Jarena Lee (https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.69015000002754&view=1up&seq=5) Nobody Knows My Name by James Baldwin Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates I'm Still Here by Austin Channing Brown Course Evaluation: Student progress and
evaluation in the course will be determined by quizzes/exams, homework, and
class participation which will include individual as well as collaborative
written, visual and oral responses to readings; a minimum of two short essays;
a group presentation; and a final project. Length and scope of responses, short
essays, and final project will be discussed in class. (Extra
credit points available through summer reading. Reading list will be provided in May to enrolled students.)
$315/semester, payments due August 10, 2020 and December 31, 2020 Fee: $25/year for copies and materials, paid by the first class (August 20, 2020) To Make a Payment: Click HERE to make payment via PayPal; please include any relevant fees. Payments are also accepted via Zelle and check. Please contact me directly for mailing address and Zelle details. Feel
free to contact Mrs. Wells at easaalit@gmail.com or text/call 4O4-514-seven-one-one-five. Please call or text for quicker response. Cancellation Policy You can drop the course at any time by or before August 10, 2020. Any tuition paid will be fully reimbursed. You may withdraw from the class at any time after the first class, for any reason; however, you will not be eligible for a tuition refund. Exceptions will be made as follows: ● Death of a parent/primary caregiver ● Primary income earner for the family loses employment In these cases, a prorated refund of tuition will be given.
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