jeanne.hamming
english.dept.
centenary.college
jhamming@centenary.edu
313.JAC
318.869.5082
v.card

english.357s|African-American Literature
M-F 10:30-12:30
office.hours: 9-10:30
(and by appointment)

schedule (click here to view)

course.description

This summer course offers a brief overview of key canonical works of African American literature. Beginning with classic slave narratives, the course explores how the institution of slavery defined and constrained the writing of figures such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs. Going forward, the course examines the historical influence of these works and their contexts as they continued to shape the African American literary tradition. We will look, then, at key works of the Harlem renaissance, as well as at two "postmodern" slave narratives, Beloved by Toni Morrison and Oxherding Tale by Charles Johnson, in order to explore the ways that these contemporary authors revisit the slave narrative as a rhetorical means to revisit the lingering effects of race and racism in the American cultural imagination.

course.goals

• To develop an understanding of key aspects of the African American literary tradition;

• To understand theoretical concepts related race, racism and racialization as they inform the development of the African American literary tradition;

• To improve critical communication skills--reading, writing, speaking, and discussing--through assignments and class participation.
  

grade.breakdown

short paper/presentation #1 (4-6pp/7-10 min) 10%
short paper/presentation #2 (4-6pp/7-10 min) 10%
midterm exam 20%
final exam 20%
final paper/presentation (8-10pp/20-25 min) 20%
preparation and participation (attendance, reading comprehension and quizzes, class discussion, work ethic) 20%

short papers/presentations

This is a speaking intensive course so you will graded, in part, on your ability to deliver clear, polished content, present nuanced arguments, and generate class discussion. During the semester students will give two short presentations which will develop out of a short paper. These papers/presentations are formal and should be treated as such.

1) lit/crit review. 4-6pp; 7-10 min + discussion

The first paper/presentation invites students to provide key information about an author and text, critical ideas related to author/text, and/or historical context for class discussion. Presenters will do research online and at the library. Each student's goal is to become an expert on whatever subject-matter is being considered, and will present some part of the following information to classmates:

• historical context critical or theoretical context
• biographical information about an author
• bibliographical information
• excerpts and summaries of reviews of the text
• excerpts and summaries of literary criticism of the text
• a list/explanation of key themes, issues, or motifs that we may want to discuss in class
• a list of thoughtful, open-ended questions to prompt class discussion

2) close-reading/textual analysis. 4-6pp; 7-10 min + discussion

The second presentation invites students to prepare of close reading of one scene in the novel OR demonstrate how a critical text contributes to our understanding of the primary text (critical application). Either approach will require that you provide specific passages from the text and provide clear connections between a critical work and the primary work.

final paper/presentation; 8-10pp; 20-25 min + discussion

At the end of the semester, each student will write a well-documented literary analysis of one of the course texts (or related work by an African American author) and will present his/her research in a 20-25 minute "conference-style" presentation. After the presentation, there will be time for questions and discussion.

attendance

Attendance is necessary and required. Students who miss more than two (2) class periods are not able to pass the class. Lateness to class counts as 1/3 of an absence. Students who leave early from class will be considered late or absent.

texts

Gates, Henry Louis, jr. The Classic Slave Narratives
Johnson, Charles. Oxherding Tale
Larsen, Nella. Quicksand and Passing
Morrison, Toni. Beloved.
Selected readings and handouts available as PDFs

schedule (click here to view)