This course is designed to offer students an entry point into advanced study of African American Literature.  While studying texts authored by African American authors, students will be introduced to advanced literary terms, concepts, and techniques for reading, writing, and critically evaluating literature. Students will read, discuss, and write about a variety of traditional and non-traditional texts that represent the diversity of the African American literary endeavor, including the Oral Tradition, non-fiction prose, and dramatic literature.   ­

Julie Dash, Daughters of the Dust, DVD; Spike Lee, Bamboozled, DVD; Kevin Willmott, C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America, DVD; music: anything from Prince's LoveSexy [1989] cd to the present that you prefer.

Other materials may be available via coursepack.

Books: [order of assignments will be given each week]

Gates, Henry L. et al. The Norton Anthology of African American Literature (second ed.) NY: Norton, 2003. ISBN-10: 0393977781; ISBN-13: 978-0393977783

Harris, E. Lynn. Mama Dearest. Publisher: Karen Hunter (September 22, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 1439158908; ISBN-13: 978-1439158906

Martin, Reginald. Erotique Noire/Black Erotica. Ed. R. Martin, etia. alia. Anchor: 1992. ISBN-10: 0385423098; ISBN-13: 978-0385423090

- - -. Everybody Knows What Time It Is. New Orleans: NOUP, 2010. ISBN-10: 1606801011-2; ISBN-13: 978-1-60801-011-0.

Sapphire. Push. Vintage: 1 Mti edition; 2009. ISBN-10: 0307474844; ISBN-13: 978-0307474841

Thomas, Sheree. Dark Matters: Reading the Bones. Ed., Sheree Thomas. Aspect: 2005. ISBN-10: 0446693774; ISBN-13: 978-0446693776

Ward, Jerry. The Katrina Papers. UNO Press, 2008.  ISBN-10: 0972814337; ISBN-13: 978-0972814331.

Additional Reserve Room, JSTOR, and other electronic texts.

Classroom discussion = 10%
3 500 word informal essays = 30%
1 3000 word research paper = 30%
Final Exam (essay format) = 30%