LITR 160 - African American Literature | GEUS or GEKH

Literature 160 introduces students to the study of African American literature, thought and cultural practices through an examination of the oral traditions and literary texts of African Americans. Throughout the study of spoken stories and written texts, we will also examine the formation and expression of African American identity in relation to Europeans and other non-white ethnic groups. The class will explore the legacy of slavery in its many forms, including disenfranchisement, racial and economic segregation and the history of violence against African Americans, as well as the struggle of African Americans to be recognized as an integral political and cultural presence within the United States. Through the reading, discussion and analysis of African American literature, we will examine the development of this literary tradition and the histories, philosophies and sociological and cultural practices of African Americans.

Literature 160 introduces students to the study of African American literature, thought and cultural practices through an examination of the oral traditions and literary texts of African Americans. Through the study of spoken stories and written texts, we will also examine the formation and expression of African American identity in relation to Europeans and other non-white ethnic groups. The class will explore the legacy of slavery in its many forms, including disenfranchisement, racial and economic segregation and the history of violence against African Americans, as well as the struggle of African Americans to be recognized as an integral political and cultural presence within the United States. Through the reading, discussion and analysis of African American literature, we will examine the development of this literary tradition and the histories, philosophies and sociological and cultural practices of African Americans.

Winter 2025 Course Sections

Summer 2025 Course Sections

Fall 2025 Course Sections