EGL 233 - 18-19th Century Early Literature of African Diaspora

Course Units: 1.0

We will trace the historical lineage of African Diaspora literary arts, focusing largely (though not exclusively) in the American context. Our readings begin with the first known poems in print and move into liberation narratives (aka: enslavement narratives), to essays and fiction and song. Authors may include Phillis Wheatley, Omar bin Said, David Walker, Harriet Jacobs, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Solomon Northup, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Charles Chesnutt, among others. Students have the opportunity to explore materials from our library archives. Prerequisite(s): One 100-level English course or a score of 5 on the AP English Language or Literature and Composition test. CQ: LCC, HUL, HUM, WAC, JCHF, JLIT ISP: AFR, AMS, GSWS