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Academic Year 2000/2001


Black Women Writers: Hansberry, Bambara, Lorde
AFAM 315 FA

Crosslistings:
AMST 313
ENGL 250
WMST 313

This semester we will analyze and interpret the writings of Lorraine Hansberry, Toni Cade Bambara and Audre Lorde in the context of African American women's literary traditions. This course will provide an overview of some of the historical, political, social and literary forces that influenced these particular writers/activists as well as the influence their ideas have had on the subjects, themes, characters, styles and forms considered available for exploration. The response of black women critics who have incorporated issues of gender and sexuality as well as race in their assessments will be considered. We will explore the moral and ethical questions raised by these writers as they grapple with issues of individual and group survival of African Americans and other disenfranchised people.

MAJOR READINGS

Lorraine Hansberry, A RAISIN IN THE SUN, THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW and TO BE YOUNG, GIFTED AND BLACK
Audre Lorde, ZAMI: A NEW SPELLING OF MY NAME, THE BLACK UNICORN, THE CANCER JOURNALS: SPECIAL EDITION, SISTER OUTSIDER
Toni Cade Bambara, THE SALT EATERS, GORILLA, MY LOVE, THE SEABIRDS ARE STILL ALIVE
Marie Evans, BLACK WOMEN WRITERS: A CRITICAL EVALUATION

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Weekly response papers, midterm assignment, and one 10 page final paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Some knowledge of African American literature and culture is expected.

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA ENGL    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-26-2001


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