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Academic Year 2003/2004

Black Feminist Critical Theory
AFAM 293 FA
Crosslistings:
ENGL 318

What is black feminist criticism? Must a black feminist be black and a woman? Once all but ignored as historical subjects and cultural producers, black women have become popular sites of critical investigation. Problematizing the very concept of a "black feminist criticism," this course surveys and evaluates the critical/theoretical discourse that has developed around black women writers and their work over the past 30 years.

MAJOR READINGS

Carby, RECONSTRUCTING WOMANHOOD
Morrison, PLAYING IN THE DARK
Wall, ed., CHANGING OUR OWN WORDS
Selected essays by Barbara Smith, Barbara Christian, Deborah McDowell, Barbara Johnson, Mary Helen Washington, Hortense Spillers, Claudia Tate, Susan Willis, Henry Louis Gates Jr., and Houston Baker, among others.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Two short analytical essays, an annotated bibiliography, and a longer seminar paper in the form of a review essay.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Weekly discussion questions and individual and group presentations. This course meets the English Department's theory requirement.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA AFAM    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: AFAM201 OR ENGL201 OR ENGL198 Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004

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