DESCRIPTION: Survey of African American literature from the beginning to the present. Works selected from major genres (fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry) and movements (such as the Harlem Renaissance). The course examines how writers such as Wheatley, Douglass, Hughes, Morrison and others have influenced and been influenced by culture, history, and literary tradition. The course may focus additionally on Southern African American literary history.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this class is to introduce students to the aesthetic traditions and cultural history of African American literature. The course will survey central works and genres and explore critical approaches to these works, focusing on foundational concepts of literary study.

GOALS:
1. We will read a range of African American Literature and debate the need for this course.
2.  We will work on the necessary terminology and build essential skills, such as analysis, thinking, writing and speaking.
3.  Our study will center on the following themes central to African American literature. Students will learn about and be able to apply these themes to their interpretations of the literature:

Call and Response: the Individual and Community
The Black Hero / Heroine and the Heroic Quest
The Quest for Literacy and Freedom
Signifying and Speaking: Telling the Story
Masking

1. Students will use resources for the study of African American Literature such as databases, websites, and rare book rooms.  See Resource Page.
   

2. Students will present research in class reports and apply research to exploration of a theme in a researched paper.

3. Students will participate in service related to the study of literature--for this block, participation in MLK Day events.
   

4. Students will apply critical and theoretical perspectives to the analysis of African American Literature.

TEXTS:

Walter Mosley, The Man in My Basement
Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. The Trials of Phillis Wheatley
James Weldon Johnson, The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man
Toni Morrison, Beloved
Short texts on reserve (You'll need to make copies)
Poetry online.
Films: The Piano Lesson (by August Wilson); Daughters of the Dust if time permits.

FIELD EXPERIENCES:  Andrew Johnson Museum, possible trip to Knoxville.

The COMMONS:  This course is part of the Commons and fulfills an Arts and Humanities requirement.

COMPETENCIES:
This class focuses on Analytical Reading with the Reading Journal as the focal point of our work on this competency. We also work on the Writing competency, with a focus on research methods.
There will be a public speaking assignment as well.

 In conjunction with class themes, we will discuss the ESR competency, Ethics of Social Responsibility. See the TC web site (Competency Program) for further information.

ASSESSMENTS:  We will do several assessments in class, which can count as a grade and which will also be used (anonymously) for departmental assessment: Analytical Reading and Public Speaking.

GRADES will be based on the following assignments and activities:

EXPECTATIONS for class: we are a community of learners. Please complete the reading on time and be ready to participate in discussion. Participation should demonstrate thoughtfulness, politeness, and the use of listening and conversation skills.

As learners, you each take responsibility for your own learning.  In order to encourage you to think about how you learn best, this syllabus allows for a lot of choice.  Choose assignments that you wish to complete.

·        One reading response journal entry (a two page essay).  10% 

·        One argument essay (for instance arguing a theme or taking a stand in a controversy or answering a case study problem).  Options and other assignment details will be given out in class.  5 pages. Rough draft and attendance to one draft conference are part of the paper grade (you may not receive an A or B without a conference). Turn in a rough draft with your final version. 15%

·        Oral presentation of a Research Summary:  10%  5 minute presentation with a powerpoint and one page handout.   Each student will conduct a short survey of criticism on one author, using mainly our library's Infotrac II resources. Two pages, selection of quotations with bibliography. Web sites listed on "resources." See assignment sheet and example for instructions and criteria.

·         Final: comprehensive (short answer and essay questions). 15%

Participation, incl. MLK day participation, is required. 

Grading Scale:

I will follow the college attendance policy, which allows three valid absences for school-sponsored events (including participation in sports events but not practice).  For excused absences, students may make up all work, including in-class work if possible. Non-excused absences will affect your FINAL GRADE with 2 points deducted for each absence and the fourth absence resulting in a failing grade for the class. Three late appearances to class will count as an absence. 

Major assignments and the final may not be made up or taken early.  A LATE PAPER will be graded down half a letter or more—5 to 10 points per day.  ASSIGNMENTS will not be accepted after the due date.

Turn in papers during class or immediately following class on the due date to avoid late penalties. No work will be accepted after the last day of class.

PLAGARISM: Consult the college catalogue and student handbook. You should properly cite any work not your own, including your use of quotations, paraphrases, and summations.

Learning Support Services

SCHEDULE:  Please see the block schedule.