African American FictionLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

Learning outcomes: On completion of the study unit the successful student will be able to - recognize the main outline of the development of African American literature - analyze African American novels and short fiction from a politically oriented point of view - understand the importance of the socio-historical context and the political functions of African American fiction The course develops the following working life skills: Language skills, connecting literary works to socio-cultural contexts related to specific countries, multidisciplinarity, argumentation skills, research skills, meaning-making, time management and prioritization skills, systematic thinking, managing large entities Generic competences: ethics, internationality, sustainability and responsibility, critical thinking, identification and development of expertise, interaction and communication

Content

The study unit will provide an overview of the history of African American literature. Special emphasis will be on the connection between the literary works and their socio-historical conditions of production. Students will examine the political functions of African American fiction through a selection of African American novels and short fiction.

Qualifications

Basic Studies, 2130445 Nineteenth-Century Realisms: Race, Class, and Gender and 2130446 Twentieth- and Twenty-First Century Literature: Modern and Contemporary Narratives

Materials

Novels: Nella Larsen, Passing; Richard Wright, Native Son; James Baldwin, Go Tell It on the Mountain; Alice Walker, The Color Purple Short fiction: James Baldwin, “Sonny’s Blues”; Ralph Ellison, “Flying Home”; Toni Morrison, “Recitatif” Play: Amiri Baraka, Dutchman Essays: James Baldwin, “Everybody’s Protest Novel”; Toni Morrison, “Home”

Further information

Time: 3rd-5th year of study Key words: African American, fiction, race, political Campus: Joensuu Further information: Language of tuition: English The course is open to international exchange students.

Accomplishment methods

Modes of study: Lectures (16 h), independent study (119 h) Evaluation criteria: Written examination