(Cross-listed with BL_STU 2400)

Theorizing Africana Literature is an undergraduate course designed to introduce students to Africana Literary Theory, Thought & Action, dating back to American Slavery & up to today’s challenging moments. As literature reflects life, the main objection of this course is to introduce students to Africana literary & theoretical constructs as an authentic way of interpreting Africana life, with possible solutions to issues impeding progress for Africana people and for all humankind. Beginning with American Slavery, Emancipation, Reconstruction & Jim Crowism, up to the early 20th century, with the Washington/Dubois controversy & the Harlem Renaissance writers, i.e. Johnson, McKay, Cullen, Hughes, etc., to the 60s & 70s Civil Rights Movement & its Sister, the Black Arts Movement (with Baraka, Sanchez, Madhubuti, etc.), we end with today’s Human/Civil Rights Movement, symbolized by countless Emmett Till Continums. Also included are authentic Africana Paradigms, such as Afrocentricity & Africana Womanism & other female-based concepts, as well as commentaries on the importance Reparations, and the dialogue continues! Learn & Enjoy!