By studying literary works by Africans descended from Africa, this course examines how diasporic Africans created viable lives for themselves in the “New World”. To begin the study of African Diaspora literature, we will start with watching one film "Sankofa" by Haile Gerima. After introducing the concept of African Diaspora Literature, we will survey a diverse group of African Diaspora literary works (novels, essays, poetry) and explore how they intersect with specific historical contexts and socio-cultural experiences in the "New World". This course is writing intensive. It is intended to provide students with skills in critical writing and literary criticism. Students will read, interpret, analyze and write about contexts of writing African Diaspora literature, its reception and criticism, and African Diaspora cultural experiences of trauma and resilience. The course will equip students with close reading skills that can facilitate critical writing and critical thinking about African Diaspora Literature.