Jesmyn Ward (1977-) is one major author that many students of African American, American, and especially Southern literature probably have not heard or read much about. Born in California, relocated with her family as a child to Mississippi, and now a professor at Tulane University, she is the author of critically acclaimed essays, short stories, novels, and a memoir.  And besides her MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship, she is—perhaps most impressive—the only female and African American writer to win the National Book Award for Fiction twice, in 2011 and 2017, for her novels Salvage the Bones and Sing, Unburied, Sing, respectively. If, for instance, pop superstar Beyoncé’s hit song and video “‘Formation’ Exploits New Orleans’ Trauma,” according to New Orleans’ critic and filmmaker Shantrelle P. Lewis, then you should see how Ward, both in her family’s experience during Katrina and in her fiction, humanizes those whose lives were torn by that catastrophe. In short, Ward is a writer is remarkable talent and power. This class focuses on her still-growing canon. Our goal, ultimately, is to properly situate Ward within African American, African American women’s, and Southern literary cultures. Coursework includes a midterm, short paper, presentation, and a research paper.