Department of English

This survey of twentieth century African American literature focuses on the ways in which African American writers have portayed migration and the promise and perils of urban life. Required readings cover a period from 1901-1992 and  include Jean Toomer, Marita Bonner, Richard Wright, Ann Petry, James Baldwin, Gwendolyn Brooks and Toni Morrison.  These are supplemented by film and music that help to provide the vital historical, cultural and political backdrop on  which to build an understanding of each text. Students will write two short papers, a mid-term and a final exam.