Black Literature Black Freedom

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

The main purpose of this course is to explore how—from the 18th century—beginning with Phillis Wheatley—to the 21st century—ending with Kamala Harris—Black people have used various forms of writing—poetry, fiction, autobiographies, essays, speeches turned essays, newspapers, and pamphlets—to express Black people’s visions for freedom, equality, and democracy. While some authors promote democratic inclusion, others emphasize the need to reimagine altogether American society’s social, political, and cultural fabrics. Students will leave this course with a better understanding of the roles that writing has played in shaping Black political activities, including how the act of writing itself constitutes a form or politics or political activity.