1. Read historical texts closely. 
2. Think about the assumptions of belief and value behind the
varying acceptance of African American short fiction in 
particular and literary works in general. 
3. Place the cultural issues of 1763-1990 (particularly
1960-1990) in historical and critical perspective and formulate 
a suggestive meaning of "American".
4. Become aware of the significant critical challenges in the
study of African American short fiction and formulate 
intellectually sound solutions as well as personal theories.
5. Practice a few of the modern trends in critical theory. 
6 Deepen the critical reading of primary texts for narrative
technique or viewpoint, moral as well as social significance, 
psychological insight, and mythic implications.
7. Encourage lively discussions that are provocative as well as
respectful.
8. Attend most classes.
9. Employ at least fifteen secondary sources in the support or
contradiction of one's OWN VIEWS as argued effectively in 
papers and reports.  Course papers and reports will total 
approximately 20-25 pages of writing.
10. Produce papers that are fluently well argued, organized, and
insightful.
11. Appreciate the techniques for creating and reading the 
deeper meanings of texts.
12. Achieve greater techniques of insight for reading and
revealing the forms and values of American civilization.

Topical outlines will vary according to the instructor teaching
the class and in the context of the department's other offerings
that semester. Here are some examples of texts to be considered
in one class:

Baldwin, James. _Going to Meet the Man_.
Chesnutt, Charles. _Wife of His Youth and Other Stories_.
Gaines, Ernest. _Bloodline_.
Hughes, Langston. _Ways of White Folks_.
McMillan, Terry. _Breaking Ice_.
Toomer, Jean. _Cane_.
Walker, Alice. _In Love and Trouble_.

Students should expect to write at least twenty to twenty-five
pages over the course of the semester, both as low-stakes 
writing (postings, responses, in-class writing) and high-stakes
assignments (papers, examinations, and other graded work).

Students in this course are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the University
of Georgia policy on academic honesty, according to which all violations of academic
honesty will be handled. Students may participate in graded group projects at the
instructor's discretion.