Course Description
The literature of twentieth-century Africa in translation, with emphasis on African fiction and its relevance to contemporary society around the world.
Athena Title
Intro to Modern African Lit
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
- to introduce students to representative works of contemporary African literature, with special emphasis on African fiction and its the relevance to contemporary society around the world, including the United States; - to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the literary and cultural traditions of the various works under analysis; - to situate the works in the history of African cultures; to hone students' critical skills through analysis of individual literary works; - to improve students' communication skills through classroom interaction and expository writing exercises. Students' performances are assessed through presentations, tests, essays, and a final examination.
Topical Outline
The course is structured through a series of readings in contemporary African literature, with special emphasis on the relevance of African fiction to contemporary society around the world. The topics covered are specific to the works under analysis; however, certain issues often recur, such as questions of ethnicity, gender, and class; the use of indigenous languages vs European languages; the status of the writer in postcolonial society; the question of audience, etc. The works treated vary with the individual instructor. The following is a sample syllabus of readings for a single semester: Chinua Achebe. Things Fall Apart Camara Laye. The Dark Child Ferdinand Oyono. Houseboy Alex LaGuma. In the Fog of the Seasons' End Mariama Ba. So Long a Letter Okot p'Bitek. Song of Lawino Mongo Beti. Mission to Kala
Syllabus