Course Description
An exploration of major currents in African literature since the independence of the African people from European colonial rule, with special emphasis on the relevance of the material under discussion to the contemporary world.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to write a documented paper on a given topic at the end of the quarter in addition to the other requirements for the course.
Athena Title
Postcolonial African Lit
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The objectives of the course are to introduce students to representative works of African literature written since the independence of African countries in the 1960s, with special emphasis on the relevance of these works to the contemporary world; to give students an appreciation of these works and the cultures they reflect; to situate these works within broader cultural, historical, and political contexts; to hone students' critical skills through the analysis of individual works of literature; and to improve students' communication skills through oral presentations and expository writing assignments.
Topical Outline
The course is organized around a series of readings of African literary works written since the independence of African countries in the 1960s. Special emphasis will be placed on the relevance of these texts to the contemporary world. Topics of emphasis include the portrayal of neo-colonialism, the betrayal of independence and the aspirations of the masses, the need for social and political justice, as well as the search for African aesthetics by African writers. The works treated vary with the individual instructor. The following is a sample syllabus of readings for a single semester: Chinua Achebe. Anthills of the Savannah Sembene Ousmane. Xala Ngugi wa Thiong'o. Petals of Blood Mariama Ba. So Long a Letter Buchi Emecheta. The Bride Price Okot p'Bitek. Song of Lawino and Song of Ocol Wole Soyinka. Death and the King's Horseman
Syllabus