This survey chronicles forms, practices, and contexts of African-American and Black Diasporic literatures, cultures, and theories from the beginning of the 20th century well into the 21st century. Students will be introduced to major developments, topics, and conversations, ranging from (but not limited to) W.E.B. DuBois’ concept of “double consciousness”, Paul Gilroy’s theorization of the “Black Atlantic,” Édouard Glissant’s musings on Caribbean relation, Michelle Alexander’s “New Jim Crow” or more recent discussions of Afro-Pessimism, Migritude, or Intersectionality. The focus of this class, however, will be on novels, short stories, poems, films, and plays.

In addition to more canonical authors, writers to be discussed in this class will also include Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Teju Cole, Taiye Selasi, Yaa Gyasi, Jesmyn Ward, or NoViolet Bulawayo.