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ENGL 200 E: Reading Literary Forms

Black Arts/Aesthetic Movement 1964-1975

Meeting Time: 
MTWTh 12:30pm - 1:20pm
Location: 
CDH 110A
SLN: 
13620
Instructor: 
Kirin K Wachter-Grene

Additional Details:

This course examines the Black Arts/Aesthetic Movement of the late 1960s to mid 1970s. The BAM was made up of a diverse group of African-American artists, writers, and musicians committed to creating politically-charged, socially relevant art. They saw themselves as the cultural arm of Black Liberation struggles and other revolutionary movements influential at the time. We’ll engage literature in its various forms through the work of novelists, poets, playwrights, cultural critics, and musicians such as Malcolm X, Amiri Baraka, Henry Dumas, Gil Scott-Heron, Ed Bullins, Ishmael Reed, Ntozake Shange, Sonia Sanchez, Larry Neal, Nina Simone, Sun Ra, Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln and more. We will situate these artists within the political, historical, and cultural context of their time to consider, among other questions, what is the relationship between art and politics? We will also watch films including the 2011 documentary The Black Power Mixtape, and Jules Dassin's 1968 film Uptight.

This class counts for "W" credit, and will require students to write two 5-7 page revisable papers. Students can also expect to write semi-formal reading responses and to participate in a group presentation. **Please note that students are expected to keep up with the weekly reading and are expected to come to class prepared to discuss and engage with the texts**

4. Required Texts:

Amiri Baraka Dutchman and The Slave 978-0688210847

Gil Scott Heron: The Vulture 978-1847678836
Sam Greenlee: The Spook Who Sat By the Door 978-0814322468

Ishmael Reed: The Last Days of Louisiana Red 978-1564782366

Ntozake Shange for colored girls who have considered suicide, when the rainbow is enuf 978-0553133073

Course Packet

Catalog Description: 
Covers techniques and practice in reading and enjoying literature in its various forms: poetry, drama, prose fiction, and film. Examines such features of literary meanings as imagery, characterization, narration, and patterning in sound and sense. Offered: AWSp.
GE Requirements: 
Arts and Humanities (A&H)
Writing (W)
Other Requirements Met: 
Status: 
Active
Last updated: 
March 24, 2016 - 11:25am
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