After Achebe: Contemporary African Writing
ENGL 223
Spring 2015 not offered
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| Course Cluster: African Studies |
Chinua Achebe didn't like being called the "grandfather" of African literature. While it made him sound old before he was old, more important, it erased the history of African writing that preceded the 1958 publication of THINGS FALL APART. Yet his influence is palpably present in works by contemporary African novelists, as can be seen in the first line of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's 2003 novel PURPLE HIBISCUS, which begins: "Things started to fall apart at home when my brother, Jaja, did not go to communion..." Starting with Achebe's trilogy--THINGS FALL APART, NO LONGER AT EASE, and ARROW OF GOD--we will then consider recent African writing to identify its central preoccupations and concerns. Works may include writing by Adichie, Chris Abani, Teju Cole, Aminatta Forna, Zoë Wicomb, Phaswane Mpe, Jacob Dhlamini, Brian Chikwava, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Binyvanga Wainaina; Antjie Krog, Marlene van Niekerk, and J.M. Coetzee. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA ENGL |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (AFST-MN)(ENGL)(ENGL-Literature) |
Major Readings:
Works may include writing by Adichie, Chris Abani, Teju Cole, Aminatta Forna, Zoë Wicomb, Phaswane Mpe, Jacob Dhlamini, Brian Chikwava, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Binyvanga Wainaina; Antjie Krog, Marlene van Niekerk, and J.M. Coetzee.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Essays
--Two 4-5 pp. response papers, in preparation for:
--One 20 pp. research paper
Presentation
Each student will be responsible for beginning discussion during one class meeting. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course fulfills the Literatures of Difference major requirement and contributes to the Race & Ethnicity concentration of the English major. |
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