After Achebe: Contemporary African Writing
ENGL 223
Spring 2017
| Section:
01
|
| Course Cluster: African Studies, African Studies Minor |
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's 2003 novel, PURPLE HIBISCUS, summons Chinua Achebe, the "grandfather of African literature," in its opening line: "Things started to fall apart at home when my brother, Jaja, did not go to communion," and the narrator of NoViolet Bulawayo's 2013 WE NEED NEW NAMES consistently refers to that novel's title as well. While Achebe remains a formative influence on many contemporary African writers, the central preoccupations of African literature have shifted considerably in recent years. This class will consider recent topics animating the field. This may include debates about Afropolitanism, the role of publication houses and prize committees in the canonization and circulation of texts, African-language literature, and the position of African literature vis-à-vis world literature. Readings will be chosen from among the newest novels and short stories in publication. |
|
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA ENGL |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
|
Fulfills a Requirement for: (AFST-MN)(ENGL)(ENGL-Literature) |
|
Past Enrollment Probability: 75% - 89% |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Readings will include fiction by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Uwem Akpan, NoViolet Bulawayo, Teju Cole, Imraan Coovadia, Jacob Dlamini, Yaa Gyasi, Uzodinma Iweala, Abu Bakr Khaal, Okey Ndibe, Yvonne Owuor, Shailja Patal, Binyvanga Wainaina, and we will also read some supplementary critical materials.
|
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. It offers the Research Option for those pursuing Honors in English. |
| Instructor(s): Saint,Lily Leopold Times: ...W.F. 10:50AM-12:10PM; Location: CFH106; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 25 | | SR major: 7 | JR major: 7 | | |
| Seats Available: 14 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 3 | JR non-major: 3 | SO: 5 | FR: 0 |
| Web Resources: Syllabus |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
|
|