Pessimism, Nihilism, and Black Literature
ENGL 267
Spring 2026 not offered
|
| Crosslisting:
AFAM 269 |
This course considers Black literature's interventions into philosophical discourses of pessimism and nihilism. In contrast to the pathologization and dismissal with which they are often met, we will take both seriously as schools of thought. How are pessimism and nihilism distinct from each other? What do they offer as interpretative lenses for and approaches to Black art and Black existence? How are they reflected in literary form? We will closely consider these, and related, questions, looking to the work of authors such as Percival Everett, Jesmyn Ward, Dambudzo Marechera, Frank B. Wilderson III, and Gayl Jones. |
|
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA ENGL |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
|
Fulfills a Requirement for: (English)(Social, Cultural and Critical Theory Certificate) |
Major Readings:
Possible readings include:
Yambo Ouologuem, BOUND TO VIOLENCE
Darius James, NEGROPHOBIA
Saidiya Hartman, LOSE YOUR MOTHER: A JOURNEY ALONG THE ATLANTIC SLAVE ROUTE
Gayl Jones, EVA'S MAN
Percival Everett, THE TREES
John A. Williams, THE MAN WHO CRIED I AM
Richard Wright, THE OUTSIDER
Dambudzo Marechera, THE HOUSE OF HUNGER
Jesmyn Ward, SALVAGE THE BONES
Frank B. Wilderson III, AFROPESSIMISM
|
Examinations and Assignments:
Two essays, weekly blog posts, and a presentation. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Contributes towards the fulfillment of following ENGL major requirements: Theory; Lit. History 3
|
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
|
|