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Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

Louis O Chude-Sokei
ENGL 350
Seattle Campus

Traditions in American Fiction

A literary form in which America has found its distinctively American expression. Selected readings among important novelists from the beginnings until 1900, including Cooper, Hawthorne, Melville, Twain, Chopin, James, and Wharton.

Class description

This course is entitled "Early Black Internationalism." It explores black literary and cross-cultural exchanges that emerge between the late 19th and early 20th century in America. We will explore those global exchanges as they range from Paris and the French Caribbean to Cuba, Trinidad, Jamaica, Africa and the United States. Though race, racism and colonialism are at the core of many of these writers’ concerns, what will matter equally to us is the development of a black critical perspective that attempts to see far more than race, racism and colonialism. These writers will help set the stage for a contemporary “black" world that is constituted by a wide range of different cultural, historical and political experiences. In addition to books, essays and articles, we will be watching a number of rare/classic films and also studying vintage sound recordings.

Student learning goals

General method of instruction

Recommended preparation

Class assignments and grading


The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Louis O Chude-Sokei
Date: 07/11/2011