AFR 260 South African and American Intersections (Same as Comparative Literature 258 and English 252) (Not offered 2008-2009; to be offered 2009-2010)
Despite very significant historical differences, South African and the United States have undergone analogous periods of racial segregation and resistance. Such recognizable symmetries have been amplified by writers/artists, which in turn has yielded fascinating cultural connections. This multi-genre course will trace the emergence of a twentieth-century South African/African American cultural relationship by examining a variety of texts. Over the semester, we will examine the patterns of influence between both populations in order to help us understand the role of cultural texts in the political arena (in particular, international solidarity movements). In addition to comparative studies, we will examine literature and artistic works by Peter Abrahams, Richard Wright, Gwendolyn Brooks, Keorapetse Kgositsile, Bessie Head, Audre Lorde, J.M. Coetzee, Gil Scott-Heron, and others.
Format: lecture/discussion. Evaluation will be based upon attendance and participation, reading responses, class presentations, one mid-term essay, and one final research paper.
Prerequisites: Prior 100- or 200- level Africana Studies course or permission of instructor. Enrollment limit: 20 (expected: 20). Preference given to sophomores and juniors.
ROBOLIN