This course examines eighteenth-century African-American and African-British writings that uniquely underscore the mediating function of race between literature's historical role as a tool for moral instruction and certain social conditions (namely slavery) that profoundly complicate that role. We will further examine the relationship between Black literary texts of the eighteenth century and the rhetoric of Enlightenment humanism in which many of them were immersed. The Black literary text in this context refers to published works written or "related" by Africans formerly enslaved in England, America or the British West Indies in the late eighteenth century. Through a reading of the published works of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw (A Narrative of the Most Remarkable Particulars...[1770]), Quobna Ottobah Cugoano (Thoughts and Sentiments on the Evil of Slavery [1787]), Ignatius Sancho (Letters of the Late Ignatius Sancho [1782]), Olaudah Equiano (The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano [1789]), Mary Prince (The History of Mary Prince [1831]) and the poetry of Phillis Wheatley (1774), we will explore the rhetorical practices employed in the argument against slavery and racial prejudice, practices that have since become foundational in our conception of other literary and non-literary discourses. Format: seminar/discussion. Requirements: four short essays and one oral presentation as well as participation in class discussion. Prerequisites: a 100-level English course, except 150. Enrollment limit: 25 (expected: 25). Preference given to English majors and qualified non-majors. (1700-1900)