Modern African Literature
Fall 2009 ENGL 1710J S01
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Instructor: Olakunle George
Please check the Detailed Class Information for up to date information about this course.
Information on meeting times for this course can be found on Course Schedule at http://selfservice.brown.edu
Course Description
Many African writers produce their works in one European language or another. Often, these works are more widely read in Europe and North America than on the African continent itself. This course will use these facts as starting points to explore key themes, antecedents, and intellectual contexts of contemporary African writing. We will examine fiction, drama, poetry, critical prose, and visual materials. Writings by Achebe, Farah, Ngugi, Soyinka, Vera, Wicomb. Films by Davidson, Kouyaté, Teno.
Instructor's Description
The European languages used in contemporary sub-Saharan Africa were introduced as one consequence of the continent's colonization by various European powers in the nineteenth century. Today, many African writers produce their works using English or other European languages like French and Portuguese. This course will use this historical background as starting point to explore the themes, antecedents, and contexts of modern African literature. We will pay close attention to formal and rhetorical devices used by the writers to convey their ideas. In addition to the literary texts, we will also view and discuss two feature films and one documentary. To do well in this course, you don’t require previous familiarity with African history or literature. What you do require is a willingness to read literary texts closely and attentively.
Assignments and Grading
PAPERS AND GRADING:
Students will write three papers (5-6 pages each) due in Weeks 4, 9, and end of semester. Final grade will be based on the papers and class participation.
Readings and Required Texts
READING:
Seven novels; one play; short critical essays
REQUIED TEXTS:
. Chinua Achebe, Arrow of God
. Chimamanda Adichie, Purple Hibiscus
. Dambudzo Marechera, House of Hunger
. Zakes Mda, The Whale Caller
. Sol T. Plaatje, Mhudi
. Wole Soyinka, The Swamp Dwellers (play)
. Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Petals of Blood
. Yvonne Vera, Butterfly Burning
. Supplementary critical essays to be distributed in class
FILMS:
. Basil Davidson, Africa: A Voyage of Discovery (Episode 5)
. Dani Kouyaté, Sia: The Dream of the Python
. Jean-Marie Teno, Africa I Will Fleece You