African American Literature II - Community College of Baltimore County (Fall 2024)

Examines the portion of American literature created by African Americans, beginning with slavery to the Harlem Renaissance, and including the vernacular tradition. Students read slave narratives, and first literary efforts by fugitive slaves and free African Americans, as well as essays, and speeches. The literature introduces students to the complex socioeconomic and political history of African Americans as a former enslaved population as well as an oppressed group who did not achieve full (legal) civil rights until the mid-1960’s. Course offered every fall, spring and may be offered during additional sessions.