African/African American Literature

This program offers students a unique opportunity to explore the literature produced by people of African descent in places all over the world, including Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States. Our students develop critical understanding not only of black literature and literary theory but also of local, national, and global issues of racial identity, institutionalized racism, and anti-racist resistance.Our curriculum prepares you for life in other ways, too. Studying English will not only stimulate your imagination but also enrich your understanding of how words and texts, in all their complex forms, play a central role in revealing and constructing the world we live in. Moreover, as an English student, you'll learn to cultivate personal resources---among them empathy, self-reflection, and ethical awareness---that can help you lead a meaningful, examined life.