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ENG817Arts2 Unitsintermediate

African-America & Caribbean Literature

This course presents a comprehensive survey of literature produced by major writers of the black diaspora in North America and the English-speaking Caribbean. It focuses on literary responses to historical, socio-economic, and political movements over the last three centuries. The course explores themes such as slavery, colonialism, migration, identity, and feminism in African-American and Caribbean literary realism. Students will develop critical thinking and close reading skills.

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45h

Study Time

13

Weeks

3h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

African-American LiteratureCaribbean LiteraturePostcolonialismDiasporaIdentity

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

📚

Math Level

No Math

📖

Learning Type

Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Slavery in the Caribbean

2

Harlem Renaissance

3

Postcolonial Theory

4

Feminism and Black Women

5

Caribbean Identity

6

African-American Literary Realism

7

Migration and Diaspora

8

Black Arts Movement

Total Topics8 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Knowledge of major African-American and Caribbean writers

Understanding of social, political, and intellectual contexts

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Literary Critic

Apply your skills in this growing field

Cultural Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Editor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationPublishingJournalismCultural HeritageResearch

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Historical Background to Caribbean Literature

3h

Unit 1: Slavery in the Caribbean

3 study hours

•Read the introduction to Caribbean literature and understand the historical context.
•Identify key literary figures and texts from the Caribbean and its diaspora.
•Analyze themes and arguments across different historical contexts and genres.

Week

2

Module 1: Historical Background to Caribbean Literature

3h

Unit 2: Abolition

3 study hours

•Examine the economic, political, and humanitarian reasons for the abolition of slavery.
•Discuss the impact of abolition on Caribbean society and culture.
•Analyze the role of key figures like William Wilberforce in the abolitionist movement.

Week

3

Module 1: Historical Background to Caribbean Literature

3h

Unit 3: The Post-Emancipation Caribbean

3 study hours

•Analyze the social and economic changes in the Caribbean after emancipation.
•Discuss the migration of indentured Indian laborers and its impact.
•Examine the development of education and cultural expressions in the post-emancipation era.

Week

4

Module 1: Historical Background to Caribbean Literature

6h

Unit 4: Implication on Criticism

3 study hours

•Discuss the implications of Caribbean history on literary criticism.
•Analyze the views of scholars like Rose Acholonu on the impact of colonization.
•Examine the role of writers like Derek Walcott in shaping Caribbean identity.

Unit 5: Major Writers from the Caribbean

3 study hours

•Identify and discuss major writers from the Caribbean.
•Analyze their contributions to Caribbean literature and diasporic literature.
•Examine the themes and styles of their works.

Week

5

Module 2: Historical Background to African- American and Caribbean Literature

3h

Unit 1: Fugitive and Ex-Slave Narratives

3 study hours

•Explore the historical context of African-American literature.
•Analyze the themes and styles of fugitive and ex-slave narratives.
•Discuss the impact of these narratives on American literature and culture.

Week

6

Module 2: Historical Background to African- American and Caribbean Literature

3h

Unit 2: Harlem Renaissance or the New Negro-Movement

3 study hours

•Examine the Harlem Renaissance and its significance in African-American literature.
•Discuss the key figures and themes of the New Negro Movement.
•Analyze the impact of this movement on American culture and society.

Week

7

Module 2: Historical Background to African- American and Caribbean Literature

3h

Unit 3: The Civil Rights Era and the Black Arts Movement (Black Aesthetics 1960s-1970s)

3 study hours

•Explore the Civil Rights Era and the Black Arts Movement.
•Discuss the key figures and themes of this period.
•Analyze the impact of this movement on African-American literature and culture.

Week

8

Module 2: Historical Background to African- American and Caribbean Literature

3h

Unit 4: The Post Modern Turn in African- American Literature and Neo-Slavery Narratives

3 study hours

•Examine the post-modern turn in African-American literature.
•Discuss the themes and styles of neo-slavery narratives.
•Analyze the impact of this movement on American literature and culture.

Week

9

Module 2: Historical Background to African- American and Caribbean Literature

3h

Unit 5: Contemporary Writers: The Literary Movements in African-American Background

3 study hours

•Identify and discuss contemporary writers in African-American literature.
•Analyze the literary movements and themes in their works.
•Examine the impact of these writers on American literature and culture.

Week

10

Module 3: Caribbean Experience: Return Migration of the West Indians

3h

Unit 1: How to Define Caribbean Literature

3 study hours

•Define Caribbean literature and its key characteristics.
•Explore the origins of Caribbean literature and its evolution in the twentieth century.
•Analyze the themes and styles of Caribbean writers.

Week

11

Module 3: Caribbean Experience: Return Migration of the West Indians

6h

Unit 2: Origins of Caribbean Literature and Its Evolution in the Twentieth Century

3 study hours

•Examine the works of first and second-generation Caribbean writers.
•Discuss the themes and styles of their works.
•Analyze the impact of their writings on Caribbean literature and culture.

Unit 3: First and Second Generation, Caribbean Writers and Themes of the Works

3 study hours

•Explore the themes of identity and belonging in Caribbean literature.
•Analyze the search for identity in the works of Caribbean writers.
•Discuss the impact of migration on Caribbean identity.

Week

12

Module 3: Caribbean Experience: Return Migration of the West Indians

6h

Unit 4: The Search for Identity

3 study hours

•Analyze the literary relevance of Caryl Phillip's works.
•Discuss the themes and styles of his writings.
•Examine the impact of his works on Caribbean literature and culture.

Unit 5: Caribbean Experience and Carly Phillip's Literary Relevance

3 study hours

•Analyze the literary relevance of Caryl Phillip's works.
•Discuss the themes and styles of his writings.
•Examine the impact of his works on Caribbean literature and culture.

Week

13

Comprehensive Course Review

6h

Final Revision and Exam Preparation

6 study hours

•Review all modules and units covered in the course.
•Prepare for final examination by revisiting key concepts and themes.
•Complete any outstanding assignments and seek clarification on challenging topics.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of key historical events and literary movements covered in the course.

2

Develop concept maps linking major themes, writers, and texts.

3

Practice essay writing, focusing on clear arguments and textual evidence.

4

Review all tutor-marked assignments and feedback.

5

Focus on understanding the social, political, and economic contexts of the literature.

6

Compare and contrast the works of different authors, identifying similarities and differences in their approaches to key themes.

7

Prepare concise summaries of each unit, highlighting the main points and key terms.

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