ENG 170 - Special Topics in Literature

Focuses on a special topic (such as genre, historical period, issue, theme, or methodology) at the 100-level, which includes multiple of learning outcomes, as listed below. Depending on the Special Topic, this class may fulfill ONE of the following: a historical sequence (B1 or B2), a genre course (C1 or C2), or a pre-1700 course at the 100 level (one of two D1 courses). May be repeatable for credit depending on the topic.

Special Topic F’24: African Diaspora

The African Diaspora course will explore the lore, recollections, epics, legends, myths, traditions, beliefs and tales of the continent of Africa by following their migration throughout the diaspora as a result of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Taking note of the diversity of experiences, their uniqueness in form and content as well as the affinities that are evident among them. The course will seek to reflect, among other things, the differing concepts of cosmogony, human creation and existence, and the social values that have motivated various African peoples in their pursuit of a meaningful life and an understanding of the spiritual and aesthetic attributes of the world around them. Conversely, it will demonstrate how the folkloric forms themselves have been woven out of the substance of human experiences: human struggles for survival, relations among humans, and between humans and animals; responses to the challenges to the unknown and to the universal need to create order and reason out of chaos and confusion. 

For English Majors, this iteration of the course may satisfy the B-1 requirement.

requirement.

Prerequisites: IDND 018  or writing placement

Course Designation/Attribute: VE, WE

Anticipated Terms Offered: Annually