ENGL 265-01, African-American Poetry in the Twentieth Century. Spring 2001

Abstract

We will be using the Vintage anthology as our primary source for poems. You will also read accompanying background materials in Before the Mayflower and from the Black Poets text. The background materials will assist us in developing a greater understanding of the cultural climate of the black experience in America. I want this course to be an experience and a forum for sharing experience. In addition to reading, the class will view films and participate in group oral reports. Other recommended films, available at Midtown Video, include the films of Spike Lee, (“Crookland” and “Get on the Bus,”) the work of John Singleton--the film “Hoop Dreams,” a documentary on two high school basketball players, and “To Sleep with Anger.”