LLS 1321 - New Landscapes of identity: Feminism in African Women’s Writing

Credits: 3 hrs.

Have you ever wondered how the lives of women of color in America might be similar to women in Africa? Do you think that the image of strong black women is merely a stereotype? These questions will be addressed in the seminar that will introduce students to the short fiction and poetry of African women writers as they explore feminist themes in their works. It will offer students the opportunity to explore cross-cultural content from the rich cultural heritage of African women through the lens of gender dynamics in Post-Colonial Africa through the modern era. Students will read literary texts that examine social, economic and political forces that shape the lives of African women as they grapple with patriarchy, urbanization, colonization, gender conflict and traditional customs and practices.