Spring 2008

E 314L • Approaches to Ethnic and Minority American Literatures

Course Description

The main goal of this course is to prepare future English majors to study the broad range of minority American literatures. We will approach the work of African American, Chicana/o, Asian American, and Native American authors from cultural, formal, and historical perspectives. In particular, we will look at ways that readings generated from within the authors' respective communities produce different interpretations than readings generated from outside that community.

Grading Policy

Writing portfolio:
10 one-page reading responses: 30%
2 three-page essays: 30% (15% each)
1 five-page final essay (a revised version of one of the three-page essays): 30%
Attendance and participation: 10%

Texts

Sherman Alexie, Reservation Blues
Amy Tan, The Joy Luck Club
Toni Morrison, Beloved
Helena Maria Viramontes, The Moths and Other Stories

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