Spring 2025 African-American Studies UN3001 section 001

SING A BLACK GIRL'S SONG: THE NON FICTI

Non Fict Writ. Ntozake Sh

Call Number 10689
Day & Time
Location
R 2:10pm-4:00pm
To be announced
Points 4
Grading Mode Standard
Approvals Required None
Instructor Edwidge Danticat
Type SEMINAR
Method of Instruction In-Person
Course Description

This undergraduate seminar offers an in-depth exploration of the nonfiction work of the renowned African-American poet and playwright Ntozake Shange, whose archives are at Barnard College, her alma mater. Through readings, discussion, and visits to her archives, students will probe this lesser-examined aspect of Shange's oeuvre, including her essays on her life, the arts, food, and other artists and creators. This course invites participants to engage critically with Shange's essays and personal writings while delving into her archive.

Students will identify key themes and literary techniques in Shange's nonfiction and the historical and cultural context in which she wrote these works. We will examine how Shange's nonfiction contributes to her broader work and her perspectives on history, gender, feminism, and race as they intersect in her life as a Black woman artist. Students will develop critical thinking skills through close reading, analysis, and discussion of Shange's nonfiction and will improve their writing skills by composing reflections and essays on Shange's works. They will develop research skills and gain insights into Shange's creative process through firsthand engagement with Shange's archive at Barnard.

Web Site Vergil
Department African American and African Diaspora
Enrollment 7 students (15 max) as of 11:06AM Thursday, December 12, 2024
Subject African-American Studies
Number UN3001
Section 001
Division Interfaculty
Section key 20251AFAS3001C001