Comparative Literature Fall 2006
CMLT C-361
African Literary Traditions
Prof. Akin Adesokan ,  TR 11:15-12:30
*CSA and A&H credit*


In this course we will discuss at length the different traditions of
African literary writings, focusing on the following genres:
fiction, drama, poetry, autobiography, and political
journalism/memoirs. Although the course’s primary focus will be on
written texts, we will equally examine the traditions that predate
(or co-exist with) literacy, such as oral narratives, performance
and expressive idioms, and new media forms. In addition to reading
and discussing these texts, we will also engage with theoretical and
critical writings centering on the language of African writings, the
politics and economics of multinational publishing, and the
curricular context of the formation of literature in post-colonial
Africa. Authors will include Achebe, King-Aribisala, Armah, Cesaire,
Fagunwa, Head, Kourouma, Mofolo, Ngugi, Nkosi, Okri, Saleh, Senghor,
Soyinka, and Sutherland.