Megjelenés hamarosan: Introduction to African American Literature: Key Issues and Genres

This introductory coursebook for BA students provides a selective overview of African American literature, an increasingly important portion of the American literary tradition, tracing its emergence from the era of slavery to its contemporary manifestations in prose, poetry, and drama. The book aims to offer not so much a historical overview of canonized texts but rather a map of fundamental issues and genres within this rich literary legacy. A core focus of this volume is the relationship between art and power. African American literary texts have consistently played a crucial role in the project of social uplift for African Americans throughout history. Black texts have been actively working towards the deconstruction of racial stereotypes and challenging linguistic practices that have historically marginalized Black individuals in cultural representations and social interactions. The overview targets diverse practices of this discursive resistance. Each section surveys an issue related to genre/s through specific texts and activities, complete with a list of term and revision questions. The book will be of use to students and instructors alike.