143309 VU Advanced Course African Literature (2024S)

The aim of the course is a deeper understanding of elementary concepts and approaches in the theory and criticism of literatures of Africa and the Diaspora and their application in the discussion and analysis of works of literature. To this end, concepts and debates in the area of literary studies are systematically elaborated: Definitions of literary studies, literary history, and literary theory in general; presentation of a range of the models for textual analysis; Eurocentrism and Afrocentric approaches in literary studies; global perspectives in literary theory and criticism; genres and insights into cultural and literary production in the context of Africa and the Diaspora; guided close reading.
The course proceeds through lecture, group discussions, students' presentations and close readings of literary texts.