Common Course Outline
Catalog Description
| Credits | 3 |
|---|---|
| Hours/Week | 3 |
| Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) | None |
| Other requirements | None |
| MnTC Goals (if any) | Goal 6/The Humanities, the Arts, Literature, and Philosophy, Goal 9/Ethical and Civic Responsibility |
Course Description
This course is a survey of African American literature. Students will read and respond to stories, essays, poems, and other narratives in the rich tradition of African American literature. The course will place special emphasis on understanding the cultural, political, and social contexts surrounding the texts. Course readings may include work by seminal American figures such as Phillis Wheatley, Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, Ralph Ellison, Robert Hayden, and Toni Morrison, as well as contemporary voices like Jericho Brown, Claudia Rankine, and Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Date Last Revised (Month, year)
March, 2026
Outline of Major Content Areas
- African American short stories, poetry, novels, and essays
- Social, political, cultural, and critical contexts
- Developments in literary form and style
Learning Outcomes (General)
The student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an awareness of African American literature.
- Write critical and analytical essays.
- Examine crucial themes and developments in the literature.
- Demonstrate an understanding of social, legal, and political contexts.
Learning Outcomes (MnTC)
- Goal 6/The Humanities, the Arts, Literature, and Philosophy
-
The student will be able to:
- Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
- Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
- Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
- Goal 9/Ethical and Civic Responsibility
-
The student will be able to:
- Examine, articulate, and apply their own ethical views.
- Understand and apply core concepts (e.g. politics, rights and obligations, justice, liberty) to specific issues.
- Recognize the diversity of political motivations and interests of others.
Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning
Methods may include but are not limited to:
- Quizzes and exams
- Short writing activities and reading responses
- Formal discussion
- Presentations
- Interpretive and analytical essays
- Research projects and papers
- Group projects
RCTC Core Outcome(s)
This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):
- Critical Thinking
- Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.
- Global Awareness and Diversity
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of and respect for human diversity through their words and actions.
Special Information (if any)
None