Three novels written by the legendary Toni Morrison anchor this reading-intensive course on the African American literary tradition. Our first novel, A Mercy, introduces us to the ongoing debates about America's founding myths. Our second novel is Beloved, which raises important questions about the ghosts of slavery's past. Our third and final novel is Song of Solomon, which will allow us to talk about about social justice and human rights in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. We will read these novels alongside newspaper articles, academic essays, and popular writing. Together, we will strive to engage in lively discussions, as we devour these texts and gain an appreciation for Toni Morrison's passion for the craft of storytelling.

In Spring 2020 this course satisfies the Race requirement for English majors. 

In Spring 2020 this course satisfies a Post-1800 literature requirement for English majors.