ETHN 238 - Black Literature

    Recent Professors
    N. Williams, D. Arteaga
    Recent Semesters
    Fall 2026, Summer 2026, Spring 2026
    Class Size
    45 students
    Credits
    3
    Fall 2026 Sections
    View Fall 2026 sections of ETHN 238
    Transfers To
    UC and CSUCal-GETC Area 3B · Cal-GETC Area 6 · IGETC Area 3B · IGETC Area 7 · CSU GE Area C2 · CSU GE Area F
    Description
    This course introduces students to a survey of Black literature, focusing on the early oral tradition, literature of slavery and freedom, the Harlem Renaissance, Modernism, the Black Arts Era, and the contemporary period. Reading selections may consist of poetry, short stories, plays, novels, and nonfiction prose, including essays, letters, political tracts, autobiographies, speeches, and sermons. Students analyze the literature and apply critical theory to describe critical events in the histories, cultures, and intellectual and literary traditions, with special focus on the lived experiences, social struggles, and contributions of African Americans in the United States. Also listed as ENGL 238. Not open to students with credit in ENGL 238. (CSU/UC) (AA/AS-3,6, Cal-GETC-3B,6)