African American Literature – Before 1900

Unit 1 – Intro to Early African American Literature

Unit 2 – African American Oral Traditions & Folktales

Unit 3 – Early Black Poetry: Wheatley and Hammon

Unit 4 – Slave Narratives: Origins and Impact

Unit 5 – Equiano and the Slave Trade

Unit 6 – Frederick Douglass: Abolitionist Leader

Unit 7 – Harriet Jacobs: The Female Slave Narrative

Unit 8 – Sojourner Truth: Race and Gender Intersect

Unit 9 – African American Religious Literature

Unit 10 – Harper and Reconstruction Literature

Unit 11 – African American Fiction Emerges

Unit 12 – Dunbar: Pioneer of African American Poetry

Unit 13 – Du Bois: Dawn of the 20th Century

Unit 14 – African American Literature: Pre-1900 Legacy

## What do you learn in African American Literature Before 1900

You'll explore the roots of African American writing from slavery to the turn of the 20th century. We're talking slave narratives, poetry, novels, and essays that shaped Black literary traditions. You'll analyze how these texts reflect historical events, cultural shifts, and the fight for freedom and equality. It's all about understanding the power of words in shaping identity and resistance.

## Is African American Literature Before 1900 hard?

It's not a walk in the park, but it's definitely manageable. The reading load can be heavy, and some of the older language might trip you up at first. But once you get into the rhythm, it's super engaging. The toughest part is often connecting the texts to their historical context, but that's also what makes it fascinating.

## Tips for taking African American Literature Before 1900 in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Keep a timeline of major historical events alongside the texts you're reading
3. Don't just read - listen to audiobooks of slave narratives for a powerful experience
4. Join a study group to discuss complex themes like double consciousness in Du Bois' work
5. Watch "12 Years a Slave" to visualize the context of slave narratives
6. Create character maps for novels like "Clotel" to keep track of relationships
7. Practice close reading with shorter poems by Phillis Wheatley

## Common pre-requisites for African American Literature Before 1900

1. Introduction to African American Studies: This course gives you the big picture of Black history and culture in America. It's a great foundation for understanding the context of the literature you'll study.

2. American Literature Survey: You'll get a broad overview of American lit, which helps you see how African American writers fit into and challenge the larger literary landscape.

## Classes similar to African American Literature Before 1900

1. African American Literature After 1900: Picks up where this class leaves off, diving into the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. You'll see how earlier themes evolve in modern and contemporary Black literature.

2. Women in African American Literature: Focuses on the unique voices and experiences of Black women writers throughout history. It's a great way to deepen your understanding of gender and race intersections.

3. Caribbean Literature: Explores literature from the Caribbean, often touching on themes of colonialism and identity that resonate with African American lit. You'll see some interesting parallels and differences.

4. African Literature: Takes you across the Atlantic to explore literary traditions from the African continent. It's cool to compare and contrast with African American writings.

## Majors related to African American Literature Before 1900

1. African American Studies: Focuses on the history, culture, and experiences of African Americans. Students explore everything from literature and art to politics and sociology.

2. English Literature: Covers a wide range of literary works from various periods and cultures. African American literature is an important part of this broader field of study.

3. History: Examines past events and their impact on society. African American literature provides valuable insights into historical experiences and perspectives.

4. Sociology: Studies human society and social behavior. African American literature offers a unique lens for understanding social structures and inequalities.

## What can you do with a degree in African American Literature Before 1900?

1. Teacher or Professor: Educate others about African American literature and history. You could work in high schools, colleges, or even develop educational programs for museums.

2. Writer or Journalist: Use your understanding of narrative and cultural issues to create compelling stories or articles. You might focus on topics related to race, culture, or social justice.

3. Cultural Consultant: Advise organizations on diversity and inclusion initiatives. Your deep understanding of African American history and culture would be invaluable in this role.

4. Librarian or Archivist: Manage and preserve important historical and cultural documents. You could work in special collections focused on African American literature and history.

## African American Literature Before 1900 FAQs

1. Do we only read about slavery? Nope, while slavery is a big theme, you'll also explore other topics like early Black entrepreneurship and the beginnings of civil rights movements. It's a diverse range of experiences and ideas.

2. Are the texts hard to understand because they're old? Some of the language can be tricky at first, but you'll get the hang of it. Plus, your prof will help break down the tougher parts.

3. How much writing is involved in this course? Expect to do a fair bit of writing, usually analytical essays about the texts we read. It's great practice for developing your critical thinking skills.

Literature

African American Studies

1.1 Historical context and cultural significance

1.2 Key themes and literary movements

1.4 Critical approaches to early African American literature

1.3 Overview of major authors and works

2.1 Origins and cultural importance of oral traditions

2.3 Influence on written literature and cultural identity

2.2 Types of folktales and their themes

3.1 Lives and historical context of Wheatley and Hammon

3.3 Impact on African American literary tradition

3.2 Analysis of major works and poetic styles

4.1 Historical context of slavery in America

4.2 Characteristics and conventions of slave narratives

4.3 Major authors and representative works

4.4 Literary and social impact of slave narratives

5.1 Equiano's life and 'The Interesting Narrative'

5.2 Portrayal of the Middle Passage and slave experience

5.3 Literary techniques and themes in Equiano's work

6.1 Douglass's life and major works

6.3 Douglass's role in the abolitionist movement

6.4 Impact on American literature and politics

6.2 Rhetorical strategies in Douglass's writing

7.1 Jacobs's life and 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl'

7.2 Themes of gender, sexuality, and motherhood in slavery

7.3 Comparison with male-authored slave narratives

8.2 Analysis of 'Ain't I a Woman?' speech

8.3 Truth's impact on women's rights and abolitionism

8.1 Truth's life and activism

9.1 Origins and characteristics of spirituals

9.3 Influence on African American culture and literature

9.2 Themes and symbolism in religious songs and texts

10.1 Harper's life and major works

10.2 Themes of race, gender, and social justice

10.3 Harper's role in post-Civil War literature and activism

11.2 Themes and narrative techniques in early fiction

11.3 Social and literary context of emerging African American fiction

11.1 Early African American novels and short stories

12.1 Dunbar's life and major works

12.2 Dialect poetry and standard English verse

12.3 Dunbar's influence on African American literature

13.1 Du Bois's life and major works

13.2 'The Souls of Black Folk' and double consciousness

13.3 Du Bois's impact on African American thought and literature

14.1 Major themes and literary developments

14.2 Influence on 20th-century African American literature

14.3 Contemporary relevance and ongoing scholarship

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