English 301C. Theories of African Literature
The course will examine and critique the different ways of approaching and appreciating the various literatures produced in the African continent, focusing particularly on the features in the content and form of these literatures which help set them aside as forming together, despite their differences, a distinct sensibility from other world literatures. The course shall therefore examine the following approaches in so far as they inform and influence African Literary Creativity and Criticism
Literature and oral sensibility
Language and audience
Negritudinism
African nationalism
Pan-African
Afro-centricism
Euro-centricism
Feminism and gender approaches, etc.
Marxism
Universalism
Modernism and Post-modernism
Chinweizu et al Towards the Decolonialism of African Literature, Routledge/Kegal Press.
Amuta, C The Theory of African Literature, Zed Books
wa Thiong'o, Ngugi Moving the Centre, Heinemann
wa Thiong'o, Ngugi Writers in Politics, Heinemann
Fanon, F. Black Skin, White Masks, Groove Press
Sembene Ousmane Man in Culture, Dept. Handout
Cabral, A. Return to the Source, Dept. Handout
Achebe, C. Hopes and Impediments, Anchor Books
Malcom X.
