Toni Morrison & August Wilson AFR 317F/29655
Professor Thompson Email: [email protected]
Course Description Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison and Pulitzer and Tony award-winning playwright August Wilson are two of the most honored and prolific African American writers in history. They both make race (and particularly blackness) central to their artistic practice. Morrison, considered a “leading voice in current debates about constructions of race and gender in U.S. literature and culture . . . refuses to allow race to be relegated to the margins of literary discourse.” Similarly, Wilson cautioned against a premature, post-racial vision of the US (especially considering the cultural politics of American theatre). During the semester, we will study how notions of community, history, and identity erupt in Morrison’s “fantastic earthy realism” and Wilson’s “dramatic vision.” Besides considering their engagement with these broader themes, we will also trace African American cultural influences such as folktales, blues and jazz in their work. Finally, we will measure their reach and authority as public intellectuals by examining their essays, interviews, and speeches.
Required Books Toni Morrison, Beloved (1987) ISBN: 1400076218 Toni Morrison, Jazz (1992) ISBN: 1400076218 Toni Morrison, Song of Solomon (1977) ISBN: 9780786508075 Toni Morrison, Sula (1973) ISBN: 1400033438 August Wilson, Fences (1986) ISBN: 0573619050 August Wilson, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (1985) ISBN: 0452261139 August Wilson, The Piano Lesson (1990) ISBN: 0452265347 August Wilson, Radio Golf (2005) ISBN: 1559363088
Suggested Books Diana Hacker, A Pocket Style Manual, Seventh Edition ISBN 1319083528 All books are available at the university bookstore. Texts listed with an * after the title in the course schedule are available on Canvas.
Course Requirements Participation Students are expected to complete all reading before class and participate fully in discussions and activities such as in-class writing exercises and group projects. Remember to always bring books and articles to class because we will read excerpts aloud and analyze select passages. Since half the texts are plays expect to be called upon to perform dramatic readings of key scenes.
I expect you to conduct yourselves professionally as members of the class. Please be advised that prompt and regular attendance is expected. Missing two classes and/or excessive tardiness will result in your grade being lowered by 10%. You are to use your electronic devices for class work only. If you violate this policy you will be asked to leave and you will receive an absence for that day.
Group Presentation During the “African American Artist as Public Intellectual” section of the course, students will participate in two brief (5 minute) group presentations. Each group will discuss a theme or concept featured in one of Morrison’s and one of Wilson’s essays or speeches. The presentation should not simply summarize the text, but analyze it as an example of the author’s role and influence as a public intellectual. The written component of the presentation includes submitting a detailed outline or summary of the presentation (1-2 pages) and any other relevant material. The composition of the groups and their assigned texts will be announced at a later date.
Midterm Examination There will be an exam featuring multiple-choice, fill-in, identifications and short essay questions that will cover all of the major themes, concepts, characters and theories discussed in the course up to the midterm point. The exam will not only test whether you are completing the assigned reading, but also assess your comprehension of the lecture and class discussions.
Essay Participants will write a critical essay that engages with texts from the syllabus after the midterm. You are free to draw from secondary sources (essays, articles, interviews) to help bolster your argument as long as you properly cite them. Essay topics will be distributed in class in advance. I strongly encourage you to consult with me at any stage in your writing process. Make sure you present a strong thesis and carefully proofread your paper for clarity and grammatical errors. Your essay should adhere to the guidelines set forth in the MLA Style Manual for formatting and documentation. If you are unclear about formatting standards consult the recommended book, Diana Hacker’s A Pocket Style Manual. All work must be typed in a 12-point academic font (Garamond, Times, Times New Roman), stapled, and doubled-spaced with one-inch margins. Submit your essay in paper (NOT electronic) format by the deadline unless instructed to do otherwise. It is incumbent upon you to keep a personal copy of all the work that you submit until final grades have been posted. Please note: no incompletes or extensions will be granted without my prior written permission.
2 Documented Disability Statement § Any student with a documented disability who requires academic accommodations should contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) at (512) 471-6259 (voice) or 1-866-329-3986 (video phone) or reference SSD’s website for more disability-related information: http://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/for_cstudents.php
Final grades will be calculated as follows (note that plus and minus grades will be used):
Participation 10% Group Presentation (2 pages) 30% Midterm Exam 30% Essay (7-10 pages) 30%
Course Schedule Tuesday, January 16 Cancelled due to weather.
Thursday, January 18 Introduction
Thursday, March 1 Midterm Exam
Thursday, March 8 Group Presentations
March 12-17 Spring Break Classes suspended
Tuesday, March 20 Group Presentations
Tuesday, April 24 Due: Essay rough draft (exchange a copy with your peer-editing partner)
Thursday, May 3 Conclusion Due: Essay
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