Learners in this experience explore the rich legacy of African American literature, engaging deeply with a range of genres, from oral traditions to contemporary works. Through close reading, discussion, and critical writing, students build skills in literary analysis, cultural interpretation, and understanding how language shapes identity. They are prepared to apply these skills in real-world projects that involve research, writing, storytelling, and exploring diverse voices and historical perspectives to capture the diversity of the African American literary endeavor.

Students in this course are developing the following skills and competencies:

• Analyzing literature across genres and time periods with clarity and insight
• Applying literary terms and genre conventions to interpret texts
• Writing critically and persuasively about complex topics
• Exploring how language reflects and shapes race, gender, class, and identity
• Researching and contextualizing literature within historical and cultural frameworks
• Understanding aesthetic movements and their influence on authors and texts

These students are well-prepared to support projects that involve storytelling, cultural research, content analysis, identity-based narratives, or communication strategies.

Deliverables will vary depending on the scope of the agreed project. However, these deliverables must be discussed and agreed upon before the match is confirmed.