African American Literature: Black American Short Stories (A Century of the Best)

Facilitator: Brenda Lambert

The short stories of Black Americans have origins both in the oral tales brought from West Africa during slavery and the written literature of 17th century Africa. Once in the USA, Africans started crafting both oral and written works with their compilation of folk tales and slave narratives.  In this class, we will read and discuss the short stories of Black writers from the late 19th to 20th centuries – many who are not well known. We will consider the works of Charles W. Chesnutt, Paul Laurence Dunbar, W.E.B. DuBois, Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Walker and others. We will also assess a few Black, contemporary short story writers.  Please note that learners in this class are requested to wear masks during class meetings.

Textbook: Black American Short Stories A Century of the Best, Edited by John Henrik Clarke, Hill and Wang Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-0-374-52354-1

Weekday	Dates	Time	Format	Cost	Registration
Mondays	September 25 – November 13, 2023	1 – 3 pm	In-person WashU West Campus	$160	REGISTER Registration begins August 29th