Writers studied will include Hughes, Hurston, Ellison, Morrison and Shange. Topics to be covered will include negritude and other responses to colonialism, the question of borrowed language, the post-colonial condition, literature as political agent, and the recent turn towards regionalism in Francophone literature. Authors to be read include Aime Cesaire, Leopold Sedar Senghor, Ferdinand Oyono, Ousmane Sembene, Henri Lopes, Mariama Ba, Sony Labou Tansi, and Assia Djebar. All readings, assignments, and discussions will be in French. A mixed-voice ensemble in which students learn the stylistic rhythms, patterns, textures, and content forms of gospel music through traditional and contemporary materials.
Students perform in various on-campus venues and attend performances of other gospel choirs.
Students from the wind ensemble are invited to join the jazz band component. Members must have previous band experience. Ordinarily, students provide their own instruments. Performs each semester. A philosophical investigation of theories of social elevation, civil disobedience, race and racism, black feminism and other social and political themes which have developed historically in African American culture.