thesis on african american literature

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African american studies: theses and dissertations.

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Bibliography of theses and dissertations on African American topics completed at Berkeley.

• African American Theses and Dissertations 1907-2001. This bibliography lists 600 theses and dissertations on African American topics completed at the University of California, Berkeley. The earliest thesis, by Emmet Gerald Alexander, State Education of the Negro in the South, was completed in 1907 in the Department of Education, while the most recent date from the calendar year 2001. The African experience in the Americas is the connecting thread which links these works completed in thirty three disciplines over the past eight decades. This experience is construed in its widest sense; included therefore are studies of Blacks in the Caribbean and in Central and Latin America as well as in North America. Theses not indubitably on this subject as revealed by their titles have been examined; we have retained only titles either entirely or substantially devoted to this subject. The collection is on microfilm in News/Micro Microfilm 2030.E. The originals have been moved to NRLF.

Find Dissertations

Find Dissertations by searching Dissertations and Theses (Dissertation Abstracts) Full Text , which includes full-text of most dissertations since 1997. It indexes over 1.5 million dissertations completed in North American (including UC) and European universities from 1861 to the present. Listings after 1980 include abstracts, and some feature 24-page excerpts. 

If the dissertation is not available in the database, check UC Library Search . Dissertations completed at other UC campuses prior to 1996 or outside the UC system must be obtained through Interlibrary Loan .

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• URL: https://guides.lib.berkeley.edu/subject-guide/African-American

Afro American Studies

Senior honors theses, recent dissertations, spotlight on..., how to find dissertations.

• Afro Am 117: Survey of African American Literature I
• Afro Am 118: Survey of African American Literature II
• Afro Am 170/171: The Multicultural Experience in American Life and Culture
• AFRO AM 222 Black Church In America
• Afro Am 236: History of the Civil Rights Movement
• Afro Am 254 Introduction to African Studies
• Afro Am 290c/753: The Blues
• Afro Am 293B: THE AFRICAN DIASPORA AND THE WAR ON DRUGS (Afro American Studies 293B
• Afro Am 297A: Black Springfield Matters
• Afro Am 326: Black Women in U.S. History
• Afro Am 331: The Life and Writings of W.E.B. Du Bois
• Afro Am 491C: Cuba: A Social History
• AFROAM 494DI: The W.E.B. Du Bois Senior Seminar
• Afro Am 365: Composition: Style and Organization (Junior Year Writing)
• Afro Am 605/History 797S: African Americans and the Movement to Abolish Slavery
• Afro Am 652/234: Literature of the Harlem Renaissance
• Afro Am 691C: Historiographical Methods in Afro-American Studies
• Afro Am 692G: African American Women's Narrative
• Afro Am 692U: Dynamics of Race and the Law
• Afro Am 701 & 702: Major Works in Afro American Studies
• English 891BB: African American Women Playwrights
• History 591FG: First Generation-Urbanism and Breaking Baseball's Color Barrier
• History 593K: African Americans in Antebellum New England
• History 594Z: Black Women’s Political Activism
• Black Women Suffragists
• Educ 218: Hip Hop Nation Language and Literacy Practices
• Journalism 395M: The African American Freedom Struggle and the Mass Media
• Librarian for Afro American Studies
• Database Searching / Research Log
• Reference sources
• How else are we going to do research when the library is closed?

are available in Special Collections and Archives, 25th floor. Arranged by year, by department or alphabetically by name. These cannot be checked out.

Recent dissertations in Afro American Studies at UMass Amherst

Dr. Stephanie Evans received her PhD from the UMass Amherst Department of Afro American Studies in 2003.

Her dissertation, Living legacies : Black women, educational philosophies, and community service, 1865-1965 , is available for checkout and online .

Doctoral Theses in Afro American Studies

Umass dissertations.

To identify individual doctoral dissertations , use the Library Catalog author, title, subject or keyword search. To browse all Afro American Studies dissertations, use the general subject heading: Theses -- Afro American Studies -- Doctoral The Library keeps physical copies of UMass doctoral theses , and provides online access to recently completed dissertations:

• UMass Amherst Afro-American Studies Dissertations Collection in ScholarWorks . Online PDF .
• On the 20th floor. All call numbers start with LD3234.M267, followed by the year of the thesis. These can be checked out.
• In the Five College Depository. Library use only.
• Older dissertations also available in Microforms. Library use only.

Dissertations from other Universities

Use the database Dissertations and Theses , which now provides full text of recent doctoral and some masters theses, mostly completed in colleges and universities of the United States and Canada. (In instances when full text is not available, try requesting through Inter-Library Loan .)

Two books by graduates of the Afro American Studies department were selected as Choice Outstanding Academic Titles for 2008. Both books began as dissertations in the W.E.B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies , University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

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Afro-American Studies Dissertations Collection

Current students, please follow this link to submit your dissertation.

Dissertations from 2024 2024

Lay It On The Line: The Life and Music of Gladys Bentley , Bianki Torres and Bianki J. Torres, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2023 2023

The (Un)Willing Machine: Black Women, Sex Work, and Technology, 1880-2015 , Yelana Sims, Afro-American Studies

A “VERY JIM CROW” EXPERIENCE: BLACK WOMEN’S WORLD-MAKING IN THE WAKE OF RACIALIZED SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN THE U.S. SOUTH, 1894-1947 , Cecile Florence Yezou, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2022 2022

"Though Some Days the Blues Was Our Parade, Still We Marched Through All the Tears We Made": A Historical Examination of Soul Aesthetics & the Functionality of (Re)Evaluation , Olivia Ekeh, Afro-American Studies

“THEY CAN ONLY BE INFLUENCED BY THEIR FEARS”: REDEFINING WHITE MOB VIOLENCE AGAINST BLACKS, 1898 – 1917, RIOTS OR POGROMS? , DeRoy C. Gordon, Afro-American Studies

WHERE WE AT?!: BLACK WOMEN CULTURAL WORKERS AND ARTS ACTIVISM IN THE ERA OF BLACK POWER , Kiara M. Hill, Afro-American Studies

Conjuring New Worlds: Black Women’s Speculative Fiction and the Restructuring of Blackness , Chloe Hunt, Afro-American Studies

re(Sisters) in Captivity: Black Women, Bioexcess, and Technologies of Subversion , Candacé S. King, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2021 2021

AFRO-ABORIGINAL ENCOUNTERS: BLACK ARTS AND THE GLOBAL POLITICS OF BLACK POWER , Alex M. Carter, Afro-American Studies

“Our Earnest Remonstrance”: Citizenship, Voting, and Providence, Rhode Island’s Black Community, 1770-1843 , Christopher J. Martin, Afro-American Studies

"Whatever concerns them, as a race, concerns me": The Life and Activism of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper , Johanna Maria Ortner, Afro-American Studies

Black Organizations as a Way to Increase Black Students’ College Attendance Rates by Improving Their Academic Performance at Primary and Secondary Schools , Leydi Mercedes Vidal Perlaza, Afro-American Studies

Wild Women do Have the Blues: The Imagery of Vaudeville Blueswomen and Their Influences on August Wilson and Sherley Anne Williams , Fangfang Zhu, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2020 2020

The African American Gothic Double , Kourtney Senquiz, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2019 2019

‘BLACK INTIFADA’: BLACK ARTS MOVEMENT, PALESTINIAN POETRY OF RESISTANCE AND THE ROOTS OF BLACK AND PALESTINIAN SOLIDARITY , Nadia Alahmed, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2018 2018

THE PRIVILEGE OF BLACKNESS: BLACK EMPOWERMENT AND THE FIGHT FOR LIBERATION IN ATTALA COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI 1865-1915 , Evan Ashford, Afro-American Studies

"The Whole Nation Will Move": Grassroots Organizing in Harlem and the Advent of the Long, Hot Summers , Peter Blackmer, Afro-American Studies

(Re)defining Radicalism: The Rise of Black Feminism and the Politics of Respectability, 1831-1895 , Nneka D. Dennie, Afro-American Studies

Do Not Separate Her From Her Garden: Anne Spencer's Ecopoetics , Carlyn E. Ferrari, Afro-American Studies

WRITING NEW BOUNDARIES FOR THE LAW: BLACK WOMEN’S FICTION AND THE ABJECT IN PSYCHOANALYSIS , Angelique Warner, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2017 2017

A Papered Freedom: Self-Purchase and Compensated Manumission in the Antebellum United States , Julia Bernier, Afro-American Studies

‘Woman thou art loosed’: Black Female Sexuality Unhinged in the Fiction of Frances Harper and Pauline Hopkins , Crystal Donkor, Afro-American Studies

Texts and Subtexts in Performing Blackness: Vernacular Masking in Key and Peele as a Lens for Viewing Paul Laurence Dunbar’s Musical Comedy , Spencer Kuchle, Afro-American Studies

THE AFROETHNIC IMPULSE AND RENEWAL: AFRICAN AMERICAN TRANSCULTURATIONS IN AFRO-LATINO BILDUNG NARRATIVES, 1961 to 2013 , Trent Masiki, Afro-American Studies

A Site of Nation: Black Utopian Novels in the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries , Xianzhi Meng, Afro-American Studies

We Are Roses From Our Mothers' Gardens: Black Feminist Visuality in African American Women's Art , Kelli Morgan, Afro-American Studies

Stories Written On Concrete: Understanding and (Re)Imagining Street Lit and Culture, 1990-2007 , Jacinta Saffold, Afro-American Studies

MOVING AGAINST CLOTHESPINS:THE POLI(POE)TICS OF EMBODIMENT IN THE POETRY OF MIRIAM ALVES AND AUDRE LORDE , Flávia Santos de Araújo, Afro-American Studies

Beyond the Boundaries of Childhood: Northern African American Children's Cultural and Political Resistance, 1780-1861 , Crystal L. Webster, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2016 2016

"Daring propaganda for the beauty of the Human Mind:" Critical Consciousness-Raising in the Poetry and Drama of the Black Power Era, 1965-1976 , Markeysha D. Davis, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2015 2015

Imaging Her Selves: Black Women Artists, Resistance, Image and Representation, 1938-1956 , Heather Zahra Caldwell, Afro-American Studies

"The Imagination and Construction of the Black Criminal in American Literature, 1741-1910" , Emahunn Campbell, Afro-American Studies

Creating the Ideal Mexican: 20th and 21st Century Racial and National Identity Discourses in Oaxaca , Savannah N. Carroll, Afro-American Studies

The (Dis)Ability of Color; or, That Middle World: Toward A New Understanding of 19th and 20th Century Passing Narratives , Julia S. Charles, Afro-American Studies

The Physical Uplift of the Race: The Emergence of the African American Physical Culture Movement, 1900-1930 , J. Anthony Guillory, Afro-American Studies

Race Patriots: Black Poets, Transnational Identity, and Diasporic Versification in the United States Before the New Negro , Jason T. Hendrickson, Afro-American Studies

Sweat the Technique: Visible-izing Praxis Through Mimicry in Phillis Wheatley's "On Being Brought from Africa to America" , Karla V. Zelaya, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2014 2014

AFRICAN AMERICAN ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS: BLACK INTELLECTUAL PERSPECTIVES 1850-1965 , Vanessa Fabien, Afro-American Studies

"Survival Kits on Wax": The Politics, Poetics, and Productions of Gil Scott-Heron, 1970-1978 , Donald Geesling, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2013 2013

Uncovering the Covered Word and Image: Framing a Black Woman's Diasporan Stage-Space , Allia Abdullah Matta, Afro-American Studies

Composing the African Atlantic: Sun Ra, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, and the Poetics of African Diasporic Composition , James Gregory Carroll, Afro-American Studies

Approaches to Black Power: African American Grassroots Political Struggle in Cleveland, Ohio, 1960-1966 , David M. Swiderski, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2012 2012

In Search Of The Fraternal: Salvific Manhood And Male Intimacy In The Novels Of James Baldwin , Ernest L. Gibson III, Afro-American Studies

Pen Stroking the Soul of a People: Spiritual Foundations of Black Diasporan Literature , McKinley Eric Melton, Afro-American Studies

Ethel Payne: The First Lady of the Black Press: Black Journalism and its Advocacy Role from 1954 - 1991 , Jamal E Watson, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2011 2011

Intellect, Liberty, Life: Women’S Activism And The Politics Of Black Education In Antebellum America , Kabria Baumgartner, Afro-American Studies

"Journey Toward A Black Aesthetic": Hoyt Fuller, The Black Arts Movement & The Black Intellectual Community , Jonathan Bryan Fenderson, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2010 2010

Africanizing the Territory: The History, Memory and Contemporary Imagination of Black Frontier Settlements in the Oklahoma Territory , Catherine Lynn Adams, Afro-American Studies

Where I Want To Be: African American Women‘s Novels And The Journey Toward Selfhood During The Civil Rights And Black Power Movements , Jacqueline M Jones, Afro-American Studies

"It is a new kind of militancy": March on Washington Movement, 1941-1946 , David Lucander, Afro-American Studies

The Fight For Freedom Must Be Fought On All Fronts: Liberator Magazine And Black Radicalism, 1960-1971 , Christopher Matthew Tinson, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2009 2009

A woman of action: Elma Lewis, the arts, and the politics of culture in Boston, 1950-1986/ , Daniel N. McClure, Afro-American Studies

The Artistry and Activism of Shirley Graham Du Bois: A Twentieth Century African American Torchbearer , Alesia Elaine McFadden, Afro-American Studies

Liberation at the End of a Pen: Writing Pan-African Politics of Cultural Struggle , Anthony James Ratcliff, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2008 2008

"The social responsibility of the administrator": Mordecai Wyatt Johnson and the dilemma of Black leadership, 1890-1976/ , Thomas John Edge, Afro-American Studies

City of amalgamation: race, marriage, class and color in Boston, 1890-1930/ , Zebulon V. Miletsky, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2007 2007

American man: the ambitious searches of Richard Wright and Ernest Hemingway/ , Michael Kwame Forbes, Afro-American Studies

The politics of creation : the short story in South Africa and the US/ , Lloren Addison Foster, Afro-American Studies

Against wind and tide : African Americans' response to the colonization movement and emigration, 1770-1865/ , Ousmane Kirumu Greene, Afro-American Studies

Wealthy free women of color in Charleston, South Carolina during slavery , Rita Reynolds, Afro-American Studies

Intersections in theatrics and politics: the case of Paul Robeson and Othello/ , Lindsey R. Swindall, Afro-American Studies

Vindicating karma: jazz and the Black Arts movement/ , W. S. Tkweme, Afro-American Studies

Between the black diaspora of enslavement and the Nigerian diaspora since the demise of colonialism : an assessment of the consequences of two historic migrations to the United States/ , Paul E. Udofia, Afro-American Studies

The politics and poetics of African American women's identity performances: (re) reading black hair in fictional/non-fictional writings and cultural productions/ , Eunice Angelica Whitmal, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2006 2006

Mapping intersections: Black women's identities and the politics of home in transnational Black American women's fiction/ , Sandra Caona Duvivier, Afro-American Studies

Courage under fire : African American firefighters and the struggle for racial equality/ , David A. Goldberg, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2005 2005

"To lawless rapine bred" : a study of early Northeastern execution literature featuring people of African descent/ , Tanya M. Mears, Afro-American Studies

Disrupting dissemblance : transgressive black women as politics of counter-representation in African American women's fiction/ , Trimiko C. Melancon, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2004 2004

"We know our rights and have the courage to defend them:" : the spirit of agitation in the age of accommodation, 1883-1909/ , Shawn Leigh Alexander, Afro-American Studies

Refusing to be silent : tracing the role of the black woman protector on the American stage/ , Brandon LA Hutchinson, Afro-American Studies

Remembering Jim Crow : the literary memoir as historical source material/ , Jennifer Jensen Wallach, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2003 2003

Living legacies : Black women, educational philosophies, and community service, 1865-1965/ , Stephanie Y. Evans, Afro-American Studies

Dissertations from 2002 2002

Black representation in American short films, 1928-1954 , Christopher P. Lehman, Afro-American Studies

Race for sanctions : the movement against aparteid, 1946-1994/ , Francis Njubi Nesbitt, Afro-American Studies

"What's love got to do with it?["] : the dynamics of desire, race and murder in the slave South/ , Carolyn. Powell, Afro-American Studies

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A FRICAN A MERICAN R EVIEW

Current issue, news & links, african american review, a publication of johns hopkins university press.

A frican A merican R eview is a scholarly aggregation of insightful essays on African American literature, theatre, film, the visual arts, and culture; interviews; poetry; fiction; and book reviews. Published quarterly, AAR has featured renowned writers and cultural critics including Trudier Harris, Arnold Rampersad, Hortense Spillers, Amiri Baraka, Cyrus Cassells, Rita Dove, Charles Johnson, Cheryl Wall, and Toni Morrison. The official publication of LLC African American of the Modern Language Association, AAR fosters a vigorous conversation among writers and scholars in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

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African American Literature

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Black Refusal, Black Magic: Reading African American Literature Now

Candice M. Jenkins is Associate Professor of English and African American Studies at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Her book, Private Lives, Proper Relations: Regulating Black Intimacy , won the MLA’s William Sanders Scarborough Prize in 2008. Her current manuscript explores the narrative dilemma of black bourgeois embodiment in late-twentieth- and early-twenty-first-century African American literature.

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Candice M Jenkins, Black Refusal, Black Magic: Reading African American Literature Now, American Literary History , Volume 29, Issue 4, Winter 2017, Pages 779–789, https://doi.org/10.1093/alh/ajx033

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This essay comments on the collected essays in the ALH special issue on twenty-first-century African American literature. Taken together, these contributors’ essays make clear that there is no single idea, issue, or story that defines our current literary era—only a shared accumulation of upheavals, dissonances, and resonances that come together under the rubric (itself contested) of the contemporary. Guided by the suggestive content of the essays in the collection, I offer in this response my sense of the present black literary landscape. My thoughts coalesce around four central ideas that these essays raise either explicitly or implicitly: audience, form, region, and labor. I consider how contemporary African American literature is received, and how and why it should be understood as a “devastated form”; I address, as well, why the omission of the South in these essays is so troubling, and how we might think about the roles that capitalism, class, and commodity culture play in black literary production. My essay concludes, ultimately, that black refusal and what might be called black magic are crucial heuristics for understanding both what is, and what is possible, in the field.

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'African literature'

Create a spot-on reference in apa, mla, chicago, harvard, and other styles.

Consult the top 50 dissertations / theses for your research on the topic 'African literature.'

Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.

You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.

Browse dissertations / theses on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.

Foukara, Abderrahim. "Alienation in South African literature." Thesis, University of Glasgow, 1989. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.287285.

Akidiva, Arbogast Kemoli. "Radio and literature in Africa, Lee Nichols' Conversations with African writers." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1997. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk3/ftp04/nq21545.pdf.

Boehmer, Elleke Deirdre. "Mothers of Africa : representations of nation and gender in post-colonial African literature." Thesis, University of Oxford, 1991. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:83a022a0-e965-4dc3-b88f-267ff6903b6a.

Pearse, Adetokunbo. "Aspects of madness in contemporary African literature." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 1985. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.250284.

Bennett, Jessica. "National Identity in South African Children's Literature." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/3584.

Blaise, Aboua Kumassi Koffi. "Macunaíma / Kaydara: dois espelhos face a face. Ler Macunaíma sem rir." Universidade de São Paulo, 2012. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/8/8149/tde-12092012-120553/.

Luther, Carola. "South African theatre." Thesis, University of Leeds, 1987. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.375957.

Poikāne-Daumke, Aija. "African diasporas : Afro-German literature in the context of the African American experience /." Berlin ; Münster : Lit, 2006. http://bvbr.bib-bvb.de:8991/F?func=service&doc_library=BVB01&doc_number=015425726&line_number=0002&func_code=DB_RECORDS&service_type=MEDIA.

Halil, Karen. "Conjuring power in Caribbean and African-American literature." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1999. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape9/PQDD_0001/NQ39535.pdf.

Gibson, Ebony Z. "Art for whose Sake?: Defining African American Literature." Digital Archive @ GSU, 2012. http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/aas_theses/17.

Cousins, Helen Rachel. "Conjugal wrongs : gender violence in African women's literature." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2001. http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/6934/.

Himmelman, Natasha. "Madness in African literature : ambivalence, fluidity, and play." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/3582.

Ewing, Maureen Colleen. "South African women's literature and the ecofeminist perspective." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007808.

van, Heerden Imke. "The vulnerable body in contemporary South African literature." Thesis, University of York, 2015. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/10686/.

Hinton-Johnson, KaaVonia Mechelle. "Expanding the power of literature African American literary theory & young adult literature /." Columbus, OH : Ohio State University, 2003. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=osu1054833658.

Stricklin, Rita Katherine. ""A Site of Invasion: Representations of Home in 20th Century South African Literature"." University of Akron / OhioLINK, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1523015006047659.

Rountree, Wendy Alexia. "THE CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN-AMERICAN FEMALE BILDUNGSROMAN." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2001. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin997212820.

Azambuja, Márcio Passos de. "Fonte, fluxo e foz : filosofia africana em Mãe, materno mar de Boaventura Cardoso." reponame:Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações da UFRGS, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10183/132833.

Gotz, Hanna Betina. "Luso-African Real Maravilloso? : a study on the convergence of Latin American and Luso-African literatures /." The Ohio State University, 1998. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1487953204280871.

Williams, Jennifer D. "Re-Membering madness in Africana Women's Literature." DigitalCommons@Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center, 1998. http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/655.

Roupenian, Kristen Carol. "Dodging the Question: Language, Politics, and the Life of a Kenyan Literary Magazine." Thesis, Harvard University, 2013. http://dissertations.umi.com/gsas.harvard:11239.

Kamali, Leila Francesca. "Spectres of the shore : the memory of Africa in contemporary African-American and Black British fiction." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2007. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/4110/.

Stayton, Corey C. "The Kongo cosmogram: A theory in African-American literature." DigitalCommons@Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center, 1997. http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/1972.

Isong, Anietie. "The influence of new media technologies on African literature." Thesis, De Montfort University, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/2086/16405.

Rees, Jennifer. "Masculinity and sexuality in South African border war literature." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/5451.

Robertson, Vida A. "The Racial Pharmakon: Investigating Albinism in African American Literature." Miami University / OhioLINK, 2006. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1146224861.

O'Meara, Patrick Carleton University Dissertation English. "Invisibility and interpretation; history and hope in African literature." Ottawa, 1987.

Taylor, Corey Michael. "Ambiguous sounds African American music in modernist American literature /." Access to citation, abstract and download form provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company; downloadable PDF file, 253 p, 2009. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1654487481&sid=4&Fmt=2&clientId=8331&RQT=309&VName=PQD.

Carter, Bryan. "Left behind : passing through African American literature to posthumanity /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 2001. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p3025609.

Spiga, Giordano. "European newspaper reviewing of African literature in the 1980s." Thesis, SOAS, University of London, 1993. http://eprints.soas.ac.uk/29284/.

Macleod, Catriona. "Theory and South African developmental psychology research and literature." UCT Press, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015326.

Phetlhe, Keith. "Decolonizing Translation Practice as Culture in Postcolonial African Literature and Film in Setswana Language." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1585864989276825.

Clark, Jacqueline Kim. "Visions of the Rainbow : Constructions of South African identity in South African literature for adolescents." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/10251.

Christian, Dadie Kacou. "Um africano lê Macunaíma: uma interpretação da rapsódia de Mário de Andrade com base em elementos literários e culturais negro-africanos." Universidade de São Paulo, 2007. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/8/8149/tde-20122007-140038/.

Jakubiak, Katarzyna Dykstra Kristin. "Performing translation the transnational call-and-response of African diaspora literature /." Normal, Ill. : Illinois State University, 2006. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=1276391711&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=2&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1200674412&clientId=43838.

Mbao, Wamuwi. "Imagined pasts, suspended presents South African literature in the contemporary moment." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002244.

Hester-Williams, Kim D. "(Re) making freedom : representation and the African American modernist text /." Diss., Connect to a 24 p. preview or request complete full text in PDF format. Access restricted to UC campuses, 1999. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/ucsd/fullcit?p9945691.

Kumbalonah, Abobo. "Mobility and the Representation of African Dystopian Spaces in Film and Literature." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1439460633.

Kreuz, Jill. "Shakespeare on South African television." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 1992. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/21692.

De, Beer Esther. "Spicing South Africa: representations of food and culinary traditions in South African contemporary art and literature." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/20027.

Abdourahman, Ismaël Monneyron M. Frederic. "Aspects du fantastique et romans négro-africains." Lille : Atelier national de reproduction des thèses, 2003. http://catalog.hathitrust.org/api/volumes/oclc/58432535.html.

Drame, Siacka. "Trois exemples du personnage feminin dans le roman francophone d’Afrique subsaharenne: salimata, perpetue et laokole." Thesis, Kansas State University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/13276.

Husain, Fatima. "Cultural discourse on the Muslim woman in African francophone literature." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1997. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp02/NQ41551.pdf.

Agyepong, Rosina. "Gender and African education, a critical analysis of the literature." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 2001. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk3/ftp04/MQ58887.pdf.

Peterson, Tamalyn. "An Examination of Secrecy in Twentieth-Century African American Literature." Digital Archive @ GSU, 2013. http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/english_diss/110.

Graham, Lucy Valerie. "State of peril : Race and rape in South African literature." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2010. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.527312.

Austen, Benjamin. "Raceball : African Americans and myths of America in baseball literature." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/18419.

Brown, Michelle Lynn. "Screams somehow echoing trauma and testimony in Anglophone African literature /." College Park, Md.: University of Maryland, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1903/8539.

Tucker, Kaylen Danielle. "Racial choice at century's end in contemporary African American literature." College Park, Md.: University of Maryland, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1903/8766.

Hadjitheodorou, Francisca. "Women speak the creative transformation of women in African literature /." Pretoria : [s.n.], 2006. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-08022006-130211/.

Our Favorite Essays by Black Writers About Race and Identity

Books & Culture

A personal and critical lens to blackness in america from our archives.

It’s fitting that two of the first three essays in this roundup are centered on examining the Black American experience as one of horror. In a year when radical right-wing activists are truly leaning in, we’ve already seen record numbers of anti-LGBTQ legislation, the very real possibility of the end of Roe v. Wade, and more fervent redlining measures to keep Black people (and other marginalized communities) from voting. Gun violence is at an all time high, in particular mass shootings.

Since the success of Jordan Peele’s runaway hit film Get Out , there has been a steady rise in films depicting the Black American experience for the fraught, nuanced, dangerous life that it can be. This narrative isn’t entirely new, but this is the first time these films have gained critical acclaim and commercial attention. The reason is simple. Whatever the cause—social media, an increasingly diverse population—America can’t run from itself anymore. Our entertainment is finally asking the question that Black people have been asking for generations: In America, who is the real boogeyman?

Naturally, the discourse and critical analyses must follow suit. But it doesn’t stop there: the essays on this list span far and wide when it comes to subject matter, critical lens, and personal narrative. There are essays about Black friendship, the radical nature of Black people taking rest, and the affirmation of Black women writing for themselves, telling their own stories. Icons like Michelle Obama, Toni Morrison, and Gayle Jones get a deep dive, and we learn that we should always have been listening to Octavia Butler. This Juneteenth, I hope you’re taking a moment to reflect, on America’s troubled legacy, and to celebrate the ways that Black people continue to thrive.

Modern Horror Is the Perfect Genre for Capturing the Black Experience

Cree Myles writes about the contemporary Black creators rewriting the horror genre and growing the canon:

“Racism is a horror and should be explored as such. White folks have made it clear that they don’t think that’s true. Someone else needs to tell the story.”

Modern Narratives of Black Love and Friendship Are Centering Iconic Trios

Darise Jeanbaptiste writes about how Insecure and Nobody’s Magic illustrate the intricacy of evolving Black relationships:

“The power of the triptych is that it offers three experiences in addition to the fourth, which emerges when all three are viewed or read together.”

I Was Surrounded by “Final Girls” in School, Knowing I’d Never Be One

Whitney Washington writes that the erasure of Black women in slasher films has larger implications about race in America:

“Long before the realities of American life, it was slasher movies that taught me how invisible, ignored, and ultimately expendable Black women are. There was no list of rules long enough to keep me safe from the insidiousness of white supremacy… More than anything, slasher movies showed me that my role was to always be a supporting character, risking my life to be the voice of reason ensuring that the white girl makes it to the finish line.”

“Palmares” Is An Example of What Grows When Black Women Choose Silence

Deesha Philyaw, author of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies , writes that Gayl Jones’ decades-long absence from public life illuminates the power of restorative quiet:

“These women’s silences should not be interpreted as a lack of understanding or awareness, but rather as an abundance of both, most especially the knowledge of what to keep close to the vest, and the implications for failing to do so. They know better than to explain themselves, their powers and their origins, their beliefs and reasons, their magic. These women are silent not because they don’t know anything. They are silent because they know better.”

Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” Showed Me How Race and Gender Are Intertwined

For the 50th anniversary of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye , Koritha Mitchell writes how the novel taught her that being a Black woman is more than just Blackness or womanhood:

“I didn’t have the gift of Kimberlé Crenshaw’s concept of ‘intersectionality,’ but The Bluest Eye revealed how, in my presence, racism and sexism would always collide to produce negative experiences that others could dodge. It was not simply being Black or being dark-skinned that mattered; it was being those things while also being female.”

The Delicate Balancing Act of Black Women’s Memoir

Koritha Mitchell writes about how Michelle Obama’s Becoming illustrates larger tensions for Black women writing about themselves:

“In other words, when Black women remain enigmas while seeming to share so much, they create proxies at a distance from their psychic and spiritual realities because they are so rarely safe in public. Despite the release of her memoir, audiences will never be privy to who Michelle Obama actually knows herself to be, and that is more than appropriate.”

50 Years Later, the Demands of “The Black Manifesto” Are Still Unmet

Carla Bell writes about James Forman’s famous 1969 address, The Black Manifesto , and its contemporary resonances:

“But the Manifesto is as vital a roadmap in our marches and protests today as the day it was first delivered. We, black people in America, remain compelled by the power and purpose of The Black Manifesto, and we continue to demand our full rights as a people of this decadent society.”

You Should Have Been Listening to Octavia Butler This Whole Time

Alicia A. Wallace writes that Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower isn’t just a prescient dystopia—it’s a monument to the wisdom of Black women and girls:

Through her protagonist Lauren Olamina, Butler has been telling the world for decades that it was not going to last in its capitalist, racist, sexist, homophobic form for much longer. She showed us the way injustice would cause the earth to burn, and the importance of community building for survival and revolution. Through Parable of the Sowe r, we had a better future in our hands, but we did not listen.

The Book You Need to Fully Understand How Racism Operates in America

Darryl Robertson writes about Ibram X. Kendi’s Stamped from the Beginning and its examination of the history of overt and covert bigotry:

“While How to Be an Antiracist is an informative and necessary read, it is his National Book Award-winning, Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America that deserves extra attention. If we want to uproot the current racist system, it’s mandatory that we understand how racism was constructed. Stamped does just that.”

I Reject the Imaginary White Man Judging My Work

Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts turns to Black writers as inspiration for resisting white expectations:

“…it doesn’t only matter that I’m a Black woman telling my story. What matters is the lens through which I’m telling it. And sometimes, many times, that lens, if we’re not careful, can be tainted by the ever-present consciousness of Whiteness as the default.”

Toni Morrison Gave My Own Story Back to Me

The incomparable literary powerhouse showed Brandon Taylor how to stop letting white people dictate the shape of his narrative:

“That’s the magic of Toni Morrison. Once you read her, the world is never the same. It’s deeper, brighter, darker, more beautiful and terrible than you could ever imagine. Her work opens the world and ushers you out into it. She resurfaced the very texture and nature of my imagination and what I could conceive of as possible for writing and for art, for life.”

Art Must Engage With Black Vitality, Not Just Black Pain

Jennifer Baker writes that books like The Fire This Time give depth and nuance to a reflection of Blackness in America:

“These essays provided a deeper connection because Black pain was part of the story; Black identity, self-recognition, our own awareness brokered every page. Black pain was not the sole criterion for the anthology’s existence.”

When Black Characters Wear White Masks

Jennifer Baker writes that whiteface in literature isn’t a disavowal of Blackness, but a commentary on privilege:

“Whiteface stories interrogate the mentality that it’s better to be white while examining how societal gains as well as societal “norms” inflict this way of thinking on Black people. Being white isn’t better, but, for some of these characters, it seems a hell of a lot easier, or at least preferable to dealing with racism.”

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African American Literature Research Paper Topics

This article provides a comprehensive guide to African American literature research paper topics , highlighting the depth and richness of this vibrant literary tradition. From historical narratives of slavery and the Harlem Renaissance to modern themes and the future of Black literature, the piece offers a structured approach for students seeking research directions. In addition to topic suggestions, it offers insights into selecting the perfect topic, crafting a compelling research paper, and the invaluable services provided by iResearchNet. Whether a novice or an expert, this article serves as a definitive resource for delving into the heart of African American literary discourse.

100 African American Literature Research Paper Topics

African American literature, with its rich tapestry of experiences, histories, cultural shifts, and iconic personalities, provides fertile ground for research. As students and scholars navigate this field, the potential for discovering nuanced arguments and insights is boundless. Here is a comprehensive list divided into ten categories, each boasting ten intriguing African American literature research paper topics that could shape your next research paper:

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1. Historical Contexts:

• The Evolution of African American Literature from the 18th to the 21st Century.
• Literature of the Slavery Era: Voices of the Enslaved.
• The Harlem Renaissance: A Golden Age of Black Artistry.
• African American Literature during the Civil Rights Movement.
• Black Arts Movement: Literature as a Form of Protest.
• Depictions of Jim Crow Laws in African American Fiction.
• The Great Migration and its Influence on Black Writers.
• The Impact of the Reconstruction Era on African American Narratives.
• Literature of the Black Power Movement.
• WWII and the Portrayal of African American Soldiers in Literature.

2. Iconic Writers and their Works:

• The Universal Themes in Langston Hughes’ Poetry.
• Zora Neale Hurston’s Ethnographic Approach in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”.
• The Dual Consciousness in W.E.B. Du Bois’ Literary Works.
• Maya Angelou: Literature as a Tool for Healing and Empowerment.
• The Metaphorical Landscape of Toni Morrison’s “Beloved”.
• Ralph Ellison’s “Invisible Man”: An Exploration of Identity and Culture.
• James Baldwin’s Commentary on Race and Sexuality.
• Richard Wright’s Realistic Portrayal of Black Life.
• The Influence of African Culture in the Works of Chinua Achebe.
• August Wilson’s Ten-Play Series: A Chronicle of the Black Experience in America.

3. Genres and Styles:

• African American Science Fiction and Speculative Fiction.
• Jazz and Blues Influences in African American Poetry.
• The Rise of African American Autobiographical Literature.
• Black Drama and Theater: From the Page to the Stage.
• African American Romance Novels: Love in a Complex Social Setting.
• The Importance of Folktales and Myths in African American Short Stories.
• The Evolution of the African American Novel.
• Black Detective Fiction: Exploring Crime in the Inner City.
• The Role of Spirituality in African American Literary Fiction.
• African American Children’s Literature: Shaping Young Minds.

4. Themes and Motifs:

• The Quest for Identity in African American Literature.
• Love, Pain, and Resilience: Common Themes in Black Literature.
• The Role of Religion and Spirituality in African American Narratives.
• The Motif of the Tragic Mulatto in African American Literature.
• The Role of Nature in African American Poetry.
• The Intersection of Race and Gender in Black Women’s Literature.
• The Concept of ‘Home’ and ‘Exile’ in African American Literature.
• Literature’s Depiction of Black Masculinity and Femininity.
• Economic Inequality in African American Fiction.
• The African American Family Dynamic in Literature.

5. Modern and Contemporary Works:

• Hip Hop Culture and its Influence on Modern Black Literature.
• Contemporary African American Literature in the Digital Age.
• The Role of Literature in the Black Lives Matter Movement.
• LGBTQ+ Representation in Modern African American Literature.
• The Influence of African American Literature on Modern Pop Culture.
• Black Literature in the Post-Obama Era.
• African American Literature’s Response to Police Brutality.
• The Influence of Social Media on African American Poetry.
• African American Literature in the Age of Globalization.
• The Future Trajectories of African American Literature.

6. Comparative Literature:

• African vs. African American Literature: Themes and Differences.
• African American Literature in relation to Latin American Literary Movements.
• The Shared Themes of Oppression in Black and Indigenous Literatures.
• Comparative Analysis of Black Literature from Different Continents.
• African American and Asian American Literature: Intersections of Race and Identity.
• Parallels between African American Literature and South African Apartheid Literature.
• The Influence of British Literature on African American Writers.
• Themes of Resistance: African American and Palestinian Literatures.
• African American Literature and the Caribbean Literary Tradition.
• Shared Struggles: African American and Irish Literature.

7. Adaptations and Influence:

• The Impact of African American Literature on Hollywood.
• Stage Adaptations of Iconic African American Literary Works.
• The Influence of Black Literature on Music, especially Hip Hop and R&B.
• How African American Literature Shaped Modern Fashion Trends.
• African American Literature’s Influence on Visual Arts.
• The Role of African American Literature in Academic Curricula.
• The Adaptation of African American Novels into Graphic Novels and Comics.
• Television Series Inspired by African American Literary Classics.
• The Global Impact of African American Literature.
• African American Literature in Multimedia: From Video Games to Virtual Reality.

8. Critical Theories and African American Literature:

• Postcolonial Readings of African American Texts.
• Feminist Approaches to Black Women’s Literature.
• Queer Theory and African American Literary Criticism.
• Marxist Interpretations of African American Literature.
• Applying Psychoanalytic Theory to Black Literary Works.
• Deconstructing Race: Structuralism and African American Texts.
• African American Literature through the Lens of Critical Race Theory.
• The Eco-critical Reading of African American Nature Poetry.
• Posthumanism and African American Science Fiction.
• African American Literature and the Postmodernist Approach.

9. Literature and Activism:

• Literature as a Tool for Social Change in the Civil Rights Era.
• The Black Arts Movement: Artistry and Activism Hand in Hand.
• Writers as Activists: The Dual Roles of Iconic African American Authors.
• The Role of Journals and Magazines in Promoting Black Literary Activism.
• African American Literature and Environmental Activism.
• Black Literature’s Response to the Prison Industrial Complex.
• African American Literature’s Role in Feminist Movements.
• Literature’s Response to Racial Health Disparities.
• African American Literature and Economic Justice Activism.
• The Influence of Black Literary Societies in Advocating for Equality.

10. Pedagogical Approaches:

• Teaching African American Literature in High School: Benefits and Challenges.
• Incorporating Black Literature into a Diverse College Curriculum.
• The Role of African American Literature in Promoting Critical Thinking.
• Strategies for Making African American Texts Relatable to Non-Black Students.
• The Importance of Context when Teaching Historical African American Texts.
• Interactive Methods for Teaching African American Poetry.
• Utilizing Multimedia Tools in Teaching Contemporary Black Literature.
• Addressing Controversial Topics in African American Literature in the Classroom.
• The Role of African American Literature in Promoting Empathy and Cultural Awareness.
• Evaluative Techniques for Assessing Understanding of African American Literary Themes.

This list, while comprehensive, is but a starting point. The expansive nature of African American literature ensures that scholars and students alike can find a topic that resonates deeply with their interests and academic pursuits. Whether you’re delving into historical narratives, analyzing literary techniques, or examining the socio-cultural impacts of certain works, African American literature offers a profound journey of discovery.

African American Literature

And the range of research paper topics it offers.

African American literature, rooted deeply in the history and experiences of a people who faced extreme adversity, has evolved into a potent voice of resilience, creativity, and resistance. This vast literary field mirrors the collective struggle for identity, civil rights, and cultural acknowledgment, echoing centuries of pain, hopes, dreams, and triumphs.

The genesis of African American literature lies in the evocative spirituals, work songs, and oral traditions passed through generations. These were more than just rhythmic tunes or recounted tales; they were resonant chronicles of anguish, desire for freedom, and an indomitable spirit. The oral traditions of storytelling, tracing back to African roots, relayed stories of ancestors, imparted wisdom, and offered hope in times of despair. With the transition from the African continent to the Americas due to the brutalities of the transatlantic slave trade, these stories underwent a metamorphosis, reflecting the new harrowing realities of life in chains.

As the nation approached and then moved past the Emancipation Proclamation, written narratives began to emerge. Autobiographies and firsthand accounts of life under the yoke of slavery became a literary weapon. Works such as Frederick Douglass’s “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave” and Harriet Jacobs’ “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” provided chilling glimpses into the inhumanity of slavery. These narratives, while highlighting the horrors, also emphasized the resilience and determination of those who resisted and survived.

The dawn of the 20th century saw the emergence of the Harlem Renaissance, a glorious epoch where African American culture, especially literature, blossomed in full splendor. This was not merely a literary movement; it was a cultural reawakening. Writers like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Claude McKay began exploring themes of racial pride, urbanization, and the nuances of the Black experience in America. Their writings, be it poetry, novels, or essays, encapsulated a newfound cultural confidence and an unapologetic embrace of Black heritage.

The subsequent decades, especially the tumultuous 1960s and the Civil Rights era, bore witness to literature that was heavily activist in tone. Authors like James Baldwin, with his incisive commentary on race and sexuality, and Toni Morrison, with her profound explorations of Black identity and trauma, set the literary world alight. Maya Angelou’s autobiographical works celebrated Black womanhood’s multifaceted nature, while Ralph Ellison’s “Invisible Man” laid bare the intricacies of racial invisibility and identity.

Contemporary African American literature continues to evolve, breaking new ground and venturing into previously uncharted territories. Octavia Butler’s foray into science fiction challenges racial and gender norms, while Colson Whitehead’s speculative narratives provide alternative historical perspectives with profound insights.

Given this vast and layered literary canvas, the spectrum of African American literature research paper topics is boundless. Scholars and students can journey through historical epochs, understanding the societal shifts and their implications on literary themes. They can dissect the works of iconic figures, charting their evolution and impact. Themes like migration, urbanization, love, trauma, and racial identity recur across eras, offering opportunities for comparative studies. Moreover, the adaptability of African American literature in various media forms, from the silver screen to haunting melodies, presents a multidisciplinary approach for research.

In essence, African American literature stands as a monumental testament to a people’s journey from chains to freedom, from invisibility to acknowledgment. It offers a plethora of avenues for academic exploration, ensuring that every research endeavor within its realm is a deep dive into cultural, historical, and literary richness.

How to Choose African American Literature Research Paper Topics

Choosing the right research topic is akin to embarking on a literary journey. When you’re venturing into the vast realm of African American literature, the sheer depth and diversity of potential subjects can be both inspiring and overwhelming. How do you zero in on a topic that not only captivates your interest but also offers scope for extensive research and fresh insights? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this important decision-making process.

• Understand the Purpose: Before anything else, clarify the objective of your research paper. Is it to critically analyze a specific work or author? Perhaps you’re aiming to explore broader themes or trends across decades or genres. Having a clear understanding of your research goal will significantly narrow down your topic options.
• Dive into Preliminary Reading: Engage with primary texts, anthologies, and critical essays to familiarize yourself with the landscape of African American literature. This initial exploration will introduce you to recurring themes, influential authors, historical contexts, and evolving narratives.
• Identify Your Passion: What moves you? Is it the raw emotion in Maya Angelou’s poetry, the speculative realms created by Octavia Butler, or the historical intricacies in the works of Colson Whitehead? A topic that you’re genuinely passionate about will make the research process more engaging and rewarding.
• Consult Secondary Sources: Academic journals, critiques, and theses offer critical discussions on various African American literature research paper topics. These can inspire new perspectives or help refine your chosen subject.
• Check for Feasibility: A topic might be intriguing, but it’s essential to ensure there’s enough information available for in-depth research. Check libraries, online databases, and literary journals to see if your chosen topic has substantial resources and references.
• Seek Diversity: African American literature is enriched by a multiplicity of voices – from urban tales to rural narratives, from historical accounts to futuristic visions. Consider exploring lesser-known authors or texts to bring fresh perspectives to your research.
• Consider Interdisciplinary Approaches: African American literature often intersects with fields like history, sociology, music, and politics. An interdisciplinary approach can yield richer insights and set your paper apart.
• Engage in Discussions: Conversations with peers, professors, or literary enthusiasts can spark new ideas or refine existing ones. They might introduce angles you hadn’t considered or highlight potential pitfalls in your chosen topic.
• Stay Updated: The world of African American literature is dynamic. New critiques, interpretations, and discussions emerge regularly. Stay updated with the latest literary journals and forums to ensure your research is contemporary and relevant.
• Revisit and Refine: Once you’ve chosen a topic, revisit it after a period of contemplation. Refining and narrowing it down further can lead to a more focused and impactful research paper.

The rich tapestry of literature offers a myriad of African American literature research paper topics for exploration. While the abundance of choices can be daunting, a systematic approach to topic selection can ensure that your research is not only academically rigorous but also personally fulfilling. Always remember that the journey of delving deep into literature, understanding nuances, and unearthing new perspectives is as rewarding as the final paper itself. Let your passion for the subject guide you, and you’re sure to embark on a memorable academic adventure.

How to Write an African American Literature Research Paper

Embarking on a research paper about African American literature is not just an academic endeavor, but a deep dive into a world of struggle, triumph, resilience, and unparalleled creative expression. This vast realm of literature is imbued with historical significance and offers profound insights into the Black experience in America. As you begin your scholarly journey, here are ten pivotal tips to guide you in crafting a compelling and insightful research paper.

• Lay a Strong Foundation: Start with an illuminating introduction. A powerful opening, whether it’s a relevant quote from a notable African American author or a provocative question related to your topic, will engage your readers instantly. Following this, provide a brief backdrop of the historical or societal context relevant to your subject before zeroing in on your thesis statement.
• Prioritize Organization: An organized structure is pivotal. Depending on the breadth of your topic, categorize your paper either chronologically, thematically, or based on specific authors and works. Incorporate clear subheadings to enhance readability.
• Root Your Claims in Evidence: Every assertion or claim you make should be substantiated with concrete evidence, whether from primary texts, scholarly articles, or critical essays. Ensure all quotations and references are appropriately cited.
• Embrace Multiple Angles: Present a comprehensive view of your topic by integrating various literary criticisms or perspectives. This showcases not only the depth of your research but also your holistic understanding of the subject.
• Maintain Cohesiveness: Seamless transitions between sections and ideas are crucial. This ensures your paper reads fluidly, guiding your reader effortlessly from one point to the next.
• Engage in Deep Analysis: Surface readings won’t suffice. Dive deep into the layers of the text, examining elements like symbolism, historical context, or character development. Understand the sociopolitical influences on the works you’re studying, be it the Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Movement, or other significant epochs.
• Conclude with Purpose: Your conclusion should not merely be a recap. While revisiting your main arguments is essential, also aim to provide a broader perspective, hinting at the broader implications of your research or suggesting potential avenues for further exploration.
• Attention to Detail: Once your draft is complete, scrutinize it for clarity, logical flow, and coherence. Ensure that there are no grammatical or syntactical errors marring your work.
• Consistent Citation: Depending on the prescribed format – APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, or Harvard – ensure that every source, be it primary or secondary, is consistently and correctly cited. This lends credibility to your paper.
• Seek Feedback: Before final submission, consider having your paper reviewed by peers, mentors, or educators. Fresh eyes can offer invaluable insights, catching oversights you might have missed.

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The African American Literature Essay

Historical events from other parts of the world, works cited.

The major outstanding and pivotal event that greatly influenced the African American literature in the 1764-1865 was slavery and its anti-movements. This fact is buttressed by Krise (3) in succinctly stating that “Early representations of opposition to slavery tend to be overlooked or disregarded in sweeping accounts of the rise and success of the antislavery movement – particularly in accounts that focus on literary representations of opposition to slavery”. African American literature during this turbulent period in the lives of African Americans was heavily influenced by the rise in radicalism, enlightenment and the advent of industrialization.

The earliest surviving works of African American literature date from the mid-1700 and were written by Africans brought to America as slaves. These include the poem “Bars Fight ” by Lucy terry about the raid in Massachusetts and a number of poems recorded by Phillis Wheatley in 1773. The most important factor is that all these literal works touched on slavery in their themes. Rise of anti-slavery movements characterized major themes of these Literatures. Krise (5) portrays that “The antislavery movement of the later seventeenth and eighteenth centuries is often associated with progressive movements and ideas: radicalism, enlightenment, natural rights, as well as sensibility, nascent industrialism and the simultaneous decline of the master–servant relationship and the rise of wage labor”. The most documented article of the seventeenth century that centered on slavery as its theme is the Aphra Behn’s Oroonoko, also referred to as the Royal Slave. This is a true story that was later published in 1968. Centering on the theme of slavery during this period and its influence on the African American literature, it focused on other aspects of slavery such as enslavement and the relationship between the master and the servant.

Another notable literature that portrays the influence of slavery on the African American literature was “A Discourse in way of Dialogue”. This is a literal work that details the social life of an Ethiopian or Negro-Slave, and a Christian Master in America that was documented by Tyron in 1942. A synthesis of the dialogue as documented here reveals themes that captured social existences and relationship between the servant and the master. Calls for freedom and equality for all regardless of race and color marked the early part of the 18 th Century. This was precipitated by nascent industrialization and the growth of knowledge and rise in wages. Changes in the lifestyles and decline in the master to servant form of slavery brought with it the understanding that African Americans could make their lives better if they wished so. The African American literature thus centered on the better living conditions and the struggle to achieve high social status measured by the level of living standards.

Lastly, the historical events from other parts of the world notably the political, social and economic events in the European countries were easily imported to the United States. Political instabilities such as civil wars in the European countries and changes in ruler ship often found their way in to the themes of African American literature (Carretta, 4). This was due to the fact that slaves in European countries had their roots in Africa and shared a common ancestry with the African Americans. A good example is demonstrated by Rosenberg (17) in stating that “The characters of George III, the circumstances accompanying his accession to the throne, and the forced abandonment by France of her colonial empire in America were probably the chief causes of the struggle between the practically unconnected American colonies and the mother-country heavily had an impact on the literal works”.

Carretta, Vincent. Equiano the African: Biography of a Self-Made Man. Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press, 2005.

Krise, Thomas W. An Anthology of English Literature of the West Indies, 1657-1777 Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 1999.

Rosenberg, Philippe. Thomas Tryon and the Seventeenth-Century Dimensions of Antislavery. The William and Mary Quarterly 3rd Series, 64:1. 2004.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, March 16). The African American Literature. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-african-american-literature/

"The African American Literature." IvyPanda , 16 Mar. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/the-african-american-literature/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'The African American Literature'. 16 March.

IvyPanda . 2024. "The African American Literature." March 16, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-african-american-literature/.

1. IvyPanda . "The African American Literature." March 16, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-african-american-literature/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The African American Literature." March 16, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-african-american-literature/.

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Thesis Statement for African American Literature

Thesis statement for african american literature presentation, free google slides theme and powerpoint template.

Is your thesis about literature? Or even more, is your thesis about African American literature? Great then! Because we have designed an amazing template expressly for this literature. This literary movement begins in the 18th century and writers of African descent deal with topics such as the slavery they suffered in the United States. Collect this information and much more in this design that will impress the jury of your thesis defense. The slides are full of creative illustrations!

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