Harlem Renaissance

Harlem Renaissance describes a moment of cultural awakening and recognition of African American identity and artistic expression between the 1920s and 1930s, centered in (but not limited to) the Harlem neighborhood in Manhattan. In this seminar, we will look at the Harlem Renaissance primarily in terms of literary production. Students will thus gain familiarity with key representatives, such as Langston Hughes, Nella Larsen, and Zora Neale Hurston. To complement these readings, we will also discuss programmatic publications about the quality and function of black art, as well as the broader socioeconomic and political context of the era (e.g. Great Migration, Great Depression, Prohibition or the "Roaring Twenties"). The class is designed to invite students to critically reflect on negotiations of "race" in these texts and on the intersection of race with issues of place, gender, and sexuality.

Please buy and read: Nella Larsen, Passing.

All other material will be made available on the e-learning platform.

This class will be held remotely and combine asynchronous tasks and video conferences.