Fachbereich 7

Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaft


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African-American Humor


DozentIn: Jatin Wagle

Veranstaltungstyp: Seminar

Ort: 41/218

Zeiten: Do. 14:00 - 16:00 (wöchentlich)

Beschreibung: Although humor has been a significant feature of African-American cultural expression, it has not received a great deal of critical attention as a literary form. There are evident, understandable grounds for the reticent critical engagement with this versatile form of writing. Societal prejudices naturalizing the association between blackness and buffoonery discouraged African-American authors from employing humor in their works (Carpio), and the longstanding tradition of racist portrayals of black figures in turn inhibited the critical response to African-American humor. However, in more recent times prominent African-American writers, such as, Ishmael Reed, Charles Johnson, Suzan-Lori Parks, Colson Whitehead, and Paul Beatty have employed humor in an uninhibited, playful and social-critical manner, and in the process, reinvigorated the rich tradition of African-American humor.
In this seminar in American Studies, we will attempt to explore some of the salient aspects of this tradition by reading a selection of humorous texts written by a diverse body of black authors from the mid-nineteenth to the early twenty-first century. After reading analytical texts addressing theories, types and functions of humor, we will read and discuss among other primary texts, _Hokum: An Anthology of African American Humor_, edited by Paul Beatty (Bloomsbury, 2006; ISBN: 978-1596911482). It is expected that all the course participants would have purchased a copy of this text and read it carefully before our classes begin.
Please note that this course will take up more than a few primary texts that might be viewed as offensive by some readers, especially because of their racially explicit vocabulary and imagery. Needless to state that this should not be seen as an attempt at normalizing racist attitudes, but on the contrary as an opportunity to examine and appreciate an eloquent mode of writing that tackles the murky realities of racism with irreverence, derision, ridicule and comedy.
In order to take and enjoy this class, you should be willing to read, analyze, and discuss analytical and literary texts. Please note that this seminar can be taken as either a Literary Studies or a Cultural Studies course. Furthermore, it is recommended for fourth and fifth semester students of English and American Studies, as it builds on students’ sound awareness and understanding of critical approaches to the study of literature.


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