Course Description

Toni Morrison is one of the most influential writers of the last century. Her works, such as The Bluest Eye, Beloved, and Sula, are a cornerstone for Black literature and for understanding the complexities and dynamics of racism in modern day America, while also deepening the world’s view of inner Black life. This class seeks to explore just what made Toni Morrison the writer she was, and how her works can teach us more about ourselves and the way we look at the world.

Course Learning Outcomes

— Students will be able to summarize key biographical details and facts about Toni Morrison’s life to give better context to her work.

— Students will analyze Morrison’s literary philosophy and life experience in the writing world by citing examples from her novels and essays, documentaries, and media portrayals and articulate how these reflect her identity as a Black writer.

— Students will be able to compose an original creative writing piece that either incorporates or intentionally diverges from Morrison’s literary philosophies and explain why these philosophies wove their way into their work (or not).

Assignments