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This introductory course on African American dramatic literature explores the complex ways in which the black experience is constructed and presented by playwrights. In order to examine who or what informs contemporary Black playwrights, this course is divided into three parts. First, it will include a historical overview of early Black theatre beyond and within the United States. Second, it will analyze how contemporary playwrights have been influenced by Lorraine Hansberry, Leroi Jones, and Ntozake Shange. Third, it will consider the extent to which contemporary Black playwrights use theatre and performance to examine the social and political realities of Africana people. During the semester, students may have an opportunity to experience a theatrical production in New York City.

This introductory course on African American dramatic literature explores the complex ways in which the black experience is constructed and presented by playwrights. In order to examine who or what informs contemporary Black playwrights, this course is divided into three parts. First, it will include a historical overview of early Black theatre beyond and within the United States. Second, it will analyze how contemporary playwrights have been influenced by Lorraine Hansberry, Leroi Jones, and Ntozake Shange. Third, it will consider the extent to which contemporary Black playwrights use theatre and performance to examine the social and political realities of Africana people. During the semester, students may have an opportunity to experience a theatrical production in New York City.

An introduction to the world of language and linguistics. Students explore the great diversity of world languages and develop an understanding of the genetic and geographical ties among them. They learn to appreciate language as an object of scientific study and to apply their new knowledge to everyday social interactions in their own lives and communities. They examine the relationship of linguistic variation to social and cultural identity. Topics include multilingualism, language learning and preservation, spelling reform, and language policy. Tue/Thur 11:30am – 12:45pm Namm 518 Email: hlo@citytech.cuny.edu / hyl2110@tc.columbia.edu

An introduction to the world of language and linguistics. Students explore the great diversity of world languages and develop an understanding of the genetic and geographical ties among them. They learn to appreciate language as an object of scientific study and to apply their new knowledge to everyday social interactions in their own lives and communities. They examine the relationship of linguistic variation to social and cultural identity. Topics include multilingualism, language learning and preservation, spelling reform, and language policy. Tue/Thur 11:30am – 12:45pm Namm 518 Email: hlo@citytech.cuny.edu / hyl2110@tc.columbia.edu