Teaching African American Literature: Theory and Practice

Teaching African American Literatureoffers teachers groundbreaking methods to bring the distinguished tradition of African American literature into their classrooms. Written by teachers who have successfully taught African American literature, this collection demonstrates how the teaching and learning of African American literature can bring new energy and exciting discussion into the classroom. Designed for use in middle school, high school, and college classes, this collection also contains a diversity of teacher voices--urban and suburban, public and parochial. The collection provides specific examples which day-to-day teachers can learn from, build on, and use in their classes. The contributors provide a serious dialogue between theory and practice in a way which is both accessible and useful to practicing teachers. In addition to these timely essays, the editors provide an extraordinary bibliography--containing a wealth of sources for teachers and students. From Alice Walker andToni Morrison to James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston, and Langston Hughes, this volume provides significant insight into some of America's most important writers.Teaching African American Literatureis destined to become the standard guide for teachers using African American literature in their classes. It affirms that African American literature belongs to everyone.