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American literature
seminar in Spring 2002
By Tasha Goode
The seminar on African American literature has returned to the Oral
Roberts University English Department curriculum in time to be offered
to interested students in the Spring 2002 semester.
According to Dr. William Epperson, Chair of the English Department,
ORU has offered the minority literature seminar approximately every
two years and found the class a successful addition to regularly
scheduled courses.
When asked what prompted him to include a minority seminar in the
curriculum, Epperson said, "We have a significant number of
African American students and I think it is important for them to
study their own culture. African Americans are a strong presence
in American literature." Epperson said this was "important
for all students."
Dr. Mary Alice Trent-Williams, literary writing professor who developed
the seminar two years ago, was asked to once again present the course
to a new generation of students. Trent-Williams was eager to offer
the course. "Since there was not a course in African American
literature, and since Oral Roberts University stresses diversity,
I saw an opportunity to implement a curriculum to enhance cultural
diversity among students of all races."
At a recent meeting about spring enrollment, English majors were
encouraged to spread the word that this course is open to all students.
Trent- Williams was enthusiastic when she outlined the path she
would lead her students in the course. "What I do in the course
is emphasize the strong spiritual foundation of black literature
and music. For example, the Negro spirituals had a dual purpose.
They were sung in praise to their Lord, and the words in the songs
were also a code of instruction for the Underground Railroad."
Spiritual aspects of the culture are incorporated in the course.
"We look at the celebration of the art form since the Civil
War period," Trent-Williams said. "The Harlem Renaissance
to the 1960s was not only a time of social liberation, but also
spiritual liberation.
"It is important to celebrate the richness of the movement
by looking at all of the voices of the African American literary
movement that celebrate it."
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