52-2712 Blues as Literature

Course reviews historical definitions of blues and explores how various literary and cinematic genres employ blues’ elements to create art. While studying different types of blues and blues literature, students will understand how blues is increasingly called into service as a critical tool. Bukka White, Son House, Robert Johnson, Charles Patton, Memphis Minnie, Victoria Spivey, Willie Dixon, Bessie Smith, Muddy Waters, Richard Wright, Gwendolyn Grooks, John Edgar Wideman, Ann Petry, and Willard Motely are among the literati studied in this course.

3 Credits
PL HL
Requisites PREREQUISITES: 52-1111 Writing and Rhetoric I - Enhanced or 52-1121 International Writing and Rhetoric I or 52-1151 Writing and Rhetoric I or ACT (American College Test) score >= 30 or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) score >= 710 or COMPASS Placement Test score >= 97