NRCC News

African American Literature course at NRCC offered Spring 2023

Jan 02 2023

This is an archived article!

This article was published on Jan 02 2023 and was archived on Jan 01 2024. The information below may be outdated or inaccurate.

New River Community College is offering a new English course in African American Literature this spring.

African American Literature (ENG 258) explores the stories African American authors tell about themselves, their communities, and the world. Students will also examine common and diverging themes within African American literary traditions through the study of diverse authors, genres, and literary movements from a variety of time periods. Course content emphasizes interpretive and critical analysis skills developed through close reading and consideration of historical and cultural contexts. ENG 258 is a transferable course.

The class will meet on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 5:55 p.m. in person at NRCC’s site in Christiansburg, with the first day of class on Tuesday, January 24.  Susan Lazear, assistant professor of English at NRCC, will be teaching the 14-week course.  

Lazear earned her bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in African American literature. She also holds master’s degrees in English and education. Lazear has taught English full time at NRCC since 2017. She writes poetry and narrative non-fiction, and her essay “Goose” was selected for presentation by New River Valley Voices.

Current NRCC students may register for classes online by visiting their student accounts. New students or those who may need additional support to register can reach out to an advisor by emailing advising@nr.edu or calling (540) 674-3609.

Prospective NRCC students may visit www.nr.edu/registernow for enrollment information. The class schedule is available at www.nr.edu/schedule.