American Literature and Social Justice (ASNAMST 139C, CHILATST 139C, CSRE 139C, ENGLISH 139C, FEMGEN 139C)

How have American writers tried to expose and illuminate racism and sexism through fiction, creative nonfiction, journalism, and poetry? How have they tried to focus our attention on discrimination and prejudice based on race, gender, ethnicity, class, religion and national origin? What writing strategies can break through apathy and ignorance? What role, if any, can humor play in this process?