AUA Public Lecture Explores Roots and Impact of African American Literature

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YEREVAN–On Wednesday, March 13, the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted a public lecture on “The Past and Present of African American Literature and its Formative Role in American Culture,” by  Dr. Lauri Ramey, a specialist in African American Literature and Culture from California State University, Los Angeles.

The lecture examined the 400-year history of this distinctive body of writing, tracing its roots in slave narratives and spirituals to modern times.

“African American literature has been “a major touchstone in the development of American heritage and culture,” explained Dr. Ramey. “Yet African American writing has not received full recognition as a diverse, sophisticated and influential literary tradition.”

During the presentation, Dr. Ramey also explored key texts and moments in African American literary history and criticism, examining the works of exciting authors and texts that have impacted the development of American culture.

Dr. Ramey has written and lectured widely on current literature and culture. Her academic interests focus on the pedagogy of English and creative writing, lyric poetry, migration and transnationalism, African diasporic literature and culture, modern and contemporary British and American literature, and canon formation and marginalization.

She is Founding Director of the Presidentially Chartered Center for Contemporary Poetry and Poetics, and Professor of Creative Writing, African American Literature and Culture, and American Studies in the Department of English at California State University, Los Angeles.

The American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia. Founded in 1991, AUA is affiliated with the University of California. Through teaching, research, and public service, AUA serves Armenia and the region by supplying high-quality, graduate and undergraduate education, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting democratic values.

AUA is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, 985 Atlantic Avenue, #100, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001.

AUA provides a global education in Armenia. For news about AUA, visit the university Newsroom or follow developments as they happen on the AUA Facebook Page.