This course explores a century of African-American literature that operates within the context and confines of popular genres. Though it will range from early 20th Century adventure and detective fiction, to science fiction, fantasy, horror and romance, the course will also explore those specific genres produced by African-American writers once those established genres have been mastered, transcended and reshaped. Writers to include W.E.B. Du Bois, Pauline Hopkins, Rudolph Fisher, Chester Himes, Samuel R. Delany, Octavia Butler, George Schuyler, Iceberg Slim, John Edward Bruce and Donald Goines.