From my early beginnings as a young introvert, the public library has always been a bit of a refuge.  Years later, not much has changed, albeit with an additional affinity for endless hours spent scouring second-hand bookstores to add to my ever-growing “to-read” pile.

From one bookworm to another, this column will be underscoring and outlining various literary genres, authors, and recent reads and can serve as an introduction for those unfamiliar with these works, as a refresher for long-time aficionados, and maybe as an inspiration for readers to share their own suggested topics.  Do you have a topic that you would like covered in this column?  Feel free to contact me for an interview and a feature in an upcoming column.

Who

This week, we consider the works of US author Alice Walker.

Walker was born on February 9, 1944, in Eatonton, Georgia.  She is best known for her novels, short stories, and essays.

What

Some of Walker’s notable works include The Colour Purple, Meridian, and In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens.

Where

Many of Walker’s novels and short stories take place in the rural US South, such as Tennessee and Georgia.

When

These works are predominantly set in the 21th century.

Why

Walker’s works may be of interest to AU students who enjoy themes, such as feminism, family, culture and heritage, identity, as well as topics, such as racism, oppression, and sexism.

How

AU’s wide range of diverse courses make it easy to study this topic in depth.  Courses related to the works of Alice Walker are available in a variety of disciplines, including those that may fit into your Degree Works.  (Always check with an AU counsellor to see if these particular courses fulfill your personal graduation requirements!)

AU students interested in learning more about this topic may enroll in in ENGL 344: American Literature I, a senior-level, three-credit course, which “introduces students to American literature, its history and development, and its rich variety of forms and techniques.”  (Please note that this course requires ENGL 211: Prose Forms and ENGL 212: Poetry and Prose as prerequisites.  Students who enjoy this course could also consider ENGL 345: American Literature II.)

Students may also be interested in HIST 491: Directed Studies in North American History, a senior-level, three-credit course, which “offers an opportunity for students to pursue an extended research project under the direction of a professor.”  (This course has several prerequisites, including professor approval.)  Happy reading!